Kansas Arts on Tour Roster - Traditional and Acoustic Music Ensembles

Julie Rivers (pianist), Randy Wills (synthesizers) and Peter Larsen (guitar) each have thirty years of performing/touring experience. Julie’s music is featured on many online radio stations and Radio Kansas rotates four of her original albums. Two were simultaneously in the Hastings “Top Ten.” Commissioned State Composer of 2006 (Kansas Music Teachers Association), she was also named Honored State Composer by Kansas Federated Music Clubs. A three-time first place national winner in National League of American Pen Women composition contests and recipient of a Kansas Arts Commission Fellowship in composition, she has received annual ASCAP awards 1998 -2007. A native Texan, she made her debut with the Dallas Symphony. Randy Wills, founder of popular Midwest band The Exceptions, is nationally known for his award-winning audio-visual tracks, album orchestrations and commercial jingles. Peter Larsen has worked with bands on both coasts and as a Hollywood musician with Warner Brothers and Oceanway studios.

"Pianist Julie Rivers and orchestral arranger Randy Wills combine their compositional talents to create a bouquet of melodies…drawing on sights and sounds from America’s heartland…wistful…undulating…uplifting…bright warmth!” - Ted Cox, New Age Retailer

Program Descriptions

Successful in intimate or large venues, and outdoor amphitheaters, these 90-minute theme concerts are inspired by nature, the stars and the tallgrass prairies: The Kiss of the Sun (multimedia), One Starry Night, As Far As the Heart Can See and Invocations (with new music inspired by poetry of Kim Park.) A program of music from all shows makes an entertaining evening. 

Christmastide praised for its “celestial beauty,” is a family/community holiday celebration. School holiday concerts can be arranged concurrently.

The trio offers interactive school performances, talks and workshops about synthesizers and how to produce your own CD.

Julie Rivers (piano), Randy Wills (keyboards and synthesizers), and Peter Larsen (guitar) use communities’ available technical resources to stage luxuriantly beautiful performances of Rivers’ popular romantic compositions and arrangements, adding a touch of jazz and classics.