Discover Walla Walla

The flourishing Wine Industry of the Walla Walla Valley is shining brightly on the national and international stage at present . . . and well it should.

But much more established and flourishing just as well is the vibrant and diversified Performing Arts Community of this same valley. Even when the area's identity was one of solely agriculture and related industries, the community possessed a unique passion for the arts, the performing arts in particular.

Local theatre has always been a mainstay along with the longest running symphony orchestra west of the Mississippi - yes, L.A. Philharmonic fans, eat your hearts out! Music, be it blues, jazz, symphonic, barbershop quartet, folk or progressive, cutting edge rock can be found around every corner.

Thus, as a lover of the performing arts and a connoisseur of the Walla Walla Valley's rare fare, I relish the opportunity in the months to come to share with you the different experiences a performing arts fan can have in this wonderful valley that not only runs rich with wine but also arts and culture. 

On this blog, we will venture to the quaint wine bars and coffee shops where one can take in authentic jazz or blues and poetry readings in the most intimate of settings. We'll also partake of the robust sound of the Walla Walla Symphony led by maestro Jacov Bergman and the wonderful performers he brings in from across the country. With three higher learning institutions and the much beloved Little Theatre, we will find more than enough theatrical productions to satisfy our appetites. And that is only the tip of the iceberg.

Oh, by the way, I am Andrew Holt. I have lived in the Walla Walla Valley for more than 6 years, spending most of them as a Broadcast Journalist. I graduated from UCLA with a degree in English Literature and because my training lay in broadcasting, mainly News & Sports, my love for the Performing Arts and Culture, in general, comes from somewhat of a layman's slant. This blog won't possess many literary or theological references and you should never see a word that sends you to the dictionary. Call me on it if you do.

So, the next time we meet, I shall have the latest to report on the wonderful world of Performing Arts in this rich and creative community we call The Walla Walla Valley.

Andrew Holt can be contacted at bruindrew86@gmail.com.