Willy Tea Taylor is a singer-songwriter whose music embodies the raw storytelling and heartfelt simplicity of folk and country traditions. Hailing from California, Taylor’s songs are rich with imagery, often reflecting themes of family, nature, and the open road. With his signature tenor guitar and a voice that carries both tenderness and grit, he has built a devoted following through his deeply personal songwriting and magnetic live performances. Whether performing solo or collaborating with fellow musicians, Taylor’s music resonates with an honesty that feels both timeless and deeply rooted in the human experience.

A Tribute to Michael Gardner 1991-2024

Michael Gardner was our dear friend and neighbor, Megan’s devoted brother and uncle to her children. Willy Tea Taylor was his favorite musician.

Michael Gardner (1991–2024) was a distinguished American alpinist, mountain guide, and big-mountain skier, celebrated for his pioneering spirit and significant contributions to the climbing community. Born in Ridgway, Colorado, he was a second-generation mountain guide, spending his formative years amidst the peaks of the Teton Range in Wyoming, the San Juans in Colorado, and the Himalayas.

Gardner's life was deeply intertwined with the mountains from an early age, often climbing alongside his father, George Gardner, who was also a mountain guide. This early exposure fostered a profound connection to the wild reaches of the planet, leading him to pursue adventures in Antarctica, Alaska, and the Himalayas.

As a professional, Gardner was affiliated with Exum Mountain Guides, following in his father's footsteps. His guiding career and personal expeditions took him to some of the world's most challenging terrains, where he was known for his skill, optimism, and adventurous spirit.

Tragically, Gardner's life was cut short on October 7, 2024, during an expedition in Nepal's Kanchenjunga region. While attempting a new route on the north face of Jannu East (7,468 meters) with his longtime climbing partner, Sam Hennessey, Gardner suffered a fatal fall. Despite search efforts, his body was not recovered.

Gardner's legacy is honored by the climbing community, remembering him as a passionate adventurer who lived fully amidst the mountains he loved. He is survived by his mother, Colleen, and sister, Megan.