Touring music man pulls strings for kids during La Conner performance

Traveling minstrel Topher Holt is no mere one-man band.

“I’m my own roadie and sound man,” Holt, 44, told the Weekly News prior to his outdoor concert at the Thousand Trails La Conner RV Resort Thursday night.

For 90 minutes he regaled young campers and their parents with popular tunes, witty one-liners, beach balls, scarves and a festive drum line.

After COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, Holt and his wife, Heather, and their three children opted to Airbnb their family home in Rochester, New York, purchase a fifth-wheel and take his show on the road.

“Some people might consider it something of a mid-life crisis,” he quipped.

Holt grew up in Michigan, a child of the church. His father was a pastor who made music a key part of his ministry. His mother was a classically trained musician.

“Music is in my DNA,” Holt said.

He joined the acclaimed PUSH Dance Company. Heather was a member. As they toured, Holt was gradually encouraged to incorporate his music into performances. He ultimately reached the point where his passion for music eclipsed dance.

Holt has also trained professionally as a comedian, mime, teaching artist and singer-songwriter.

“I’ve really missed gatherings,” he told those who lined their camp chairs in front of the Thousand Trails lodge. The sunlit and shimmering Skagit Bay provided an ideal backdrop for Holt’s concert.

“My mom gave me the name Topher when I was a wee little pup,” he said.

His name is familiar on the east coast, from Virginia to New York, where he is booked for a series of shows later this summer. In New York, especially, Holt is much in demand to perform at schools, birthday parties, libraries and recreation centers.

He hopes to expand his fan base through appearances at Thousand Trails in the western U.S.

“We’re breaking ground on this side of the country,” said Holt, who has visited over 30 states.

While much of his concert was geared toward youth, Holt sang golden oldies from Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan and John Denver. He shared several original songs.

Holt views music as a powerful unifying force and promotes inclusion and diversity at his concerts.

“One great thing about music,” he stressed, “is when it hits you, you don’t get hurt.”