Henry uses connections for festival lineup

By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times

In our "Neighbors" series, we give you a personal look at the people who are serving your community. If you would like to nominate someone for this column, contact Judy Prieve at 925-779-7178 or e-mail jprieve@bayareanewsgroup.com.

By Roni Gehlke
Correspondent
One of Chris Henry's first introductions to Oakley's Almond Festival was nearly 20 years ago when he was playing drums with a band named Express. Today his new band not only performs at the festival but he has taken over as entertainment coordinator for the festival's main stage.
"I can't believe it was that long ago," Henry said remembering all the times he played at the festival over the years.
His current band, Crosstown 5, will perform Friday on the festival's Main Stage before well-known Bay Area band Evolution comes on with its Journey tribute.
Henry said that over the years he has been involved with several bands. About four years ago he was asked by then Main Stage coordinator, John Robertson, to get involved in volunteering for the festival and he agreed.
"Over the years I've made a lot of associations with other bands," Henry said.
Now he uses those associations to find other bands to perform at the three-day show at Oakley's O'Hara Park.
"Evolution's lead singer John Singer and I used to be in a band together," Henry said. "When I found out he was in this tribute band, I knew they would be good for this festival."
Henry said that he wanted to open the festival with a really good show. For the last three years he has worked to make this time slot a concert-type environment.
"The carnival is going on for the kids, and the adults can take the time to sit back and enjoy some good music," he said.
Other entertainment this weekend will include a tribute band to Tom Petty called Petty Theft, as well as, Zebop, Ralph Woodson Experience, The Billy Martini Show, The Edwins Brothers, Rodeo House, Biernacki and The Illusions, and Red Light Mind.
Henry lives in Bethel Island with his wife, Teena. He has four children, Courtney, 22, and Josh, 19, Ethan, 6, and Chloe, 3.
The festival offers another reason to celebrate for him. Sept. 12 is daughter Chloe's birthday. Three years ago she was born just days before he was to set up the main stage for the festival.