Musician Charles Walker is the new Mesa County Libraries Artist in Residence, bringing a wide variety of musical experience to share with patrons and the public.
During his residency, Walker will present public programs centered on music, rhythm, vocals, and more. His residency lasts through Aug. 8, 2022.
Walker, whose nickname is “ChuckJay,” is from San Jose, California, where he and his three sisters were raised by Charles and Felicia Walker. He began learning music from his father, who was a church organist, and studied music at West Valley College and San Jose State University. He started producing music and playing piano in 2015, after his father’s passing.
He moved to Grand Junction in 2016 for a fresh start and new beginnings.
Walker formed Wave 11, one of Grand Junction’s premiere bands, in 2017 with Zack Couron. Wave 11 released an album, “Wisdom and Strength,” and performed at many big festivals and local venues in Colorado. The band now consists of Derek Suiter and Walker, producing a new high-flying hip-hop show that makes crowds jump!
Walker also teaches private lessons for singing, music production, songwriting, drums, piano, and music theory. He lives in Grand Junction with his wife Zoe and daughter Winnie.
Here are programs and events that Walker has scheduled:
- Public Meet & Greet – 2-4 p.m. every Tuesday through Aug. 2 at the Mesa County Libraries 970West Studio, 502 Ouray Ave. Drop in and meet Walker!
- Unlocking the Code: Music Production
Learn how to get started mixing live instruments with digital audio workstations (DAW) to create the next big hit! A DAW walkthrough, equipment essentials, and producer tips will be covered.
3:30 p.m. Friday, May 13, at the 970West Studio, 502 Ouray Ave. Registration is required via the Event Calendar at mesacountylibraries.org. Open to teens and adults.
- Feel the Beat: Rhythm 101
Rhythm is a universal language that connects us all. This workshop offers hands-on experience with a variety of percussion instruments while teaching basic rhythms, how to use them in songwriting, and time signatures/swings.
Fruita Branch, 324 N. Coulson St. – 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 7 (teens and adults). Registration required via the Event Calendar at mesacountylibraries.org
970West Studio, 502 Ouray Ave. – 3:30 p.m. Thursday, June 16 (teens and adults). Registration required via the Event Calendar at mesacountylibraries.org
- Crash Course 4 Vocals
Let’s get started or keep going with one of the best instruments in the world: the voice! With great basic vocal warmups and strengthening practices, singing will become natural as it should be. Pitch matching, vocal cord control, breathing practices, and more will be covered.
3:30 p.m. Friday, July 22, at 970West Studio, 502 Ouray Ave. (teens and adults). Registration required via the Event Calendar at mesacountylibraries.org
- Kids Club
Walker will teach the basics of rhythm through hands-on experience with a variety of percussion instruments! Kids will love this program!
11 a.m. Wednesday, June 22, Long Family Memorial Park, 3117 F Road
11 a.m. Wednesday, June 29, Fruita Civic Center Park, 325 E. Aspen Ave., Fruita
11 a.m. Wednesday, July 6, Hawthorne Park, 400 Gunnison Ave., Grand Junction
- Neighbors Night
Local musician and Artist in Residence Charles Walker will teach the basics of rhythm through hands-on experience with a variety of percussion instruments! Neighbors Night is a family-oriented event where we meet and learn about others in the community.
6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 4, at the Central Library, 443 N. Sixth St., Grand Junction