Creating community
Meet the man behind Festival Napa Valley Rick Walker got into the music industry from a different angle: the legal side.
“I started as a music lawyer in Los Angeles and then San Francisco,” Walker said.
“My work evolved into doing a little bit of everything — record producing, artist management (and) presenting concerts. I helped creatives realize their vision.
“When I started presenting concerts in Napa Valley, there was very little music or
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other entertainment here. Margrit Like every kid, I imagined Mondavi encouraged me a life of adventure to start a festival because, in and purpose, of doing meaningful her words, a world-class destination and interesting things. I needs world-class music can honestly say I have never, and art,” he said. ever been bored. I work with
“We were fortunate to have creative and talented people, the support of the vintner community, alongside an exceptional hospitality industry board, supporters and colleagues, and music lovers who believed all building an organization in the vision of Napa Valley as that has become known a cultural destination,” Walker the world over for its impact in said. “We are proud that Festival Napa Valley and beyond. I have
A Napa Valley paved the way more fun than anyone has a Try: Astrophysicist. We for music events of every genre right to have when working. are in a golden age of discovery. in Napa and are excited to see After all, Brian May what the future will bring.” did it!
Walker has led Festival Napa Not try: House Speaker. Valley as president/chief executive officer since its founding in 2006.
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What is Festival Napa Valley?
AWe're in the beauty business — creating and presenting musical performances that evoke the beauty all around us and inside the human soul. Napa Valley is our stage. We are a nonprofit governed by a board of 30 vintners and community leaders, with a mission to bring the arts into the lives of all and help build a thriving, healthy and engaged community. We present education programs year-round for youth and seniors, tuition-free summer academies, and performances featuring international stars and emerging talent.
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AWhat was your childhood ambition?
What was your first job?
In high school, I was a groundskeeper at the Santa Clara County Fair — then known as the “10 Best Days of August” — which showcased the agricultural bounties of the area. Fast forward to today: Santa Clara Valley has become Silicon Valley. Napa Valley has maintained its focus on agriculture and become the most desirable wine region on the planet (with thanks to the Ag Preserve Ordinance). And Festival Napa Valley has become known as
the “Best Days of Summer.” Sometimes life moves in circles rather than straight lines!
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What's the toughest job you ever had?
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Little League umpire. The kids were great, but some of the parents needed to grow up.
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What is the biggest challenge the music industry has faced?
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What job would you like to try/not try?
The COVID-19 pandemic and the cancellation of live performances had a profound impact on our industry. We did what we do best: we got creative. We took our concerts online, and to our surprise, they went viral, reaching millions globally. Yet there was a fundamental element missing — the genuine connection of a live performance.
Then in 2021, Festival Napa Valley became one of the first festivals in the country to return to live performances. Jennifer Hudson was our gala headliner, performing for the first time since before the pandemic, and the sheer joy she and the audience experienced was palpable. It was an emotional catharsis for everyone. Human beings have a visceral connection to the arts, and it's most profoundly felt when enjoyed live and in the company of others. This is what Festival Napa Valley does best.
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Who do you most admire in the business world?
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Two guys named Steve who went to my high school in Cupertino. They decided to change the world by starting a little computer company with a culture of innovation and a commitment to excellence. I'm proud to say these are also core goals of Festival Napa Valley.
For more information visit festivalnapavalley.org or boxoffice@festivalnapavalley.org