Walt Richardson in concert
with Hannes Kvarana and Ty
Saturday, October 10, 7:30 PM
$12 in advance $15 at door
Arizona Legend returns for OTCA ‘Anniversary Concert’
Arizona music legend Walt Richardson, the first musician to perform at Old Town Center for the Arts, returns for a special ‘One Year Anniversary’ concert on Saturday, October 10th at 7:30 PM.
Walt, who has long been considered the godfather of the Phoenix reggae scene, returns to OTCA with new songs and old classics that feature both his songwriting talents and arrangements of popular standards in the world, folk and Reggae music traditions. Walt’s long time friend and guitarist extraordinaire Hannes Kvarana will perform, and singer-songwriter Ty will open the show.
Richardson was 21 when he migrated to the Phoenix Valley in 1974 and his easy-going nature has endeared thousands of fans who have followed Walt’s career through his solo and band musical career. Back then he planned to pursue a career in biochemistry, but instead found a life-changing inspiration in music.
In 1976 Richardson began playing open mike nights in Tempe, and interacting with other local musicians, a passion that would lead to many future collaborations. His first ‘professional’ gig followed a year later with the formation of the band Driftwood. In the early 80’s Walt started the popular Morning Star Band and began to expand his reggae repertoire, playing a mix of covers and original music.
By the late 90’s Walt’s songwriting began to blossom as he explored themes of love, relationships, injustice, social and political issues. As he continued his solo work, his new group, the Peaceful Warriors, became a sounding board for the advocacy of peace. His music also began to reflect his deepening interest in the mysteries of life and music as a conduit to the spirit. Richardson is quoted as saying, "Music is a very magical form of meditation and prayer. I totally believe that when used in that way, it enhances us. It's a wonderful thing. There is so much you want to share, so much that you want to give . . . . in essence, the spirit is saying these things through music.”
A concert with Walt Richardson is an intimate, magical journey. As one audience member said recently, “with Walt it’s a feel good experience, he breaks it all down to the basic human emotions of love and compassion.” If you like world music, reggae, folk rock, and a touch of the blues, you won’t want to miss seeing Walt Richardson in the Verde Valley’s elegant new venue. And back with Walt for this event will be guitarist Hannes Kvarana. Hannes has played with Walt since the “Driftwood” days, and adds some amazing acoustic guitar talent to this stellar duo.
Opening the show for Walt will be special guest, singer-songwriter Ty. A local artist who recorded her first CD, “Standing On My Head” last summer and is currently working on her second album, with all new original songs. Ty opened for Walt Richardson last year, and also for famous Blues Legend ‘Big Pete’ Pearson for the “Walkin’ on Main” event in Old Town. She has toured in New Mexico, Colorado and Nebraska the past two summers. Her songs are like pages from an unfolding journal that record her intimate revelations about relationships, love and life. Here is the rare opportunity to see the beginning chapter of artistic passion alongside a veteran troubadour. Doors open at 6:30 and the concert begins at 7:30 PM.
Walt Richardson
Ty
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