Biography
Born in Ohio, Joe Chilcote grew up in Allentown and Macungie, PA. Joe is a veteran, a cancer survivor, a grandfather, a canine professional, and an entrepreneur, formerly in professional sound. In what seems like a lifetime ago, he was one of two lead singers in the High Street Band out of Bethlehem, PA during the reign of Gandolf, Magnum, Vagabond, and many other excellent bands of the time. After a long hiatus and retiring from his work, Joe decided to take his performing skills back to the public!
A graduate of the Institute of Audio Research (IAR) in NYC for the recording arts and sciences, Joe had a passion for the recording studio. However, life ultimately took him in a different direction. He served a higher calling in the church market, where he spent the next 30 years specializing in the design, installation, and repair of high-end sound reinforcement systems for houses of worship.
His company was also heavily involved with various sound system needs for Kutztown University, where he provided permanent and temporary sound systems all over the campus. He set up and ran sound for 44 graduation ceremonies at the university - alone, where six to twelve thousand attendees gathered!
Over many years, Joe also studied and sculpted his tenor singing voice, which eventually led him into the light operatic genre, with teachers and coaches from the prestigious Juilliard School of Music. Joe spent many years singing as a Christian vocalist in church choral groups, and soloed at church services, weddings, funerals, and retirement homes.
And now, the high crooner is back as the “Strummin’ Balladeer,” a solo acoustic player and vocalist. What sets Joe apart from other performers is his “vocal range and power.”
Joe is returning to his roots (if he ever really left). Joe loves the Blues, Southern Rock, and songs of the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s. He guarantees listeners will enjoy the songs he plays - the ones we grew up with and he “loves” when people let go of their inhibitions after a long, hard week and unwind, dance, and sing along! Don’t miss his next performance; it will be refreshing .. and fun!