CANCELLED: Live Music: Chris Corkery

This event has been cancelled.

Tunesmith Chris Corkery set to begin work on tracks for new studio recording 

Singer-songwriter Chris Corkery pours a lot of heart and soul into his music.

“Music saved my life in a lot of ways for many years,” he told WGLT-FM radio in Bloomington-Normal during a 2018 interview.

The central Illinois native sharpened his singing and guitar-playing skills performing for audiences throughout central Illinois and beyond. Corkery delivers gritty blues, foot-stomping honky-tonks and moving ballads with captivating urgency and earnestness.

Corkery performs his original songs as well as covers by a range of artists. His style blends elements of roots, rock, country and other genres. He is an integral part of a musical scene that has produced the likes of Edward David Anderson and Chicago Farmer.

Anderson is set to produce new studio recordings by Corkery during summer 2020.

“I have always wanted to do a record with Ed,” Corkery said. “I’ve always looked up to him musically.”

Corkery is signed to Otarikai Records, which released his 14-track collection of live recordings in 2019, “The Gill Street Sessions.”

His songwriting explores themes from life on the road as a performer to being a divorced father. Corkery’s tunes seem to capture moments in time. The notes on his guitar ring with years of playing experience, and his lyrics convey honest emotion.

“I think Ed will grab the somberness of the songs, the natural melody of the tunes,” Corkery said.

The studio work will showcase the depth and beauty of some of Corkery’s ballads. His live performances tend to feature more uptempo numbers. During the course of his career Corkery has opened for Sturgill Simpson, Cody Jinks, Shooter Jennings and others.

Corkery has been performing since 2000 and previously fronted the heartland rock group The Dirty Hands Band. He has performed as a solo artist since 2010 but regularly collaborates with other musicians.

No cover charge. Musicians play for tips. In the case of inclement weather, event will be cancelled.