Rich Pell to perform at Halligan’s

Warwick native Rich Pell is returning home to perform popular classic rock songs at Halligan’s Public House (22 West St., Warwick) on August 15 at 7 p.m.

Pell grew up in Warwick, attended school here, and even taught kindergarten here. He has been performing guitar/vocals for over 40 years. Some of his more noteworthy gigs include performing at Ground Zero for the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Run for 16 years and providing the entertainment for The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event for over 20 years.

When asked about his greatest musical inspirations, Pell pointed to the music of The Beatles. “Their music inspired me to be a musician,” he said. “I have also been inspired by the great folk rock acts of the 60s and 70s — Cat Stevens, James Taylor, Van Morrison, Bob Dylan, The Eagles, America, Carole King... I was always looking for good strumming and picking patterns for the guitar. In addition, the vocal melodies were of utmost importance.” He said he was also inspired by 70s soul.

Pell continued, “Growing up, my mom played standards of the 40s and 50s on our record player in Warwick. I was exposed to music from Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Dionne Warwick, and Tony Bennett as a youngster, to name a few. I learned vocal harmony from listening to them. There was always singing in our house. Music was my escape.”

Pell has released two albums of original music, available on all the popular music sites (YouTube, Apple, Spotify, etc.). And he is currently working on a third album. To keep up to date on the latest from this local musician, check out his website at richpell.online.