Walter Parks and Tyrone Cotton

Walter Parks and Tyrone Cotton present an evening of historic spirituals, hollers, reels and originals prefaced with stories.

For 10 years Walter Parks served as sideman to Woodstock Festival legend Richie Havens. In 2020 Walter was invited by The U.S. Library of Congress to perform and archive the hollers, hymns and reels that were sung and played by homesteaders who inhabited the islands of southeast Georgia’s Okefinokee Swamp – the headwaters of The Suwannee River. Walter’s live show presents traditional Americana roots-folk with a contemporary feel using blues, jazz, folk, operatic and even electronic forms. Walter has played festivals and arts centers worldwide including American venues Madison Square Garden, Carnegie Hall and The UK’s Glastonbury Festival.

Singer-songwriter Tyrone Cotton, with his unique voice and vivid songs, brings a soulful sound that's refreshingly honest and real. His music draws upon many influences: including soul, blues, folk, and rock. He has opened for Grammy winner Leon Russell, the Blind Boys of Alabama, and the great Johnny Winter. Tyrone Cotton is currently active in the Louisville music scene and occasionally does some touring.