Tribute concert to remember Larry Robinson

It's been a little over two years since musician Larry Robinson of Fallbrook was brutally killed as the result of a robbery in Temecula, but two things are very much thriving – the quest to find his killer and the legacy he left in the music world. To bring awareness to both of those, a free, outdoor tribute concert will take place in the heart of Fallbrook on Sunday, April 26.

Robinson's widow, Pat, and friend Robin Adler are organizing the event in which 15 musicians from Southern California will perform.

"They are all going to be doing Larry's original songs," said Pat. "Larry played with all of these musicians in his musical career. A couple of them are younger musicians who took lessons from him, or who were inspired by him and went on to become musicians themselves."

"Larry was a wonderful human being who contributed to the local music scene in Fallbrook; he hosted open mic nights to showcase all levels of talent here," said Adler. "He was someone who made a contribution; he allowed young people to get up and perform. I think that's quite a gift."

As is common for talented musicians, many of them will be traveling to Fallbrook following other performances they are committed to earlier in the day. And it's to honor Robinson's legacy in the music world.

"Most of them have gigs that day; some at the San Diego Street Fair," Pat explained. "They are all going to still make it and be here for this event. It's really, really special to me. They are driving here to make it happen."

Adler said the effort on the part of the musicians, "is a testament to Larry."

"They all cared about Larry; they see this as something important and they care about his music," said Adler. "He was a songwriter of songs that we could all kind of relate to; hometown songs; there is just something about his music, it's nostalgic."

To keep the search for Robinson's killer in the forefront, the one year anniversary of his death was marked by a memorial walk in Temecula. This year, awareness comes in the form of an extraordinary musical presentation.

"We want to continue reminding the community that his killer is still at large; that we are all vulnerable, because he was," Pat said. "By continuing to bring it back into the public eye, it gets people talking and hopefully might shake something loose where someone remembers something or hears something that will result in bringing justice to him. He was so loved and is still so loved."

Pat explained that she is continuing to mark the anniversary of Larry's death because "to not do so would be a lack of faith."

"This is not a cold case; it's still an active case and is being worked," she said. "Someone knows who did this. They didn't just drop off the face of the earth. Eventually, somebody will talk."

"Larry's death was such a tragedy; a horrible way for anybody to die," said Adler.

Larry Robinson, 64, was fatally wounded as a result of a robbery at Pete's Music Store in Old Town Temecula on Friday, March 22, 2013. The City of Temecula has posted a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible.

The Riverside County Sheriff's Dept. recently released sketches of two men that are wanted for questioning in the case. The men were seen in the music store prior to the assault. Information concerning these men should be directed to Investigator Baeza at (951) 955-2777.

At the tribute concert, Pat Robinson will show the crowd a tile that will be placed at the Village Square in Larry's memory.

"He loved Fallbrook and loved performing in this town," she said. "There is a lot of sentiment involved in this. In doing this, we feel pain, but we are remembering him in a beautiful way."

The concert will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Vince Ross Village Square (corner of Main and Alvarado). Significant turnout is expected, so early arrival is advised.

Robinson tribute concert performers:

• Jeff Lee - "California Troubadour," "Hey Bubba"
• Anthony Cullins and Curtis Price - "Play the Music Right"
• Jim Kruse - "Old Town Down"
• Evan Robinson (Larry's son) - "On the Road," "Old California Town," "Heart Swayin’ Man"
• Bryan Garofalo - "We Were Loud," "New Day"
• Jamie Olsen - "Doctors Orders"
• Nathan James - "Nickel and Dimer"
• Robin Adler and Dave Blackburn - "Nothing Dies Slower Than a Dream," "Steinbeck's Ghost," "Next to You"
• Jeff Berkley - "Fishing Shoes"
• Dave Beldock - "Let me down easy"
• Jeffrey Joe - "Penney on a Railroad Track," "Sailor"
• Joe Rathburn - "Baja Moon," "High Sierra Hideaway," "Japanese Camera"