In August 2020 writer, guitarist and vocalist Walter Parks was invited by The Library of Congress to archive his research on and perform his arrangements of music made by Southeast Georgia’s Okefenokee Swamp homesteaders – hollers, hymns and reels. For 10 years Parks, a Florida native, served as the sideman guitarist to Woodstock Festival legend Richie Havens. Now based out of St. Louis, Walter has recently co-written with Stan Lynch, former Tom Petty drummer and has performed at various venues with R&B drum legend Bernard Purdie and at Lincoln Center with Judy Collins. Walter tours with his own trio Swamp Cabbage, with his solo show Swamp By Chandelier and with an Americana spirituals project called The Unlawful Assembly co-founded by drummer Steven Williams. Walter was a member of The Nudes, a popular folk duo, with cellist Stephanie Winters.

“Walter Parks is an extraordinary singer whose songs can break your heart as well as get you dancing. Lyrical and political, personal and otherworldly at the same time, transcendent as well as down to earth, Walter is a musical treasure, an artist of the highest caliber. To hear him is to be lifted into a mystical sphere. I adore him.” – Judy Collins.

This will be Walter’s 3rd concert at The Focal Point and 2nd time solo and we could hardly wait to get him back! His performances are as informed in the roots of the cultures that he draws from as they are incredibly entertaining. We are so lucky to have an artist of Walter’s prominence living in St.Louis and we highly suggest not missing this show!