Richard March & The Air Merchants at The Golden Gate Park Bandshell

My family spent many special days in Golden Gate Park growing up. It's a magical place for me, peaceful and spacious, full of play and wonder. We would watch the Golden Gate Park Band (143 years and still going strong) play in their smart red jackets. I dreamed of making music on that stage. last year Tyler and I were a part of their Songwriter series. This year I'm bringing the whole band! I can't wait. March is a native Californian who is a transplant to the Sacramento area where he quickly earned an engaged fanbase and regular performance opportunities. Early on, legendary promoter Jerry Perry added him to a distinguished roster of performers in Perry’s exclusive summer concert series. But March’s Bay Area upbringing is indelibly etched in his evocative lyrics, and his storyteller songwriting. His breezy roots-based musicality recalls the heart-on-your-sleeve tradition of Jason Isbell, Patti Griffin, Tom Petty, Paul Simon, and Jackson Brown. Thematically, March’s songs explore social commentary, aspirational self-talk, compassion, impressionistic descriptions of his beloved Bay Area hometown, and the many lives he’s lived. March’s long time band mates are guitarist Steve Randall (2006 and 2007 Sammie winner for Best Guitarist), drummer Kevin “the Father” Priest and Tyler Ragle, his bassist/harmony vocalist and occasional co-writer. Coming from a family of Bay Area public school teachers, and growing up in the 1970s-1980s, March’s love of language and respect for public service is apparent. In the early 1990s, March studied voice, composition and musical theatre at San Francisco State University, joined the local coffeehouse and club scene, and became part of a thriving songwriter community that included other local favorites, Matt Nathanson, Noe Venable, Ben Graves and Box Set. He recorded two albums there, The Bridge in 1994, and a self-titled disc in 1999. Both were well-received, garnering him showcase opportunities in radio personality/music promoter Bonnie S