In Conversation with Rick Walker
Freeman’s I Hindman is excited to announce our inaugural collaboration with Festival Napa Valley, which is set to present its Summer Season at venues throughout Napa Valley, July 5-20.
Jon Batiste, Joyce DiDonato, Versailles Royal Opera, Stéphane Denève, and Tiler Peck lead a lineup that showcases over 200 international stars and emerging talent across classical, jazz, opera, contemporary, and dance productions, paired with Napa Valley’s unparalleled food, wine, and hospitality. Attendees can look forward to a wide range of events, from admission-free daily concerts to exclusive dinners and luncheons for Patron Pass holders. Family-friendly programs, a film series tribute to Ennio Morricone, and a new one-day gathering focused on the science of music and wellness make Napa Valley the place to be this July.
Jon Batiste, Copyright Jen Rosenstein
Crowning the opening weekend of Festival Napa Valley’s Summer Season, the Arts for All Gala is one of the nation's premier fundraisers for education and the arts. Proceeds fund programs that empower youth through music education and wellness, as well as free and affordable concerts, and scholarships.
Arts for All Gala at Nickel&Nickel, Credit Bob McClenahan
Ahead of the Gala on July 13, Freeman’s I Hindman CEO, Alyssa Quinlan, sat down with President and CEO of Festival Napa Valley, Rick Walker, to discuss how music, wine, and philanthropy come together in this unique experience in the heart of the Napa Valley each summer.
Alyssa D. Quinlan: Rick, I’ve always had a personal passion for classical music! So, it’s a dream come true that members of our auction team will be working alongside your community this July to support this incredible event and philanthropic auction on gala night. Tell us more about the genesis of Festival Napa Valley and how you became involved.
Rick Walker: I came to this work through a love of the arts. Earlier in my career as an entertainment lawyer, I had the privilege of working closely with artists and saw firsthand how transformative the arts can be. At the time, Napa Valley didn’t have much of a cultural scene. Margrit Mondavi, a close friend and visionary arts advocate, told me a world-class destination needs world-class music and art. That stuck with me. With her encouragement and the support of the vintner community and countless others, Festival Napa Valley was born!
AQ: As an auctioneer myself, I’m always endlessly curious about what special auction lots are being offered. Tell us more about some of the incredible items you will be auctioning off this year and how one can participate.
RW: We’ve curated a lineup of truly magical, one-of-a-kind experiences. Music of Manhattan with Cardinale features a private concert with Wynton Marsalis at the legendary Café Carlyle, backstage access to Just in Time on Broadway, a Stradivarius violin experience paired with 100-point Cardinale wines, and a luxurious stay at The Carlyle. Your Good Fortune: Hong Kong & Shanghai is a luxury journey through two dynamic cities with VIP access to Art Basel Hong Kong, a private concert at Jazz at Lincoln Center Shanghai, yacht cruises, fine dining, and a day trip to an ancient water town. The French Connection is a dream Parisian escape with a stay at the private residence of vintners Kathryn and Craig Hall, dinner at Jean-Charles Boisset’s Paris home, insider access to Versailles and Palais Garnier, Michelin-starred dining, and a JCB Le Club Social membership in Napa Valley. Game, Set, Glamour! features seating in the J.P. Morgan suite for the US Open, a private tennis clinic, and round-robin play with legendary champions, fine dining, and exclusive cultural experiences. We also have a dazzling journey to Cabo and Milan with Pomellato, Milan Fashion Week with Dolce & Gabbana, and the ultimate Napa Valley automotive adventure with exotic cars and a rare wine dinner.
Our Buy A Spot experiences bring together music, food, wine, and community in unforgettable ways. Voice of an Angel features opera star Angel Blue and pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet in an intimate evening at Darioush Winery. Wine, Women, & Music is a dynamic afternoon hosted by Janet and Hailey Trefethen, with a performance by Monica Mancini, a Lafayette 148 fashion show, and a celebration of trailblazing women at Trefethen Family Vineyards. Celebrating Robin & Michelle honors renowned vintners and philanthropists Robin and Michelle Baggett and features a private performance by cellist Jonah Kim and ballerina Julia Rowe. And much more!
For those unable to join us in person, proxy bidding is available. It’s a great way to support the cause and claim an unforgettable experience.
AQ: Auctions alone take a proverbial ‘village’ of coordination. How do your teams across the musical, vintner and philanthropic communities come together?
RW: A spirit of collaboration is at the heart of Festival Napa Valley. Vintners generously open their estates, winemakers offer extraordinary wines, and artists contribute their talents. Our amazing Board of 30 vintners, arts advocates, and community leaders is deeply engaged, and our team of talented professionals works year-round to deliver programs of the highest caliber. Everyone shares the belief that the arts have the power to transform lives, empower youth, and build a healthy and engaged community. The arts are not a luxury, but a necessity, and need to be accessible to all.
Vintner's Luncheon
AQ: Freeman’s | Hindman is incredibly excited to partner with Festival Napa Valley by providing bid spotters and auction support for this special event. What are other ways that organizations and individuals can get involved with what you do?
RW: We’re thrilled to welcome Freeman’s | Hindman this year! Your expertise brings so much value to the event. Beyond the Gala, there are numerous ways to get involved. Individuals can purchase a Patron Pass to enjoy exclusive events, including Vintner’s Luncheons and Patron Dinners at Napa Valley’s legendary wineries and estates. Each pass includes a tax-deductible donation supporting our mission. They can also take part in our public events, including concerts and Music & Wellness programs. Organizations, foundations, and businesses can support key initiatives through sponsorship or underwriting. And we always welcome volunteers.
Versailles Opera Orchestra, Copyright Pascal-Le-Mée
AQ: Last but not least, tell us about your most memorable Festival Napa Valley experience and what you are most looking forward to for this upcoming year?
RW: Choosing a favorite Festival Napa Valley moment is like picking a favorite child—impossible. Each year brings its own magic. That said, this year promises some truly standout experiences. I’m especially looking forward to the North American debut of the Versailles Royal Opera and to welcoming Jon Batiste to headline our Gala. The goal each year is the same: to create moments of joy, beauty, and connection and make them available to all