Spirituals, hymns, hollers and work songs were sung either to express a yearning for a better life or gratitude for already having one. Guitarist Walter Parks, longtime sideman to Woodstock legend Richie Havens, is fascinated by this historical music’s universal applicability and power. On Friday, Feb. 20, this legendary guitarist makes a rare appearance in Maine, performing at the historic Opera House in Boothbay Harbor with his band.

Parks toggles between spirituals, Appalachian reels, Delta blues, work songs, swamp jazz and even bits of opera all delivered with his northeast Florida swampy feel. At every show he plays tribute to Richie Havens with whom he served as sideman for 10 years performing worldwide in Madison Square Garden, The Glastonbury Festival and Carnegie Hall amongst other prestigious venues. Walter Parks was recently invited by The Library of Congress/American Folklife Collection to archive his research work on the music made in southeast Georgia’s Okefinokee Swamp.

He’s recently co-written with Stan Lynch, former Tom Petty drummer and has performed at venues with R&B drum legend Bernard Purdie and at Lincoln Center with Judy Collins. Walter tours solo, with his trio Swamp Cabbage and with The Unlawful Assembly, a group that reimagines historic spirituals, propelled by drummer Steven Williams and female vocalist Ada Dyer.

Chicago-born performer Ada Dyer began her musical career singing in local bands and musical theater, and she has released several Motown albums. She most recently finished touring with Bruce Springsteen in the fall of 2025 and has toured with Chaka Khan, Roberta Flack, Lenny Kravitz, and Boz Skaggs. Her studio credits include working alongside U2, Sting, Cher, Ronnie Spector, and Luther Vandross.

Advance tickets to hear Walter Parks and the band are $25 and available through the Opera House box office at 86 Townsend Ave. or call 207-633-5159. The box office is open Wednesday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Regular tickets, $30 are available at https://boothbayoperahouse.com and the day of the concert. and online tickets are at boothbayoperahouse.com. Show starts at 7:30 p.m., doors open at 7.