Frankfort’s Chase Walsh may only be 15, but he’s already an
accomplished songwriter and performer who has just released his first
collection of original studio recordings.
The Lincoln-Way East High School sophomore is set to make one
of his most high-profile performances to date at the third annual Hopstring
Fest Aug. 23 at Silver Cross Field in Joliet. Walsh is set to play from 2:45 to
3:05 p.m. on the Deschutes Brewery Stage, one of two side stages showcasing
local talent at this year’s festival.
Walsh studies guitar with Kev Wright of
New Lenox, guitarist for The Righteous Hillbillies, one of Hopstring’s
mainstage performers. Hopstring is headlined this year by rock band Cracker,
known for such hits as “Get Off This,” “Low,” “Teen Angst,” “Happy Birthday To
Me” and “Euro-Trash Girl.”
Tickets for the 12-hour celebration of
live music, food and craft beer are $20 in advance and available through hopstringfest.com. Tickets will be $30 at the door, but the fest could sell out and there is no guarantee tickets will be available on the day of the event.
Walsh’s discovered music at age 5 when his late uncle, Kevin Walsh, introduced
him to guitar. He wrote his first song at age 10 after his uncle passed
away unexpectedly.
“While my life is full of positive influences, inspiring teachers, good
friends and family, this was the first loss of someone so close and the
emotions I experienced at that point of my life encouraged me to create a
lasting melody in his honor,” Chase says. “From that point on, I used everyday
life experiences to craft my ideas for my lyrics and music.”
Wright and fellow Righteous Hillbilly Brent James helped Walsh record
his debut studio EP, “Your Friend the Robber.” The just-released collection of
six originals showcases Chase’s accomplished guitar playing and earnest vocals
and songwriting. The collection is available on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and
more. Learn more at chasepatrickwalsh.com.
“Chase is a very talented young musician and songwriter,” Wright says.
“We’ve been working together for more than three years and he’s shown real
growth as an artist. His singing, playing and songwriting have come a long
way.”
About Kev, Chase says, “Not only is he a talented musician, he is my
friend, and my mentor. He believes in my abilities and my message. He is a true
inspiration.”
In addition to playing acoustic and electric guitar, Chase has learned
to play mandolin, ukulele, banjo, piano and drums. With the Lincoln-Way East
Strings Orchestra he is now studying violin, cello, and upright string bass
under director Michelle Freeland.
“Training with the orchestra has opened my eyes to the fascinating world
of classical music and now I try to find ways to adopt those unique sounds into
my more core contemporary melodies,” Chase says.
Chase already has an amazing fan base both locally and throughout the
world, with more than 37,000 followers on the popular video app, Vine. You can
also find him on social media outlets like Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
Chase’s vision for his own original tunes stem from classic songwriters
like Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix while incorporating the pop-punk acoustic
styles of Never Shout Never, The Maine and Jack White. He has performed live to
large audiences at Chicago Street Pub in Joliet, The Barn in Manhattan, Tribes
Alehouse in Mokena and other venues.
In addition to his musical endeavors, Chase is also active in sports at
Lincoln-Way East. He cherishes his time with family and friends and never
passes up an opportunity to get their input on his latest songs and ideas. He
also loves drawing, designing his own album covers, and writes poetry and short
stories.
If You Go
What:
Hopstring Fest
When:
Saturday, Aug. 23, 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Where:
Silver Cross Field, 1 Mayor Art Schultz Drive, Joliet
Who: Local
talent and headline bands like Cracker
How much:
Tickets are $20/presale, $30/door
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