Event Details
The life of Abraham Lincoln spanned a period of change, growth and struggle in our young nation, and the music of his era characterizes these remarkable times. From his days as a flat-boater, through his time at New Salem, his years as a circuit lawyer and on up through his presidency, Lincoln’s life is a microcosm of the development of Illinois during that period.
"Abraham Lincoln in Song" helps shed light on one of history’s most beloved figures “not only as a remarkable leader, but as a man,” who knew and loved many of these very songs himself. Special emphasis is placed on showing Lincoln's unique bond with the common man and his desire for reconciliation, not revenge. It is an extensively researched, historically accurate program. Our special guest, Chris Vallillo, uses period music Lincoln may well have known and sung, and tells Lincoln's own stories to illustrate his life and put it into context.
Chris Vallillo is a singer/songwriter and roots musician who makes the people and places of “unmetropolitan” America come to life in song. Having spent the last 30 years in the rural Midwest, he has a natural affinity for American roots music. Performing on sixstring and bottleneck slide guitars, Vallillo weaves original, contemporary, and traditional songs and narratives into a compelling and entertaining portraits of the Midwest. Dirty Linen Magazine described the music as, “vivid, original story songs” while Folk Wax Magazine Editor, Arthur Wood said “Vallillo’s guitar playing flows like warm honey and is a true aural delight.”
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