Legendary Songwriter Performing Thursday at Illinois State Museum

ISM Location: Springfield

For Immediate Release:

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Music at the Museum Concert Series welcomes legendary singer/songwriter Julie Christensen to the stage this Thursday, August 9 at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium of the Illinois State Museum in Springfield.  Christensen, who’s authored five independent albums and sung with everyone from Leonard Cohen to Lou Reed, has surrounded herself with a team of amazing players.  Guitarists Sergio Webb and Chris Tench flank Christensen at the front. As Tench creates the ideal sonic landscape, Webb populates it with one stunning surprise after another. 

Christensen’s own musical odyssey is as varied as the kinds of songs she can deliver. Born and raised in Iowa, she headed to Austin in the late 1970s, then to Los Angeles in 1981. There she met and married Chris Desjardins, and together they formed Divine Horsemen, a band whose sound she likens to “Beggars Banquet-era Stones.”  From 1988-1993, Christensen toured the world with Leonard Cohen as one of two featured backup singers. Along the way, she’s worked with Iggy Pop, Public Image Ltd, Todd Rundgren, John Doe, Exene Cervenka, k.d. lang, and more.

Her music has been described as an intoxicating blend of gritty roots rock and old-school soul.  Her voice has amazing range, her own songs are little gems, and her choice in material is assured.   Over 35 years into her professional career, the singer sounds fully at home in the middle of the Americana movement, but at the same time remains very much her own person.

The Music at the Museum Concerts are hosted by Illinois singer/songwriter Chris Vallillo and take place the second Thursday of the month at the Illinois State Museum Auditorium. Concerts start at 7:00 p.m. Admission is $10.00 for adults and $8.00 for museum members and kids under 12.   There will be a variety of desserts and drinks available during the break. 

You can see the full 2018 Music at the Museum schedule at www.museumconcerts.com.  The Illinois State Museum is located at 502 S. Spring St., Springfield, IL 62706.  For additional information call the Illinois State Museum at (217) 782-0979.

Contact Person: Karen Everingham

Contact Email: karen.everingham@illinois.gov

Contact Phone: 217.782.5949

Release File (pdf): ism-musicaug2018.pdf

Release File (doc): ism-musicaug2018.docx