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 other entertainment here. Margrit Mondavi encouraged me to start a festival because, in her words, a world-class destination needs world-class music and art,” he said.

“We were fortunate to have the support of the vintner community, hospitality industry and music lovers who believed in the vision of Napa Valley as a cultural destination,” Walker said. “We are proud that Festival Napa Valley paved the way for music events of every genre in Napa and are excited to see what the future will bring.”

Walker has led Festival Napa Valley as president/chief executive officer since its founding in 2006.

Q What is Festival Napa Valley?

A We’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.

Q What was your childhood ambition?

A Like every kid, I imagined a life of adventure and purpose, of doing meaningful and interesting things. I can honestly say I have never, ever been bored. I work with creative and talented people, alongside an exceptional board, supporters and colleagues, all building an organization that has become known the world over for its impact in Napa Valley and beyond. I have more fun than anyone has a right to have when working.

Q What was your first job?

A 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!

Q What’s the toughest job you ever had?

A Little League umpire. The kids were great, but some of the parents needed to grow up.

Q What job would you like to try/not try?

A Try: Astrophysicist. We are in a golden age of discovery. After all, Brian May did it!

Not try: House Speaker.

Q What is the biggest challenge the music industry has faced?

A 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.

Q Who do you most admire in the business world?

A 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.

Q What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?

A I produced a charity recording (“Wolf Tracks and Peter and the Wolf”) that won a Grammy Award with Mikhail Gorbachev, Bill Clinton, Sophia Loren and Antonio Banderas….not a group you often see together!

Q If you could change one thing about the arts industry, what would it be?

A The perception that the arts are a luxury. The arts are a necessity. They build empathy, foster understanding, nourish our souls, ignite the spark of human imagination. The arts make us human.

Q What is one thing you hope to accomplish in your lifetime that you haven’t?

A Helping people realize that what unites is stronger than what divides. Setting aside differences to enjoy a concert and a glass of wine together just might change the world.

For more information visit festivalnapavalley.org or boxoffice@festivalnapavalley.org

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