Ft. Tuthill Fairgrounds
1(888) Art-Fest (278-3378)
Ricky Ray
Ricky Ray has been playing music since 1975. He joined the “Impulse” band as the lead singer and rhythm guitarist in 1981 and performed at such occasions as the Grand Opening Party for Miami Vice TV Series, Sea Escape Cruises to the Bahamas, and Walt Disney World. He remained in the band until moving to Arizona in 1995. Ricky can be reached at 928-853-9654.
Widely revered as the godfather of the Valley's reggae scene, Richardson's musical interests also include touches of folk, blues and various world rhythms. To Tempe folk, Walt Richardson is a kind of neighborhood good-vibe merchant who, for the better part of two decades, has fronted the much-adored Walt Richardson and Morning Star, a sundry-styled blend of happy-faced vets playing with aplomb a "world pop" that has added much color to a somewhat milky Tempe music scene. "I find my mission the same way I find music," confides Richardson "It would vibrate. That's what I try to tell the kids to do. Stick to the things that give you that vibration. You can reach him at (480) 697-5168, or online at www.waltrichardsonmusic.com.
Willy Jean-Paul
Willy Jean-Paul was born and raised in Port au Prince, Haiti. As a child he enjoyed music, art, and cooking all of which he does exceptionally well. Jean-Peaul is referred to as the Louis Armstrong of Reggae music because of his soulful voice. Jean-Paul is an accomplished artist and has won many fine arts awards. His modernistic and impressionistic depictions of his native Haiti are on display this week at the Flagstaff Festival in the Pines. Jean-Paul’s love is in the music he has performed with local groups including Mambo Dread. He can be reached at his studio at (562) 983-2050.
