A Musical Tribute to Victoria Garvey Armstrong

A Musical Tribute to Victoria Garvey Armstrong

Featuring Don Armstrong and The Whiskeypalians with guests Peter McLaughlin, Jane Voss & Hoyle Osborne, Pete Ronstadt, Liz Cerepanya, and more to come!
October 14, 7:30 PM, 7 doors
Hotel Congress Plaza Stage
Tickets HERE $15 adv, $25 VIP seating (sold out)

“One of our country’s best songwriters.” – Judy Collins

“I rode 200 miles on my motorcycle just to tell her how much I liked her songs.” – Jerry Jeff Walker

“The most beautiful voice that has ever sung on this stage.”
-Sarah Craig, Caffe Lena (folk music venue since 1960)

Victoria Garvey Armstrong was a celebrated vocalist, songwriter, and pianist whose songs were recorded worldwide by artists such as Judy Collins, John Denver, Jerry Jeff Walker, Steve Goodman, Ray Wylie Hubbard, David Bromberg, Katie Lee, Rosalie Sorrels, The Pattersons, The Irish Rovers (her hit “Fifi O’Toole went to #1 in Ireland) and The New Christy Minstrels, among others. From 1963 to 1972, she partnered with Pat Garvey and produced two memorable records: “Mr. & Mrs. Garvey” on Epic Records (produced by Bob Johnston who also produced Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Simon & Garfunkel, Michael Martin Murphy); and “Songs: 1965 – 1971” on their own label.

DON & VICTORIA ARMSTRONG

In 1972, Victoria began performing with singer/songwriter Don Armstrong. They eventually married and for forty-two years they delighted audiences from Canada to Mexico with their unique original songs of the Great Southwest as well as traditional songs from Old Mexico. Erik Darling, formerly of The Weavers and famous for his song “Walk Right In,” said of Don & Victoria: “What their singing does for the soul, that is what music is for.” The Folk Times said of them: “The beauty and mystery of the Southwest as seen through the eyes of two brilliant singer/songwriters. Theirs is an ever-expanding repertoire of hauntingly beautiful compositions overlaid with stunning vocal harmonies.” And from the Daily Times: “The Armstrongs are folk treasures.” They recorded ten albums that received rave reviews world-wide. Sadly, Victoria passed away in 2014.

DON ARMSTRONG AND THE WHISKEYPALIANS

After Victoria’s passing, Don jumped into the Tucson music scene with both feet. “I had to, he said, just to stay alive.” His singing and songwriting caught the attention of Michael J. Ronstadt, who with his son, Pete, founded The Ronstadt Record Company. Michael asked Don to make a record for them, but unfortunately Michael passed away before the project was started. Peter took up the project and produced what has become a widely acclaimed work: “Mother, Don’t Give Up On Me Now,” released in May, 2020. Don’s band, The Whiskeypalians, contributed to the album’s success. The Whiskeypalians is made up of Liz Cerepanya, vocals, Pete Ronstadt, vocals, bass, banjo, tuba, drums & guitar, Nick Coventry, violin, Gary Mackender, accordion & piano, Alvin Blaine, dobro, and Slim Rost, bass. The Whiskeypalians will be the host band for this tribute to the beautiful and prolific Victoria Armstong.

MUSICAL TRIBUTE GUESTS

Joining Don and the Whiskeypalians in this musical tribute to Victoria’s songwriting will be Peter McLaughlin, songwriter/singer/bluegrass flatpicker extraordinaire (petermclaughlin.com). There’s also longtime friends, Jane Voss & Hoyle Osborne, all the way from Aztec, New Mexico. Jane is celebrating 50 years on the road as a truly gifted singer and songwriter, her songs have been recorded by Dave Van Ronk, Chuck Pyle and Rosalie Sorrels, among others and Hoyle is a multi-award-winning pianist, specializing in ragtime and other music of the 1920s. (janevoss.com). Liz Cerepanya & Pete Ronstadt are just back from an east coast tour and released their first recording last November: “Beautiful Strangers” for The Ronstadt Record Company. Liz has one of the finest voices you’ll hear, and Pete, aside from being an exceptional songwriter, makes every song he sings his very own with a captivating vocal spirit and intricate guitar style that is always inspiring (lizandpetemusic.com). There will be other performers taking part as well, and we will update this page when that happens.