Spotlight on a Local: Richard Boston, Musician
Each month, we feature a local person of interest who contributes to the community in unique and interesting ways.
Check Richard out on Friday, January 31st, at Local Time Brewing in Holly Springs.
Holly Springs, NC, Jan. 30, 2025—This month’s spotlight shines on Richard Boston, a talented local musician who brings soulful and passionate performances to Holly Springs and beyond. Richard has become a staple in the local music scene through his harmonica-infused sound and engaging stage presence. We sat down with him for a Q&A to learn more about his musical journey, influences, and what’s next.
Ten Questions for Richard Boston
What first inspired you to pick up an instrument and start singing?
I’ve always loved the harmonica. My wife and I were on vacation and were listening to a band, when they had a woman from the audience come up and play harmonica with them. We thought it was so cool. The following month my wife bought me a harmonica for my 41st birthday. Two years later I was playing in a duo. I picked up the guitar a couple of years later.
How would you describe your music style to someone who’s never heard you perform?
I play most styles of music. I’ve been told my vocals are soulful and passionate. I add harmonica to most songs to add something different.
What’s your favorite song to play live, and why?
Honestly, that depends on the day. There are so many good songs, it depends entirely on my mood. If I had to pick one, I think it would be Stand By Me by Ben E. King. I always have multiple people in the crowd singing along with me. I also love the harmonica part I add.
Do you have a standout memory or funny story from performing at a local brewery or bar?
I was performing at Local Time Brewing, and I had a lot of friends show up that evening. Evidently, someone shared a story about being at Disney World and stuck on the ride It’s a Small World while the ride was broken down, and hearing the song It’s a Small World over and over for an hour or more. I was on break, and someone asked me if I could play that song and explained the story. I looked it up on my phone and after break dedicated the next song to this person. The whole crowd broke out laughing and cheering.
Who are your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound?
I grew up listening to ’50s rock and roll with my mother, but also country music with my dad. I love Elvis Presley and still listen to his music all the time. Lynyrd Skynyrd is also one of my favorites due to the passion of their Southern Rock ballads. Little Walter has really influenced my harmonica playing.
How does the local music scene in Holly Springs impact your work?
There are quite a few places in Holly Springs that have live music, and fortunately, I’ve been able to book gigs at a lot of them. It’s cool when someone hears me at one venue and then recommends me at another venue. Multiple music venues make for a nice night out, whether you go to one place for the evening or have dinner or a drink at one place and move to the next venue.
What’s your favorite local venue to perform at, and what makes it special?
Ha! I usually tell people who ask me that question at a gig that it is the venue I’m currently playing. Honestly, each venue that I play has its own unique qualities that make them special. I enjoy playing at all the venues that I play at. If I don’t enjoy them, I try not to rebook a gig.
What’s one thing you’d like your audience to take away from your performances?
I want them to see that I enjoy what I am doing, and I’m there to entertain them. I love to get song requests. I have around a 400-song catalog that I can play, and it’s listed on my website so people can request songs all night if they would like.
When you’re not performing, what things do you like to do to have fun and relax?
When I’m not performing, you can usually find me enjoying time with my family, reading a book, working out, or playing pickleball.
What’s next for you? Any new projects, songs, or upcoming performances we should know about?
I’m always working on learning new cover songs. I like to keep up with new songs as well as songs fans have requested me to learn. I’ve taken some time off since the beginning of this year, so my next gig will be at Local Time Brewing Company on January 31st. I also have a new venue, which is Wally’s Tavern in Holly Springs on March 15th. You can always check out my website at www.richardaboston.com for my schedule and more information.
Upcoming Schedule:
Catch Richard Boston live in Holly Springs and Fuquay-Varina:
🎶 January 31st, 2025 (Friday), 7-10pm: Local Time Brewing, Holly Springs, NC
🎶 February 21st, 2025 (Friday), 7-10pm: Local Time Brewing, Holly Springs, NC
🎶 February 28th, 2025 (Friday), 8-11pm: Niche Wine Lounge, Holly Springs, NC
🎶 March 1st, 2025 (Saturday), 6-9pm: Oaklyn Springs Brewery, Fuquay-Varina, NC
🎶 March 15th, 2025 (Saturday), 7-10pm: Wally’s Tavern, Holly Springs, NC
🎶 March 28th, 2025 (Friday), 8-11pm: Niche Wine Lounge, Holly Springs, NC
🎶 March 29th, 2025 (Saturday), 7-9pm: Wine 100, Holly Springs, NC
For the full schedule and updates, visit Richard’s website.
Do you know someone who should be featured in next month’s spotlight? Let us know (email)! We’re always looking for individuals who make our community a more vibrant place to live and enjoy.