Chris Lougeay

Chris fell in love with hard rock at a young age. Picking up the guitar at 9, a few years later he played his first gigs in heavy metal bands around Johnson City, Tn. After being exposed to the music of John McLaughlin, Chris developed his passion for jazz. Chris performed in a diverse range of ensembles while completing his degree in Jazz Performance at The Ohio State University. Styles as wide ranging from hip-hop to bluegrass were status quo. During this time, Chris also made a tour of Europe, performing in some of the top international jazz festivals including The Vienna, and Montreux Jazz Festivals. Upon earning his degree he started touring professionally on the blues prison circuit with bandleader James “Tommy” Thomas and The International Hustlers. Over the next three years Chris developed his technique and approach to his instrument with daily performances in front of thousands of inmates. In April of 2004, at age 24, Chris joined The Afrorican Ensemble. The adventurous latin jazz project performed at the Kennedy Center for the Arts, The Birmingham Jazz on 4th Ave. Festival, and many others. Chris left the band for a merit scholarship to Northern Illinois University, and studied with guitar virtuoso Fareed Haque for two years. Progress was intense and the time was capped with a tour of South America and a studio album. Chris brings an edge to the sound of any ensemble he performs with and his original groups are always exciting. He is also an active composer and educator of music.