Robin Worthley Submitted photo

An afternoon fundraiser and celebration of Robin Worthley’s life with Pat Colwell and the Soul Sensations along with Remarks, Bob Rasero and the Renovators, and The Laura Hudson Project will be presented beginning at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 23, at Johnson Hall Opera House in Gardiner.

Our talented friend and partner in crime for more than 40 years in different projects and bands is no longer with us. Those connected to Worthley were stunned to learn of his sudden passing on Veterans Day of 2023. We’ve never played with anybody possessing such a wide variety of skills & musical stylings. Jazz, Soul, Gospel, Motown, Blues, Funk, Classical, Latin … Robin played it all effortlessly and authoritatively.

Mentored by his piano-playing mother at the tender age of four (yes…four) followed by years of music education, it is no surprise keyboardist Worthley played as brilliantly and effortlessly as he did. A and Newport, Rhode Island, native, he found his way to Maine after years of touring the U.S. and Europe, backing up Little Willie John of “Fever” fame as well as James Montgomery, and Bo Diddley, and exclusively with RCA Artist (Little) Melvin Smith and “The Night Riders.” Here in his adopted home, he brought musical joy to the state of Maine performing with The Red-Light Review, The Upsetters, Big Chief, Mark “Guitar” Miller, Bob Rasero and the Renovators, and Pat Colwell and The Soul Sensations

Worthley was blessed with a unique and one-of-a-kind wry wit that was so perceptive and all his own. Wickedly irreverent … and wonderfully dark and ironic. It was not supposed to happen this way…. so soon, so suddenly, and with so many questions. Join us at The Opera House at Johnson Hall for a musical celebration of Robin’s life! We’re going to miss you immensely my friend. You used your time here well.

2-2:35 p.m.
Opening Act – The Laura Hudson Project

2:45-3:45 p.m.
Bob Rasero and The Renovators

3:45-4 p.m.
Remarks

4-5 p.m.
Pat Colwell and The Soul Sensations

This will be a general admission show. Tickets are $20 for all seats. This show will be on the Reehl Stage. Johnson Hall Opera House box office will be open for in-person over-the-phone sales Tuesday-Friday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Hours subject to change. Online tickets can be purchased at any time at johnsonhall.org. All over-the-phone or online purchases will receive a digital ticket sent to your email. You must have a valid email to purchase tickets for this event. Johnson Hall Opera House is located at 280 Water St., Gardiner. This location is handicap accessible. For more information, call 207-582-7144 or email pam@johnsonhall.org.