The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present award-winning recording artist and Arizona music legend Walt Richardson & Friends live in concert on Saturday, Aug. 3 at 7 p.m. at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre.
Walt Richardson and his talented musical friends — Dowell Davis, Beth Lederman and Marcus Weeden — will perform a combination of acoustic folk rock infused with African and Reggae rhythms. This promises to be an intimate, magical journey and an unforgettable musical experience!
Recently inducted into the Arizona Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame, Richardson is one of the most endearing, lasting, talented, and influential musicians in Arizona’s history. An American singer-songwriter and guitarist born in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, he is a celebrated music veteran in the Tempe, Arizona area where his humanitarian contributions to the music community and music in schools (with an emphasis on cultural diversity) have been recognized with numerous awards.
Richardson was 21 when he migrated to the 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 mic 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.
“Music is a very magical form of meditation and prayer,” said Richardson. “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.”
Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.
All tickets include a meet-and-greet with Richardson and the band in the lobby after the show.