Written by Zach Hedrick, SMT Writer

Bell City, Missouri -  In the wonderful world of music, talented individuals have a tendency to find each other.  When the right combination of friends and talented musicians gathered together two years ago, a magical moment occurred and the bluegrass band of Ringer HIll Bluegrass was born.

 
It was a meeting of chance, as the group wanted to make certain that the individuals could "gel" musically.  It became evident early in the meeting that the group shared a passion for bluegrass, good times and entertaining others. 

"We love singing and playing music together."  commented upright bass player, Cissy Willams.

As names for the group were discussed, someone suggested "Ringer Hill Bluegrass" and the group enthusiastically embraced the name.

Recently, a few of the band members took a quick trip to Mountain Home, Arkansas, the "Mecca" of bluegrass music and festivals.  The downtown courthouse area is crowded with talented musicians from all over the area.

"We had a great time," noted guitarist Dale Williams.  "We would go down to the courthouse and join a groups and play for hours on end."

Dale shared that the trip was basically a fun trip for the band but filled with opportunities to share their music with tourist and other musicians.  He noted that the Ringer Hill Bluegrass banjo player, Eric Pendergrass, was completely energized by the event and would play for hours on end.

Starting their 3rd year together, the group has grown in popularity and fan following.   Ringer Hill Bluegrass has played at area fish fries, family reunions, charity benefits, and many local churches.  On many occasions, the group will play and entertain the residents at local nursing homes. 
 
The group is scheduled to play at upcoming events such as the Jackson Homecomers Gospel Night and the Bell City Community Days.

Band members of Ringer Hill Bluegrass are Dale Williams on guitar and Cissy Williams on the upright bass.   Harriet Weger and Eric Pendergrass have a broad spectrum of musical talent and share duties on the guitar, mandolin and banjo.   Harriet will also play the upright bass for the band.   The band has another very talented member in Rhonda Cooper playing mandolin and  John Simmons completes the group on the violin and harmonica.

Dale and Cissy Williams are remember by everyone as long time residents and community contributors to the Dexter area.  Actively involved in local church, Dale and Sissy moved to the Cape Girardeau area from their 30 year home in Dexter upon Dale's retirement from AmerenUE. 

After a brief time in Cape, the Williams' path led back to Cissy's family farm near Bell City, MO.  They reside there with her father, Anson Knoderer's.

This farm where Cissy was born and raised was named "Ringer Hill Farms"  due to the large hill and timber that is part of the farm.  It was only proper that the bluegrass band take on the name of Ringer Hill Bluegrass.

For more information about the band or booking them for your next event, contact Cissy Williams at cissywilliams@yahoo.com or Dale Williams at dalewilliams1335@yahoo.com.