Lucinda Williams to Perform Sept. 20

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Grammy award winner Lucinda Williams is set to perform in concert at 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20, at the Walton Arts Center, to honor her father, Miller Williams, an internationally recognized poet and author. All proceeds from the event will be used to endow the Miller Williams Poetry Prize at the University of Arkansas Press.

Born in the north Arkansas hills in 1930 and educated in the sciences, Miller Williams became known as an American contemporary poet by the 1960s as well as a translator and editor. He has authored more than 25 books and won numerous awards for his poetry. His accomplishments have been chronicled in Arkansas Biography; however, he is perhaps best known for reading a poem at President Clinton’s 1997 inauguration. Williams was the first director of the University of Arkansas Press, where he established its place in the field of contemporary poetry. He is currently a professor emeritus of literature at the university.

Lucinda Williams, who grew up in Fayetteville, began playing guitar at the age of 12. She inherited her father’s gift for words, writing songs that included “Passionate Kisses,” which was recorded by Mary Chapin Carpenter in 1992 and won Williams her first Grammy Award. Her 1998 album, Car Wheels on a Gravel Road, won another Grammy for Best Contemporary Folk Album. Her most recent album, West, was released in February.

Lawrence Malley, director of the University Press, said he envisions that the prize will go to one of four finalists chosen from a pool of manuscripts the Press accepts during its open submission period in September and October of each year. The winner will receive a cash prize as well as publication of the submission.

Tickets for the general public will go on sale Aug. 15. Ticket prices are $250, $100, $65 and $35. In order to purchase tickets, call Walton Arts Center's box office at (479) 443-5600.