Evan Christian: Stalwart Sustainability Supporter Ready to Rock the Green
It’s hard to think of Rock the Green or the Milwaukee music community without thinking about Evan Christian. The savvy veteran to Milwaukee’s music scene has played just about every venue around town, and is a household name in the music scene. Christian headlined the Rock the Green Earth Day performance back in April, playing to an enthusiastic crowd of Milwaukeeans, including Mayor Tom Barrett.
His soulful voice and excellent guitar work make his music easy to connect with. In fact, Christian’s trademark flamenco style of guitar has earned him accolades locally, nationally and even across the pond in Spain where Christian once lived. Christian’s musical style has melded elements of roots rock, soul, blues and even reggae into his compositions.
Christian is keeping busy these days not only playing gigs, but also working on his soon-to-open jazz club “Gibraltar” in the Walker’s Point neighborhood. In spite of his busy schedule, we had a chance to chat with Evan Christian about his music and his thoughts about sustainability with his upcoming gig at Rock the Green approaching.
Rock the Green: How would you describe your sound?
Evan Christian: Lately I would describe it as "bluesy".
Rock the Green: You have been a Milwaukee institution in the music scene for many years now. What have been some of your favorite concert memories playing in and around Milwaukee?
Christian: Opening for Amos Lee at Summerfest three years ago was a definite highlight. I also have been honored to have opened the Rock the Green shows over the past several years. Rock the Green is one of my favorite gigs to play.
Rock the Green: What should fans expect when they see you at Rock The Green?
Christian: They'll see me playing first acoustic and then with my blues/rock trio. They'll hear originals that are unreleased at the moment too, which should be fun to play as well as for the audience to hear.
Rock the Green: Are there other artists on the Rock The Green line-up you're especially excited to see or collaborate with?
Christian: I'm excited about all of them but stoked to see Trapper Schoepp because they are all from here.
Rock the Green: You have a history of performing at Rock the Green events, like last year’s Earth Day celebration. How did that gig go?
Christian: Earth Day went great. It was such an awesome friendly crowd and a great cause too!
Rock the Green: As you know, the focus of Rock the Green is sustainability. Why is sustainability important to you as an artist?
Christian: I think it is very important. Anytime and anyway we can bring awareness to the preservation of our environment is a great thing in my opinion. It's important because living in harmony with our surroundings is something that should be taken seriously in my opinion.
Rock the Green: Are there any particular things that you do when you are touring to “rock the green?” If so, could you please share some.
Christian: I try to do practical things like disposing of my trash properly and being mindful of how much trash I am creating. If there's a less wasteful option I try to take it.
Rock the Green: Do you have any advice to concert attendees or folks reading this blog about simple ways people can be more mindful about sustainability?
Christian: To be open minded and supportive of the cause because it's of benefit to all of us.
Evan Christian will have the honor of opening the Rock the Green festival at 1:00 p.m. on the main stage and will also play a set at the Pedal Power Stage at (insert set time). You don’t want to miss one of Milwaukee’s great musical treasures!
