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"Forgottonia," A Musical Love Letter to Rural Illinois
The name "Forgottonia" first came to Western Illinois in 1972 when sixteen counties declared the creation of the independent nation of Forgottionia in protest of the lack of tax dollars returning to the region. When Chris Vallillo traveled to this region in 1976 as an archaeologist, he says it was "like stepping back in time 40 years."
Chris' performance combines music, storytelling, and historically accurate narratives. Along with the performance, Vallillo will speak to the history and backstories of songs that document, reflect, and validate rural lives, reinforcing these communities’ sense of commitment and worth.
A former archaeologist turned musician and folklorist, Vallillo is a self-taught musician who learned to play slide on a $2.00 turn of the century parlor guitar (with a warped neck)! As a multi-instrumentalist, Vallillo performs masterful fingerstyle and slide guitar. His music digs deep into the foundations of rural music with respect for tradition that doesn't feel stuck in the past. And yes, his hair is real.
Joining Chris on stage will be Don Stiernberg on mandolin and Marc Edelstein on bass.
Don Stiernberg is heralded as one of the world's leading mandolin virtuosos. The Chicago Tribune recognized "Don Stiernberg's improvising is a never-ending of riveting ideas that are distinctively his own."
Marc Edelstein is devoted to American roots music, and he avidly promoted and performed in folk, bluegrass, country, western swing, rockabilly, gypsy jazz, and rock and roll projects.
Event Links
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/2934943-0
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/2934943-2
