A Chat with Cristina Lynn: Concerts in Park Headliner

I recently caught up with my dear friend Cristina Lynn, who I first saw perform at probably my favorite restaurant of all time, 801 Franklin. Cristina would often play on Friday nights and my friends and I fell in love with not only her beautiful voice, but her sweet spirit. You can fall in love with her Monday night at the Arts Council’s Concerts in the Park, where she will be playing with Jeff Whitlow & the Old Barn Band.

She was gracious enough to talk to me for a bit and always it was a joy to be in contact with her.

How old were you when you first discovered your musical talent?

Christina: It sounds canned, but I’ve sang my whole life. I grew up singing in the church pew where I learned to love harmonies while singing alongside my sisters. I really found my voice right there!

Who have been your biggest influences–in music and in life?

Christina: In music there are many influences, but I always go to the great Mrs. Patsy Cline when it comes to vocals & delivery. She sang with such emotion & soul. When you hear a Patsy Cline song, you not only hear the magic in her voice, you feel every word she’s singing. Since I’m a songwriter, I also like to add Hank Williams, Sr. His lyrics were about life & love and so simple to understand. Oh to write like that one day!!!

As for a life influence, I’d have to say my Mom has been a big influence there. Growing up I realized that life is not always easy and we may not always make the right decisions but we push through and keep growing. Embrace life!

I couldn’t agree more! And if you’ve ever seen you perform, you embrace life with every note!

You have an amazing job, but what do you do for fun?

Christina: I am so lucky & blessed to get to do what I do! I have a wonderful husband, Kevin, and a Fantastic Little Man, Ethan, who is now 11 years old. I spend as much time with them and my friends & family. I enjoy cooking, volunteering & working with various causes around town. Doing for others energizes my soul!!

Tell me about performing at the Bluebird Cafe.

Christina: Every time I’m blessed to step onto the Bluebird stage, chills cover me. I always find myself thinking about the songs that have been sung straight from the songwriter’s heart. Songwriting is about sharing…… that’s what we do.

Tell me about all the projects you have in the works.

Christina: I’m different and so I decided that I guess everything I touch with my music should be a little different, too.

I’m so excited about a project I’m working on with a friend, Kimberly Lang, who writes Harlequin romance novels. You will soon see a few of my song lyrics included in a couple of her books. Kim and I will be taking our ‘Not So Average Soccer Mom’ creativity on the road soon. We are still brewing this project but please listen and be ready. We plan to have a load of fun and cannot wait for folks to join us!! If you are interested in bringing us into your venue, please contact us!

Christina Lynn at Stars dancing for HEALS — Christina dancing for HEALS

I also recently found out about a song writing contest that is looking for something inspiring, uplifting and geared towards our military. To enter, you have to submit a video. I have an original song, I Miss You, which I finished up with Chuck Rutenberg. I have been blessed to work with several soldiers and their families in the past. These kind people are graciously sharing their family photo memories to include in the video. I hope seeing real families saying ‘good-bye & welcome home’ will touch others as much as it does me!!

I was so blessed to dance for HEALS, Inc. in November 2011. I’m excited about working with this event again this year!! I will be the emcee for the night, November 5, 2012. This year we will be at Monaco Pictures, so pick up your tickets and help Huntsville City & Madison County kids.

I will also be a part of the St. Jude Walk again this year! I sang for the volunteers and walkers last year and really look forward to seeing them again this year!

When we can expect another awesome CD?

I’ve already been in the studio and have been writing a lot! The plan is for a Christina EP to hit 3rd quarter 2012. Around the same time Kimberly Lang and I begin promos. All the songs in her book will be on this CD. If everything lines up and I get busy, I’m also planning on a 5 song EP with a few of my favorite Christmas songs.

Hear Cristina at Concerts in the park

Cristina will be doing her magic at the Concerts in the Park Monday night, July 30th. Don’t miss your chance to hear this amazing musician and an even more amazing person!

Each Monday night in the summer months downtown Huntsville comes alive with music during Concerts In the Park. This 10-week free series is a co-production of The Arts Council and the City of Huntsville’s Department of Recreation Services and features a wide variety of sounds from some of the area’s most well-known musicians. The 2012 series begins on June 4 and continues through August 6.