INTRODUCING OUR MUSICAL DIRECTOR IN RESIDENCE
|
 |
CHRIS FORTE
Recently returned from his fourth tour with Mannheim Steamroller, Chris Forte is an awarded guitarist, artist, and multi-instrumentalist, hailing from Chicago. In 2023, Chris played Guitar 1 in a re-boot of The Who's Tommy at The Goodman Theatre. During that run he had the opportunity to perform twice for the maestro himself, Pete Townshend. The following summer (2024), he was the first ever guitarist for Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, with a brand-new score by Jason Robert Brown, now headed for Broadway. In November, 2024, Chris released an EP with his new Jam Jazz Funk trio, Forte Beers Merar. He is also now the Production Manager of SoundTracks of a Generation, and MD/performer for their Aretha Franklin tribute, RESPECT!
Additional accolades for Chris include having one of his original songs, The Tomahawk, featured on the ABC TV Show, Shark Tank, winning the Albert King Award for his lead guitar playing at the International Blues Challenge in 2000, in Memphis, TN. He has also recorded and performed with The Memphis Horns, Wayne Jackson and Andrew Love. In 2021, Chris released a 14-song independent CD, titled Backyard Astronomy, his second full length release.
Chris has been Adjunct Faculty in the Music Department at Columbia College Chicago for 17 years, teaching Guitar Techniques, private Guitar lessons, and arranging for the Guitar Ensemble. As well, he teaches guitar out of his home and over zoom.
In addition to his musical undertakings and achievements, Chris is a devoted family man, married for over 18 years to his wife, Kristin, with 2 beautiful children that he considers his greatest life accomplishments.
|
|
|
