Sticks and Fingers band leader Richard Noel brings you his peerless passion and energy for vibrant, original and empowering music. Come and take part in the joyful celebration!
Richard grew up in the twin island of Trinidad and Tobago. He and his family relocated to the United States in 1998 to further his aeronautical engineering career. He later established a career at Evergreen air center as an aircraft Structural Manager, where he oversaw major, commercial, private and governmental projects for clients such as NASA.
In 2003, Richard and his wife assisted with foster children in crisis. During that time, he started a non-profit organization called One Kingdom Image which focused on community enrichment projects with other organizations such as Up With People and Tucson Parks and Recreation. One Kingdom Image was built to positively influence people and encourage community reconciliation through the joy of music and art. The organization has since changed its name to Arts for Life community and Richard is the CEO and President.
His active involvement within the local school districts such as Marana, T.U.S.D. and Amphitheater has given him the opportunity to contribute his musical talents to help enrich the lives of young people and the community at large. Richard has been featured in events such as “The Joy of Music 2004,” hosted by the Tucson Symphony Women’s Association and as an exclusive performer in the opening act at the 2008 Rose Bowl parade alongside Up With People.
In other career highlights, the Loft Cinema screened a documentary (The UZO Method, 2010) about the UZO method, an ongoing collaborative live music and dance therapy project that Richard participates in. He also recently performed in the movie Twin Bride that was filmed in Tucson and provides the musical soundtrack to the KoSho Karate Fitness videos.
Richard is currently a board member of Tucson Meet Yourself, a non-profit organization that promotes cultural diversity by staging Tucson’s premier international festival each October. In early 2011, he completed an inspiring ten-track CD, “Joy of the Caribbean” with his group Sticks & Fingers in early 2011. He continues to play for community events and private parties.
Richard believes that lives can be renewed through music because it offers a safe and creative outlet for expression and healing. He is dedicated to sharing the lively and joyful musical heritage of Caribbean rhythms with all types of audiences – and witnessing the power of its magic.
