The Power of Song in Democracy With Chris Vallillo

Chris Vallillo celebrates America’s 250th anniversary by exploring how music has shaped public opinion and social change from the Revolutionary War to modern protest songs. Through familiar and lesser-known songs, Vallillo shares the stories behind the music that helped shape our nation. Adults and teens.

Popular music has always been a powerful tool in shaping public opinion and sharing the news of the day. It is built into the DNA of our democracy. Chris Vallillo's celebrates our country's 250th anniversary by exploring how music has been used as a political and social tool throughout the history of our nation.

Vallillo will perform a wide range of music from the Revolutionary War through the political songs of the 19th century and the dust bowl ballads of Woody Guthrie right on up to the protest songs of the '50s, '60s and today. Including well known pieces with obscure ones, Vallillo will share the music, history and the back stories of the music that shaped the course of our nation. 

A singer-songwriter and instrumentalist with an affinity for American roots music, Vallillo is a skilled six-string and bottleneck slide guitarist who incorporates original and traditional material in his performances. Perhaps the archaeology degree Vallillo earned at Beloit College helped him see the important little details of life which imbue his songs with a sense of history. His music echoes the influences of Mississippi John Hurt, Norman Blake, Doc Watson and John Fahey.

Adults and teens.

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