The beloved Wayzata Musicales concert series is back, bringing world-class performances to the heart of Wayzata. After a highly successful inaugural season, the Woody Budnick-Chip Williams Fund and Blue Water Theatre Company have teamed up once again to deliver unforgettable musical evenings to the west metro.
Kicking off Season 2 on Saturday, November 9, at 7:00 p.m., is a performance by the renowned vocalist Erin Livingston. Known for her versatility in jazz, blues, and country music, Livingston is a familiar face at premier venues like Crooners and the Dakota. Her recent tribute to Helen Reddy wowed audiences across the Twin Cities.
With a ten-piece band behind her, Livingston has earned accolades not just for her stage presence but also for her work with senior centers and veterans’ homes. For her Wayzata debut, she’ll deliver timeless classics from the Great American Songbook—promising, in her own words, “songs with a twist… of lime!”
Joining her on stage will be pianist Dale Alexander and bassist Gary Raynor. Livingston is excited to support the Wayzata Musicales’ mission, saying, “I was inspired by the junior high and high school music programs that fed my love of music. I’m thrilled to give back.”
A Concert Venue Like No Other
The intimate setting of the Blue Water Theatre ensures a unique experience for concertgoers. Last year’s attendees couldn’t stop raving about it. Leigh Kallestad, a local resident, described the venue’s cozy ambiance and praised the acoustics, saying, “The connection between the performers and the audience was incredible—you could feel every emotion.”
Music with a Purpose
Proceeds from the concert series support both the Blue Water Theatre Company and the Budnick-Williams Fund, which aim to inspire and educate young musicians. Chip Williams, one of the series’ founders and a former Wayzata Schools band director, emphasized the dual mission: “We want to bring top-tier artists to the Wayzata community, while also nurturing the next generation of musicians.”
More Concerts on the Horizon
Following Livingston’s performance, the season continues with three more exceptional concerts. On February 1, 2025, Copper Street Brass will dazzle with arrangements spanning from Mozart to Madonna at Wayzata High School. Then, on April 5, 2025, Gypsy Mania “Hot Jazz” Quartet will bring their lively sound to Blue Water Theatre. The season wraps up on May 31, 2025, with Brad Olson’s One Man Band—a high-energy show you won’t want to miss.
Tickets for the event are available through the Blue Water Theatre Company’s website. Given the venue’s limited seating, early booking is recommended. For more information, visit www.bluewatertheatre.com or call 952-855-9147.
Get ready for another season of outstanding music, right in your own backyard!
