Avery Nicholas Walls was born November 6, 2002 at MCI hospital in Independence Missouri. Shortly thereafter the hospital was torn down; Avery was a hard act to follow. He was born to parents Gary Shannon Walls and Amber Lynn Walls, who loved him from the first breath to the last. He was burdened early on in life by a rare heart condition called Wolf-Parkinson-White which caused his heart to beat at extremely high rates. He spent many of the first weeks of his life in and out of Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. The doctors and nurses there were amazing and loved and cared for him in a way that his parents had never experienced before or since from medical professionals. At the age of 3 ½ he had an ablation surgery to correct his defect, he went in for surgery early in the morning and by 10 PM that evening they discharged him because the hospital could no longer contain him, he was literally bouncing off the walls. For the next 17 years, Avery lived a life that was more full than most. He became a loving and caring brother to Ethan, Ian and Zachary Walls—he always was there to lend a hand or a hug when they needed that from their big brother. In 2008, Avery moved from Missouri with his family to Virginia. Avery passed away on 9/7/23 at the age of twenty from a heart attack that was unexpected and undeserved.
The Avery Walls Music Festival was born to both support the Walls Family through devastation and to raise awareness and support through the American Heart Association. Avery’s family has felt very humbled by the amazing support from the community of musicians here in River City as well, and they’re grateful that they can honor Avery and give back.
The Avery Walls Music Festival will be held on April 26, 2025 from noon to midnight at The Park RVA and will feature 9 of the area's most popular bands. Admission is free with all benefits going to the American Heart Association of Virginia. The event will feature not only great local music but also, indoor miniature golf, duckpin bowling, arcade games, raffles, VIP karaoke experience and great food & beverages. There is literally something for everyone and for all ages.
Taking the stage this year for the first time, the Festival is honored to have local Rock Royalty Monkey Fist! If you are familiar with the local music scene, these guys need no introduction!
Mark your calendars and visit https://averywallsmusicfestival.funraise.org for more details.