Rich Armstrong was born in Long Beach, CA, is an avid surfer (a regular fixture in the Fort Point lineup) and has enormous respect for some of his musical heroes, who include Miles Davis, Kenny Garrett, Donny Hathaway, Victor Wooten and Louis Armstrong.  At a young age he set out to become a touring musician, received his BA in Trumpet Performance at San Francisco State University and studied with Joe Alessi while also performing at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Early on in his career he toured the U.S. as the Principal Soprano Bugle in the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum & Bugle Corps (84-87) and played with the "King's of Komedy" street band at Paramount's Great America (86-92). In 1988 he joined the Wall Street Band (a top SF Bay Area cover band) and still performs with them today. From 1993 to 1994 he became lead singer of "Rock the House" (Pop Stage Show) at Paramount’s' Great America which became a major turning point in his career. 

Just after discovering his vocal talents, he realized his long-standing dream of touring and joined forces with Michelle Shocked , touring the U.S. and Europe. Currently, Armstrong is a touring multi-instrumentalist, mostly known for his effected and looped trumpet/flugel, congas, bongos, percussion, rhythm guitar, bass, and also sings lead and background vocals. On occasion, he’ll whip out the harmonica, mandolin, keyboards, DJ turntables, electric percussion pads, and even washboard. Whatever each song requires of him! He is featured on Shocked’s "Dub Natural/Deep Natural" double album and also on two of the “Threesome” CDs “Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Mexican Standoff”. With her, he has toured every major city in the US, Canada, Europe, and Australia, and even was featured as a duo in the largest music festival in Tai Pei. 

His new solo album, executive produced by Michelle Shocked, is called "Rich's Life Pageant" and is a voyeuristic journey of his life utilizing trumpet tone poems. “That's right folks, only the trumpet and occasional background noise, including the birth of my beautiful daughter, Anika ” says Armstrong, quite the proud father!  

Earlier this year Armstrong performed with Bruce Springsteen and was showcased by “The Boss” in an impromptu solo on stage at the NYC guitar festival. 

Other recent highlights:
-Recorded horns for Tony, Toni, Tone's live show
-Toured the U.S. with guitarist Joyce Cooling  on trumpet, vocals and percussion
-Toured with Boz Scaggs, all through the U.S. and Japan culminating in a live DVD and album entitled "Greatest Hits: Live!"
-Recorded section horns and solos for Hot House Flowers new album (Into Your Heart)
-Recorded trombone and trumpet with the top underground rap group,  Lyrics Born  
Later That Day
- sat in with Tower of Power, Ozomatli, Spearhead, Los Mocosos, and Clair Dee.
-Currently on the road with Lydia Pense & Cold Blood supporting the new CD, Transfusion Rich is working on a full-length vocal album which features his lead vocal talents and band leader skills, while at the same time preparing for a gig in Russia to perform in an all-star band comprised of Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson, and Boz Scaggs alumni.