By David Murchland - Marshfield Now!
MARSHFIELD — A hometown musician with a passion for improvisation, authenticity and live performance is returning to central Wisconsin this week to share his music — and a message of love — with local audiences.
On a recent episode of the Marshfield Now! television program, Marshfield native Bruce Christensen joined host David Murchland to discuss his upcoming “Rock Concert of Love” performance at the Chestnut Center for the Arts on Friday, May 29.
Christensen, who now lives in Utah, described himself as an “acoustic jam rock” artist blending funk, blues, jazz and reggae influences into his performances. While many performers rely on backing tracks or computerized enhancements, Christensen emphasized that every sound audiences hear is created live on stage.
“I want real music, real live music and not computer-assisted stuff,” Christensen said during the interview.
Using a looping pedal, Christensen layers guitar, bass and vocal tracks in real time, creating the sound of a full band as a solo performer. He explained that the process requires precision timing and years of practice.
“If I don’t step on that looper exactly right in rhythm, it’s out of rhythm,” he said.
Christensen’s musical roots began early in Marshfield. He learned piano at age five from his mother, a piano teacher, before picking up guitar at age eight. One of his favorite memories came in 1980 when he performed with the Marshfield Marching Band during halftime at a Green Bay Packers game at Lambeau Field.
Today, Christensen performs close to 100 shows annually and also teaches guitar, piano, drums and other stringed instruments.
Friday’s concert at the Chestnut Center is expected to feature both original songs and creatively reimagined covers spanning several decades of music. Christensen said the evening will focus on upbeat rock songs rather than traditional ballads.
“Plan to come out and rock out,” he told viewers.
The concert will run from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Chestnut Center for the Arts, 208 S. Chestnut Ave. Advance tickets are available online and at the venue. Christensen encouraged audience participation, saying attendees should feel free to sing along — and even dance.
“We just want to share the love out there and have just a beautiful evening,” he said.
The Marshfield Now! interview concluded with Christensen performing an original acoustic song titled “Ski on the Moon,” inspired by his love of skiing and his move from Wisconsin to Utah.