Biography

Charlie Christopherson
Midnight Lightning
Guitarist, Singer/Song Writer

"You can have all the technical skills, but the music has to flow from the heart. Music is an expression of the soul."
- Charlie Christopherson

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.

"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.

Charlie Christopherson plays thirteen consecutive years at Fat Fish Blue Cleveland as a "Fat Fish Blue Favorite".

Regular performances at "Fat Fish Blue", Cleveland, Ohio.

Seattle, WA
Charlie performs 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. Seattle Wa.

Memphis, TN
Charlie plays at B.B. King's club on Beale Street, with the Jimi Hendrix Red House tour. Memphis, Tn.

Cleveland, OH
Belkin Productions adds Charlie to the Robin Trower Concert at the Odeon Concert Hall, Cleveland, Ohio.

Charlie meets with Robin Trower at the Odeon Concert Hall, Cleveland, Oh.

Levon Helm, Bob Dylan's drummer, and member of "The band", invites Charlie to open shows for his new band "Barn Burners."

Legendary Blues Hall of Famer, Robert Lockwood Jr., regularly invites Charlie to play with his band the "Allstars."

Robert Lockwood Jr. introduces Charlie to B.B King at the Palace Theater, Cleveland, Oh.

Akron, OH
Charlie's band "Midnight Lightning" teams up with "Centrak Laser" for a spectacular Concert and Laser show at the Highland Theater, Akron, Oh.

Boston, MA
Regularly performs with blues, jazz and rock groups on the East coast.

Erie, PA
Charlie Christopherson and Midnight Lightning play three consecutive years at the Erie Summer festival of the arts.

Charlie and his band perform a benefit show at the Willoughby School of Fine Arts

Charlie Christopherson and Midnight Lightning play on the Main Stage of the Tower City Amphitheater, Cleveland Ohio.

Charlie and his band Midnight Lightning open for Robert Cray and Buddy Guy at the Tower City Amphitheater, Cleveland, Ohio.

 Charlie is currently working on an exciting new recording project and CD, to be released this Spring, 2016.