John Larsen, New Hope resident, business owner, entrepreneur and patron of the arts for more than 65 years will be remembered and celebrated on June 11 at New Hope Arts Center.
Larsen’s contributions to the vitality of New Hope are legend. Since his passing in October at the age of 96, a community-wide event was anticipated.
Finally, on the evening of Tuesday June 11 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., the community will commemorate the multi-talented Larsen.
His extended family along with New Hope Arts Executive Director Christine Ramirez collaborated on the event, hosted by New Hope Arts.
Larsen and his wife Robin, dedicated their joint lifetime to developing the contemporary arts community in New Hope, a commitment ultimately leading to the creation of the New Hope Arts Center on Stockton Avenue, which Robin directed until her death in 2009.
Larsen was also the renowned co-owner of John and Peter’s, the iconic music club, established in 1974 and still a destination, presenting live music seven days a week and drawing visitors from far and wide.
At John and Peter’s, Larsen nurtured rising talents like Mary Chapin Carpenter, Norah Jones, and Ween, as well as icons like Odessa, George Thorogood, Richie Sambora, Stanley Jordan, Leon Redbone, John Sebastian, Phoebe Snow, Arlo Guthrie, Purple Sage, Iron Butterfly, Martin Mull, Tiny Tim, and Penn and Teller.
For many years Larsen introduced entertainers and musicians of all genres who would become legends.
New Hope Arts is located at 2 Stockton Ave., New Hope. Celebrants are invited to bring “your stories, your songs and your dances!” to share. A reception will follow at John and Peter’s 96 S. Main St.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations in Larsen’s memory to New Hope Arts, an organization he supported from its founding by Robin and which, in turn, provided support for community arts and artists.
For more information about Larsen or to make a donation, visit NewHopeArts.org.
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