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Professional Music since 1981
Randy Richards has been playing piano and guitar professionally for over 25 years He writes with the synth, grand piano, guitar and native american flute. His piano style has been compared to that of George Winston,
often making up songs on the spot. His Native American Flute music is relaxing and calming.
and he loves improvising with drummers. Randy has played professionally throughout the Western US, Northern New England and the Europee. He is the founder of the Leavenworth Community Coffeehouse in Washington State, which he launched in 1994, and is still attracting audiences and performers from the Pacific Northwest.
In 2004 Randy started the sister coffeehouse to the one on the west coast, the Sunapee Community Coffeehouse which continues to gain popularity with musicians and audiences alike and provides a listening room venue for amateurs and professionals alike. The Sunapee Coffeehouse is the winner of the New Hampshire Magazine's Best of 2005 Open Mics.
Different Performance Styles 
Mandala
One of Randy's favorite styles of musical performance is world instrumental music- following a heavy drum beat with his Native American Flute, Zampona, Grand Piano or Synth. Percussion ends up being the driving force, with the other instuments following along to create a sense of presence and energy for the audience.
Mandala was formed to this end, and although the members have changed, the concept continues. Various drummers and musicians accompany  Randy at CoffeeHouses and concerts. Randy will be joined by Guillermo Seminario, Agusto Taype & Lourdes Usca, Mario Montalvo, & Miguel Quiroga from Peru for a few concerts in the New Hampshire & Vermont area in the fall of 2007 performing as Mandala. The three are gifted musicians steeped in Peruvian Folklore Music. They play on a daily basis in Cusco Peru. Check out their performance and educational programs sponsored by Mountain Spirit Institute at their site.
Soloist on Grand Piano
 Randy's first instrument is the piano and what he always comes back to in the end. He can play a range from classical, to jazz to pop, ragtime and old time tunes. Mostly he prefers original improv in the style of George Winston. In 1984, when Randy was performing at Paradise Inn at Mt. Rainier, someone from the the audience told him he sounded like Mr. Winston. Randy, having not heard of him, replied, "Who's that?".
Singer/Songwriter of Original Folk
on Guitar:
Randy won a Leadership Award while working for Outward Bound Professional, and used the cash to purchase a Taylor gutar, which he considers "at least half of his act." His orginals carry a message of peace, hope and love, a bit of traveling, and of course, humor. He has written about 40+ originals, His first few were written on the coast of France, and others in Washington State, Ecuador, Peru, and even New Hampshire. While working for Outward Bound he carried a small guitar on his backpack and shares a few ballads from his backcountry days.
Covers range from Tom Petty and John Prine, to Counting Crows and the Traveling Wilburys although he makes it a point, and enjoys performing numbers from lesser known artists such as Kevin Jones/Three Track Mind of Seattle, Emile Clothier, Dana Lyons, and others.
"An evening of variety" for Venues and Events:
Randy has a proven track record of performing in various Venues. Playing at certain venues, Randy will do a variety of Piano, Guitar, Folk, Adult Contemporary, Jazz and World Music, with and without lead vocals. If you are interested in having Randy play an event or venue, please contact him. A sample set list is available.
Music Therapy for Alzheimer's and Hospice
Since his return to the east coast, Randy has been practicing a unique form of music therapy for Alzheimer's patients in the Central New Hampshire area. Using a portable synth and two sets of headphones, he plays sounds, tones, familiar and original songs for his "private audience" of one. This "closed loop" between Randy and the listener creates a bond of non-verbal communication in which the patient appears more at peace, appreciative and uplifted. He has had consistantly positive reviews because of these results from recreation directors. He has also been trained as a Hospice volunteer and has played at a number of bedsides for those passing on. Randy still practices these techinques at the V.A. Home in Tilton New Hampshire on a monthly basis, and is available by appointment.
Return to Top of Page Comments from Previous Engagements: “We loved your music at our event.”
Jill C., Wenatchee, Washington
“You love what you do and it shows.”
Restaurant Owner, Levenworth, WA
“You've added a wonderful atmosphere to our lodge, thanks for being with us this season.”
Tom, Owner of Alta Peruvian Lodge, Utah
“ We were truly blessed to have found your talent at the last minute. We appreciate the
hard work you put into our event. Thanks for being a special part of it.”
Steve and Patti, Hawthorne Woods, IL
“Excellent entertainment, you packed the place, people want to know when you're coming back!”
Steve, Owner of Village Decadence/Alley Café, Leavenworth, WA
“You did well, the music, the stage presence and the selection of songs all made the evening a success. The audience loved you.”
Scott, Owner, Saddletree Café, Cashmere, WA
“When are you coming back?”
Jim, Founder, BookEnds Concert Series, Warner, NH
"Your music was just what I had in mind for the Festival.Thanks for playing."
Co-Coordinator, International Festival, Warner, NH
"You sounded pretty good tonight!"
Click Horning
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A Sample of Past Engagements Hotel Dom- Saas Fe, Switzerland – Sheraton Hotel, Salt Lake City, Utah –
Hotel Lorensa, Zurs, Austria – Piano Pub, La Rochelle France
Rustler Lodge, Alta, Utah – Cliff Lodge, Snowbird, Utah – Club Med
Club Atmosphere, Chamonix, France – Paradise Inn, Mt Rainier National Park
Horse Feathers, Freeport Maine & North Conway, NH - Poco Diablo Resort, Sedona
Bell Rock Inn, Sedona - Wenatchee Convention Center, Wenatchee Washington
Saddle Tree Inn, Cashmere WA - Wapato Resort, Chelan, Washington
Four Corners Restaurant , New London, NH – Book Ends Concert Series, Warner, NH
Leavenworth Community Coffeehouse, Leavenworth, WA - Canoe Club, Hanover, NH
Sunapee Community Coffeehouse - International Festival, Warner, NH
 Projects & Collaborations
Awards - None
Discography - None yet, There's lots of tracks on disc though, not quite ready for release. Maybe the winter of 2007, if it snows a lot.
Contact
If you're interested in experiencing Randy's music or want more
details on booking information, please email Randy Richards, or use the contact info below:
Randy Richards
26 Fernwood Point South
Sunapee, NH 03782
603.763.2668
www.mtnspirit.org
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