Hal Walker grew up in Kent, Ohio blowing the harmonica along the banks of the Cuyahoga River.  He is a singer, songwriter and musical explorer.  A natural-born musician, he is truly one-of-a-kind.  His creative and passionate style engages audiences of all ages. Hal Walker writes soul-searching songs that celebrate community, diversity and the creative process. His soaring baritone voice is a Northeastern Ohio treasure. Hal has released 3 albums of his songs and one CD of instrumental music. His most recent release Home in Ohio is available for purchase online and on itunes.

Hal Walker, the multi-instrumentalist, composes and improvises on the guitar, piano, harmonica, the khaen, jew’s harp and concertina.  In collaboration, he has developed a modern version of a traditional African instrument called a “Banakula.” (Ba-na-’ku-la) Hal is the creator of www.banakula.com.   Hal has a particular talent for taking an instrument associated with a particular culture, such as the khaen or the African banakulas, and, after learning how they are traditionally used, he then makes the instrument his own by playing them in a uniquely modern way. Hal is the lead chromatic player for his new harmonica quartet, Reed City.

Hal Walker, the educator, enjoys ongoing collaborations with Ohio arts organizations.  He is on the roster of artists of the Ohio Arts Council Arts Learning program and Young Audiences of Northeastern Ohio.  He is a director and resident composer for the Summit Children’s Choir. He is the resident musician for the Kent State University’s Wick Poetry Department.

Hal’s professional highlights include collaborations with Cleveland’s esteemed Groundworks Dance Theater and leading roles with the Mad River Theater Company of West Liberty, Ohio. Hal is an active member of the Ohio Arts Presenters Network (OAPN) and the Society for the Preservation of the Harmonica. (SPAH)   Also, Hal is the music director of the Unitarian-Universalist church of Kent.

Hal Walker lives in a houseful of musical instruments in Kent with his 12 year old daughter, Hallie.