The Power of Song in Democracy

Tuesday, July 14  |  6:30pm – 7:30pm  |  Performed by: Chris Vallillo  |  Free, registration required  |  Register for Power of Song

Popular music has always been a powerful tool to shape opinion and share the news of the day and is built into the DNA of our democracy. “The Power of Song in Democracy” is a celebration of our country’s 250th anniversary that explores how music was used as a political and social tool throughout the history of our nation. From the Revolutionary War, through the modern day struggles for equality and justice, music has been a potent tool to share ideas, inspire the public and create solidarity. Artist Chris Vallillo performs a wide range of music from the span of our nation’s history. Combining well-known and obscure pieces, Vallillo shares the music, history, and the back stories that shaped the course of our nation.

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 six-string and bottleneck slide guitars, Vallillo weaves original, contemporary, and traditional songs and narratives into compelling and entertaining portraits of the Midwest. Diary 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.”

Weather permitting, this concert will take place outside on the Civil War Museum Terrace.