Charlie Christopherson demonstrates his fluid technical skill and heart-felt soul as a result of a lifetime of music. Born in Cleveland to Robert, a violinist in the Cleveland Orchestra, and Rosemary, a concert pianist who still teaches piano, Christopherson, his three older brothers and younger sister each found a place for music in their lives.
Christopherson's technical proficiency derives from classical violin training from ages six through 12. He studied music theory at the Cleveland Institute of Music. As a natural transition from his formal training, at age 13, he was inspired by Jimi Hendrix's music and began to play the guitar. His commitment and desire to play comes from an absolute love of Hendrix's music. Christopherson also studied engineering basics at Beachwood Recording Studios.
Winner of the Jimi Hendrix/Fender Electric Guitar competition regional semi-finals, Christopherson joined a star-studded cast at the Hendrix Festival in Seattle, Washington. Jimi Hendrix's father, Al, who was in attendance at the Midwest regional semi-finals, presented Christopherson with an autographed Fender Stratocaster. Christopherson also won a scholarship to the musician institute in Hollywood, California.
"I like mixing it up," drawls Christopherson in his soft-spoken voice that gives no clue to his vocal abilities. He refers to playing with various musicians, on various stages where he integrates his skills into blues, rock, and jazz formats. Surrounded by musical influences, he plays with blues, jazz, and rock groups throughout the country, and Europe.
Christopherson met former Hendrix band member, Billy Cox, at a Hendrix tribute in Chicago. So impressed was Cox with Christopherson's talent that on Cox's tour stop in Cleveland, Christopherson and Midnight Lighting shared the bill. Christopherson has frequently played with the legendary Robert Lockwood, Jr.'s Allstar Band.
A release of Christopherson's first CD, "Good and Plenty", has already earned him much acclaim. Also now available, is his second CD, "Going Downtown." Christopherson's two CD's have received excellent reviews, and have been played on major radio stations.
A few of his recent performances include:
Regular performances at "Fat Fish Blue", Cleveland, Ohio.
Seattle, WA
Charlie performed with a star-studded cast, including Slash from "Guns and Roses", Stanley Jordan, Keb Mo, and Hendrix's original "Band of Gypsies" members Billy Cox and Buddy Miles. January
Memphis, TN
Charlie plays B.B. King's club on Beale Street as part of the Hendrix's Red House tour.
Akron, OH
Charlie's band "Midnight Lightning" teams up with "Centrak Laser" for a spectacular concert and laser show at the Highland Theater. A live video was produced, and is available from this event. April
Boston, MA
Regularly performs with blues, jazz and rock groups on the East coast.
Erie, PA
Midnight Lightning played three consecutive years at the Erie Summer festival of the arts.
Cleveland, OH
Belkin Productions adds Charlie to the Robin Trower concert at the Odeon concert hall.
Charlie and his band perform a benefit show at the Willoughby School of Fine Arts
Levon Helm, Bob Dylan's drummer, and member of "The band", invites Charlie to open show for his new band "Barn Burners."
Legendary blues Hall of Famer, Robert Lockwood Jr., regularly invites Charlie to play with his band the "Allstars." He also invites Charlie to meet B.B. King.
Charlie plays the main stage at Tower City Amphitheater along with Robert Cray and Buddy Guy.
