In the past year, a soft-spoken man who says he “can’t play an instrument or sing a note” has become one of the most important figures in Vashon’s vibrant music scene.

Pete Welch, who jokingly sometimes calls himself “the man behind the curtain,” has been in charge of booking music acts at Red Bicycle Bistro and Sushi since May 2008, a few months after the restaurant, formerly called Bishops, was purchased and re-named by new owners.

It’s a job Welch clearly loves, despite the fact that he also works full-time as a production manager and buyer for a speciality apparel company in Rainier Valley.

On a recent Thursday evening, after a long day that started with an early morning commute to Seattle, Welch sat at a table at the bistro, consulting a calendar and paging through a binder that contained promotional materials about bands. He also thumbed through a thick stack of e-mail printouts, which he had meticulously organized to keep track of his correspondence with musicians and bands he’d like to book in the next few months.

And even though Welch’s long black hair has few streaks of gray and he’d been up since 3:30 a.m., his energy level and bright smile seemed more like a teenager’s as he spoke about all the events coming up at the Bike and his plans for the future.

“I’m very busy with all this,” Welch said, “because I want to do it 110 percent. I want to do it right.”

Welch not only books and negotiates payments for the bands that play at the Bike, but he is also in charge of all the details for each show, including marketing, publicity and the technical demands of each production.

Under Welch’s tenure at the Bistro, the Bike’s stage has been filled with music every weekend, with back-to-back shows on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Lately, Welch has begun to expand the Bike’s offerings, adding piano music and deejayed shows on some weekday evenings.

Most of the shows are free of charge, another change made by Welch that has brought an increasing number of people through the doors of the Bike.

“For me, it’s been really cool to diversify and bring in bands that different groups of people would like,” Welch said.

Welch’s ecumenical approach is evident by the range of acts that have played at the venue in the past year. The lineup has included blues guitarists, roots reggae bands, rockers, hip-hop artists, world music acts and even a flamenco dance troupe.

Welch also keeps a sharp eye on local bands, reserving Sunday evenings at the Bike for all-ages shows that boast the rich array of Island musical talent.

It’s a community Welch knows well.

Since moving to the Island 10 year ago, Welch has been a vital part of Vashon’s music scene. Soon after his arrival on the Island, Welch began booking bands to play at Island Earthfair, the festival that took place at Paradise Ridge Park for many years.

He has also worked as a booking manager and behind-the-scenes advisor to Trolls Cottage and Subconscious Population, two well-known Island bands.

Ron Hook, the legendary frontman for Subconscious Population, described Welch in glowing terms.

“He’s the biggest music fan in the world, and that coupled with his communication skills just brings out the best in everybody,” Hook said. “He’s the right person in the right place with the right attitude, with the sincerity that makes everybody feel comfortable. He’s not faking it, he’s the real thing, and what musician wouldn’t appreciate that?”

Bob Krinsky, an attorney who is also a fixture on the Island music scene, agrees with Hook.

“He’s tireless, and passionate in his love for music,” Krinsky said. “Ever since I first met Pete, he’s been inspiring the Island’s musicians.”