Walt Smith Music Competition

“This fund has been established by Leslie S. Newbury to honor the memory of her father, Walt Smith.

Walt was a classically trained pianist who turned to Jazz and Swing in his college days. After graduation, Walt played in the Denver area until moving to Aspen. He joined Freddie ‘Schnickel Fritz’ (who came out of retirement) for several years playing the Hotel Jerome, Red Onion, and Aspen Highlands’ Freddie Fisher Room, as well as appearing with Freddie on Dave Garroway’s show.

After returning to Denver he formed a duo with Paul Black and opened Walt Disney’s Celebrity Lounge. He then returned to Aspen to play once again with Freddie Fisher and then formed a trio to play the Tippler bar at the Copper Kettle with Bert Dahlander (the well-known Swedish drummer) for over 10 years. The Tippler became one of the most successful rooms in the whole ski industry but changed owners and became a disco in 1978 and Smith moved to Grand Junction, Colorado. During his Tippler years, Walt also took time to write the music for Leon Uris’ ill-fated Broadway production of ‘Ari’ (the Exodus story). Walt also appeared with Bert Dahlander in Sweden playing for the Swedish Match Cup events.

He opened the new Grand Junction Roadway Inn, the new Hilton and new Airport Lounge operated by Grand Met. Then played two years at the Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs. During that time he wrote the theme for a PBS television special called ‘The Duke in Bronze’ about the creation of the John Wayne statue by artist Harry Jackson. He performed for two years at the Grand Champions (now Maroon Creek) Club in Aspen, and later appeared regularly in Vail at Sweet Basil and L’Ostello.

Walt has appeared in private jazz parties and concerts with such artists as Art Van Damme, Carl Fontana and Phil Urso, and at the Telluride Jazz Festival. No Aspen benefit or charity ball was complete without Walt’s music, and his group regularly played at many private parties. He appeared as guest soloist with the Valley Symphony Orchestra and the Centennial Concert Band. He opened the new Ritz Carlton (now St. Regis) in Aspen, and played there for two years."