Along the emotional journey, Arellano never forgets the people and places that inspired him, including Oregon. “I have a lot of roots here,” he said.  “It’s exciting to know that things are starting to happen here.” – 1859 MAGAZINE

(Hillsboro, Oregon) – Chris Arellano’s deeply personal Americana weaves together the Norteño music of his Northern New Mexico upbringing with Alternative Country and Blues influences—for a signature style that he calls Nuevo Americana.  A talented singer, songwriter and performer, Arellano will be joined by his daughter Jaden and brother Rodney for a concert at the Walters Cultural Arts Center in Hillsboro – 527 East Main St., on Friday, November 3, at 7:30 p.m.  Fused with song and story, Spanish and English, his transcendent lyrics move listeners with emotion and passion.  Tickets are $12 in advance and $16 day of show and are available at www.chrisarellano.brownpapertickets.com or by calling 503-615-3485.  Beer, wine, and concessions will be available in the lobby before the show and during intermission from local favorite Longbottom Coffee and Tea.

“Norteño music is traditional Spanish/Mexican folk songs played with electric instruments,” Arellano explains –   “Consisting of Rancheras (folk) – Cumbias (dance songs)- Corridos (story songs).  My Brother and I grew up in Northern New Mexico playing music with our Dad who taught himself, then us, to play traditional Spanish songs.  My Dad was well known and respected songwriter and also loved Country music so he passed that down to us.”

Chris Arellano: In Oregon A Teacher, In New Mexico A Star – OPB / KLCC

FROM OPB: While a well-regarded teacher and guitarist, Chris is not a household name in Oregon, but in New Mexico he can pack a concert hall. At KANW radio in Albuquerque program director Kevin Otero says Arellano has the best-selling album at the station’s music store.  “Here in New Mexico Chris is viewed as a rising star,” Otero said. “You can really hear the emotion and passion.”

Otero says Arellano is invigorating New Mexico Spanish music by doing things like a version of the traditional “Puño de Tierra” with an arrangement that Arellano says was inspired by John Prine. Chris says the album — called Chris J. Arellano — follows his musical journey from childhood in New Mexico to time as a session player in Nashville to Oregon.

“I just wanted to play music that I loved,” he said. “I didn’t care if it was country. I didn’t care if it was blues. I didn’t care if it was Spanish.  I didn’t have any expectations I just wanted to record a project that I was proud of.”

Arellano has always been connected to music.  From Costilla, New Mexico  –  he was part of a musical family – and at an early age took great influence from  performing with his parents and brother in the family band throughout Northern New Mexico and Colorado.  After high school Chris attended Musician’s Institute in LA, and the age of 20 won the Nashville Spotlight Talent Contest sending him to perform at the infamous Grand Ol’ Opry.  His career took off in Nashville, where he signed development deal to record an album and subsequently spent years touring and recording. Chris’ ability to play multiple stringed instruments also kept him busy as a Nashville session musician and Producer.In 2001 Chris moved to Oregon and opened MusiCafe Rock School where he found a passion for teaching music, working with students of all ages and this inspired him to start an annual summer music camp back in his New Mexico hometown.  Sharing his time between Oregon, Austin and Nashville, Arellano has been touring to support his latest self-titled release.  chrisjarellano.com

The Walters is a ground-breaking home for creativity and culture providing expanded opportunities for the entire metro area community, including increased access to exceptional performing and fine arts experiences located just two blocks off the MAX Blue line in historic downtown Hillsboro. Many thanks go to Walters Concert series Sponsor,The Orenco Hotel and First Tuesday sponsor, Decadent Creations Bakery — whose generosity and support have made it possible to enhance the Arts Center’s offerings and services.

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The Walters Cultural Arts Center is a premier west side visual arts and performance facility.  Part of the City of Hillsboro Parks & Recreation department, the Walters is home to a 200 seat state-of-the-art performance and event space, art galleries and studio space dedicated to workshops and classes representing a wide variety of art forms. Each season the Walters’ eclectic concert series grows, featuring local, national and international artists.  The Walters also hosts free events including First Tuesday Gallery Openings, Open Mic Poetry Night and the Spoken Word Series.