Chris Vallillo’s Journey and Musical Performance ‘Forgottonia’

Chris Vallillo continues his musical journey with an upcoming performance at the 1700 Theater in Steppenwolf Theatre. He will collaborate with musicians Don Stiernberg on mandolin and Marc Edelstein on bass. Their music will be enhanced by black-and-white photos by Tim Schroll. The show comes under the title ‘Forgottonia.’ As Vallillo explained, ‘It’s like Bruce Springsteen meets the Prairie Home Companion.’

Vallillo’s early life was spent moving around due to his father’s civil engineering career. Born in Hammond, Indiana, he discovered his passion for music while living in New Castle, Pennsylvania. He began playing guitar in sixth grade, encouraged by his parents. He taught himself and honed his skills with college roommates. At Beloit College in Wisconsin, he studied archaeology but decided against pursuing a Ph.D. preferring fieldwork and focusing increasingly on music and storytelling.

Vallillo’s guitar playing flows like warm honey, an aural delight as noted by FolkWax editor Arthur Wood.

His work includes ‘Abraham Lincoln in Song,’ endorsed by the Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, and ‘Oh Freedom! Songs of the Civil Rights Movement,’ illustrating the motivational power of music during the movement.

‘Forgottonia’ emerged from an archaeological trip in 1976. He discovered an ‘independent nation’ conceptualized by residents of 16 western Illinois counties. Their strategic frustration addressed regional neglect by state and federal governments through plans of secession, war declaration, surrender, and request for foreign aid. This political theater attracted more investment and editorial sympathy from publications like the Tribune.

Through these experiences, Vallillo recognized the connection between music and the histories behind them. The songs for ‘Forgottonia’ began forming, gaining recognition on ‘The Midnight Special’ on WFMT-FM 98.7 and drawing praise for their vivid imagery and characters.

A musical exploration of stories and place that transports listeners to vibrant bygone times.

The show received grants and favorable reception in Illinois; it’s described as a ‘multi-media love letter’ to rural America. Chris Vallillo emphasizes folk music’s evolving nature, integral to everyday lives and struggles.

Vallillo’s live ‘Forgottonia’ performance integrates Don Stiernberg’s mandolin, Marc Edelstein’s bass, and Tim Schroll’s photographs. It will feature in Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theater’s LookOut Series, a significant step for Vallillo who, living in west-central Macomb with his family, persisted in bringing this rural narrative to Chicago.

‘I’m thrilled to see how urban audiences connect with a rural story,’ Vallillo expressed. Confident in the show’s impact, he reflects folk music’s dynamic and evolving presence.

Event Details:
‘Forgottonia’ will be presented at 7:30 p.m. on August 8 and 3 p.m. on August 9 as part of the LookOut Series at Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theater, 1700 N. Halsted St. For tickets and additional information, visit www.steppenwolf.org.