About Lou Shields the creative artist
Being a creative artist, not only does Lou Shields continue the tradition of American music with his solo performances of music styles from days-gone-by, such as Old Time Blues, Folk, and American but he is an artist and Professor of Art at a college in the Chicago area.
Lou Shields playing the banjo
Yes, Lou Shields has been seen sitting on his front porch playing his 1931 National Resonator Guitar or a banjo accompanied by an unusual front porch style foot percussion and harmonica.
You can’t help but drift back to the past as Lou Shields uses his voice as an extension of the past.
He has toured the U.S. and Europe over many years and released at least five full albums and more.
But that isn’t all.. oh no.. this highly talented person finds time to work with wood and reclaimed materials.
He was always an outdoor type of personality even as a little boy. So, Lou Shields often found materials and antiques along the roadside when he wandered.
Lou Shields even owned an art gallery in Pilsen on 18th and Halsted. He continues to follow his love for woodworking as well as his love for music.
Lou Shields is always on the road
As Lou Shields traveled he would take pictures of things such as an old home in Mississippi and later draw it and then exhibits the pictures in gallery shows and sell prints, to help support his life on the road.
This, always on the go, musician and artist found time to buy property on a scenic bluff in Wisconsin.
Lou Shields Amish friends built a barn on his homestead for woodworking but envisions much, much more.
Lou Shields is able to balance city and country life as his heart is truly on the road. Loud Shield’s music’s brings happiness as he is an everyday hero.
Video Production: Rocko Productions
Review Written By: M. Cardinal
Date Written: Feb 27th, 2020
Your Everyday Hero: Lou Shields
Note From Your Everyday Heroes
While listening to this video, and watching the joy in Lou Shields voice, with him telling us, the viewer, how happy he was doing what he was doing.
It just re-enforces the fact that we’re doing something right.
We love sharing inspirational pieces like this because it helps remind us that we’re not alone.
The bit about needing his mom to come get him, because he was on his skateboard and ended up too far away from his house, reminded me of a time where i had ridden my bike to a point, where I had no idea where I was.
I knocked on a persons door, because I was lost, and asked to use their phone. I was about 12 years old at that time.
Lou Shields and the love he has for his music, is the same love we have for getting to share it with you.
Hopefully you’ve been entertained and book Lou Shields to play for you, it’ll be worth it. Invite us to come, we’ll check it out.
Creative Artist Lou Shields FAQs
Lou grew up in Chicago, living downtown or in the South Suburbs his entire life
He owned an art gallery in Pilsen on 18th and Halsted. Lou often creates his art from experiences on the road.
He will take a picture of an old home in Mississippi and then draw it later. Lou exhibits his art in Gallery shows or sells prints out of his merch box.
He often blends his art and music by creating album art and show posters for himself and other musicians.
In addition to being an artist, Lou is also a Professor of Art at a college in the Chicago-area.
He enjoys teaching young students about art appreciation and art history a few days a week.
1931 National Resonator Guitar or Banjo accompanied by a unique front porch style of foot percussion and harmonica, he uses his voice as an extension of the past.
In addition to Lou Shields, look for more stories of our musical everyday heroes:
Intro to everyday heroes – Meet the heroes
Child Musicians – Tomorrow’s music heroes
Good Vibe – Spreading tuba inspiration
Chicago Blues – Infectious smile
Feel Good Story – Banjo americana
