Merriweather Arts and Culture presents Yasmin Williams

MACC is proud to present trailblazing musician Yasmin Williams in a special one-night-only performance at Columbia Art Center. Williams is one of the country’s most imaginative young solo guitarists, known for her innovative guitar style, intricate and unique compositions, and expansive instrumental style. She employs traditional fingerpicked guitar, kora, harp guitar, banjo, and electric guitar in her calming and beautiful songs. While her music is rooted in folk traditions, she transcends conventional structures to incorporate experimental progressive rock elements. Her distinctive creative process involves "ruminating" on single notes until compositions naturally emerge.

Thursday, February 19th, 2026

Doors: 6 PM, Show: 7 PM

Venue: Columbia Art Center, 6100 Foreland Garth, Columbia, MD 21045, USA

This cozy event will have very limited seating. Secure your tickets early.

Yasmin Williams was raised in Woodbridge, Virginia, and grew up surrounded by music. Inspired by a wide range of artists—from Chuck Brown to Jimi Hendrix—she began developing her innovative fingerstyle acoustic guitar technique while studying music theory and composition at NYU. Williams has released two previous albums, Unwind (2018) and Urban Driftwood (2021), where she introduced unique approaches, such as playing kalimba and guitar simultaneously. She also incorporates instruments like the kora, harp guitar, and banjo. Despite her use of folk instruments, she resists being categorized within the genre, valuing creative freedom over conformity. Her latest record Acadia, out now on Nonesuch Records, showcases her evolution from solo performer to collaborative artist, and features partnerships with notable musicians like Aoife O'Donovan and Immanuel Wilkins. This album represents a significant artistic expansion, featuring three distinct sections that move from traditional folk influences to atmospheric soundscapes and experimental arrangements. Williams' approach emphasizes sustained tones and intricate articulation, creating music that balances technical precision with ethereal, floating melodies.

ADA details: The venue is fully accessible and wheelchair-friendly, with accessible parking. For the best experience, use the entrance near the Stonehouse, follow signs to the main level to avoid stairs, or use the glass double doors and call for staff assistance if parking in the lower lot. If you have any questions about the venue, please call the Art Center at 410-730-0075 or via email at [email protected].

This performance is presented in partnership with the Columbia Association at the Columbia Art Center as part of the 'Beyond the Blues' gallery exhibit.

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Host or Publisher Merriweather Arts and Culture Center