Mason Williams to perform Aug. 14

Grammy-award winning singer, songwriter and poet Mason Williams will enliven Mills Music Hall in the Humanities Building with a free performance and book signing at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 14.

The performance backed by the Blue Canvas Orchestra commemorates publication of Williams’s book of poetry, “Them Poems,” by the Parallel Press, an imprint of the UW–Madison libraries. The collection of poetry is the latest work in a storied career that includes writing comedy for “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour” and “Saturday Night Live.”

Williams is best known in musical circles for composing and recording “Classical Gas,” a best-selling album and triple winner at the 1968 Grammy awards. Williams has recorded a dozen musical albums, including holiday, country and bluegrass music, and performed with many symphony orchestras internationally.

His work as a writer with the Smothers Brothers earned him an Emmy award in 1968. In addition, Williams has published more than 12 pieces of written work comprised of poetry, musical composition and prose.

Seating at the concert is on a general, first-come basis.