Annual concert held in honor of Broadway violinist from Austin

(ABC 6 News) – Dozens of people gathered for a concert held for one man from Austin who died in 2018.

Blair Lawhead was a Broadway violinist from town. Ever since his death, his brother Brandon has been holding a memorial concert in his honor to raise money for the Austin Public Schools Music Program.

World-renowned pianist Jon Kimura Parker was a close friend of Blair’s and stopped by to perform in his honor at the Knowlton Auditorium on Wednesday night. He’s also currently serving as creative partner for summer programing for the Minnesota Orchestra.

"He was one of the only people who could always see the lighter side of things,” Parker said. "I thought he gave so much to the music world in New York and that meant a lot to all of us."

Brandon said Blair was quietly, a giving person. He never boasted about what he did for others.

Brandon said by giving back to APS’s music program, perhaps it can help and encourage students achieve their dreams. Just like Blair once did.

"Others have dreamed that same dream from Austin High School and they can dream it, too, and they can attain it,” Brandon said.

Richard Roberts, concertmaster of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, is among them.

"I was lucky to be here in Austin,” Roberts said. “We had an extraordinary faculty of music."

Roberts’s career taking off into the world stage from Austin. Perhaps, more kids from Austin will as well with help from concerts in honor of Blair.

Another Blair Lawhead Memorial Concert will be held at the Hormel Historic Home at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 26.