08/21/2026
A message from our Executive Director, Tom Lamar:
This afternoon from 5:00-7:00pm, during Pubbin’ on the Patio, PCEI will be dedicating our public stage to Henry C. Willard. Henry played with the Yellow Dog Flats, who will be performing today at Pubbin’.
Henry once opened for Janis Joplin and played in numerous bands during his time in Moscow.
In the words of local musician, Tom Carroll, “Henry was a man of few words but each word he spoke conveyed volumes. One of my very special memories of Henry is that after every gig Henry would say to me, ‘We had some moments!’, and then he would smile, and I would nod in agreement and say, ‘Yeah. It was cool.’ All of the times I shared with Henry were very special moments. Playing and creating music with Henry made me a better musician and I like to think, a better human being. Thanks for the good times my brother! I still hear your music singing in the wind and it brings a smile to my eyes.”
And from musician Kelly Riley:
“Henry played lead guitar and dobro with the band Zugunrue from 2004 to 2008. Our set list was comprised of my original, Americana, folk and blues tunes woven with traditional songs and a few covers. We performed frequently around the Palouse and released two CDs of all original songs. Henry was featured on both albums along with Paul Anders (mandolin, fiddle, banjo, harp) and Ned McElroy on bass. In 2007, Zugunrue won a spot opening for Mavis Staples at Rendezvous in the Park – Henry, me, Paul Anders and Doug Park. Henry brought his shining talent to all of it!
I have so many fond memories making music with Henry. He was kind, easy going, accepting of everyone, and just good to be around. I feel most fortunate that our paths crossed.”
The stage will formally be named the “Henry C. and the Willards Stage”, a nod to the band that he led. The band considered themselves to be the home band for this stage. Donna Parks shared the stage with Henry in that band and said, “What Henry had to say, he said in his music."
Henry Clark Willard was born 12/31/1944 and died 10/16/2022. His brief obituary reads: “He came, He saw, He left. He was loved.”
To donate in memory of Henry for the naming of the stage, visit pcei.org/donate.
