Spirits were high during our June 12th Levitt AMP Woonsocket Summer Music Series event, as we had the honor of dedicating our River Island Art Park Levitt Stage to Dave Richards, owner of O-N Radio Worldwide and longtime champion of the Levitt AMP Woonsocket Music Series. The pre-concert event featured a welcome from Mayor Christopher Beauchamp and a special stage naming ceremony by the Woonsocket City Council.
Through his years of support, promotion, and dedication to live music in Woonsocket, Dave has helped make Levitt AMP the vibrant musical community that everyone here in Woonsocket comes together to enjoy every summer Friday. “The Dave Richards Community Stage” represents the timeless contributions Dave has made over the years. Through his radio station, WOON 1240 AM / 99.5 FM, Dave has remained deeply committed to his broadcasts. From local celebrations and Levitt concert events, to board meetings and community events, he broadcasts with unfailing integrity. Together, Dave and his wife Denise have mastered the art of humble devotion to their community, an achievement that made the dedication an easy and unanimous council decision.
“He is very proud of this city and so am I,” Mayor Chris Beauchamp said of the Woonoscket legend and the impact he continues to make on our community. “I wish more people would come up and say more positive things about our city like Dave Richards.”
“It’s very special and very humbling,” Dave shared. “It’s the kind of thing that everyone should enjoy—to have your community give you an opportunity and then to hear your friends and city officials say thank you for doing something that you love to do anyway.”
Richards has an incredible radio voice and has ensured that our community stays informed and engaged. Throughout the years he has broadcasted with integrity and consistency, and often at his own personal expense. That kind of dedication isn’t required, but it was chosen, and it speaks volumes about who he is. Richards’ dedication to his work is not required, but chosen, and it speaks volumes. Since 1949, Richards has championed the Woonsocket Milk Fund, which emphasizes his deep care for the community. He has personally shared his wisdom, time, and personal care. His impact reaches beyond broadcasting and this resolution takes a meaningful step to ensure that his legacy is permanently woven into the community.”
Councilor Valerie Gonzalez
Following the meaningful dedication, another annual incredible music series was kicked off by local female-led rock talent YONKS, with headliner Shayna Steele bringing her versatile and commanding soul/jazz/blues fusion to the stage. In partnership with Levitt AMP, NWBRV aims to bring communities together and nurture Rhode Island’s musical ecosystem by prioritizing investment in a variety of unique artists. Join us for the remainder of the summer, as the sounds of the season will continue gracing us on Fridays from 6-9pm at River Island Art Park, located at 95 Bernon Street in Woonsocket during Season 8 of the Levitt AMP Woonsocket Music Series!
