Chris Mangione hails from upstate New York and carries a rich musical legacy—he is, in fact, related to jazz legend Chuck Mangione. With nearly 50 years of experience on the guitar, Chris brings depth, nuance, and extraordinary skill to every performance.

He studied classical guitar at the College of Saint Rose and later dedicated himself to music education, teaching K–12 public school music before turning his focus fully to performing. His playing style blends the sophisticated jazz phrasing of Joe Pass with the precision and discipline of classical technique—a combination that gives his sound both elegance and emotional weight.

A devoted interpreter of the Great American Songbook, Chris has a special gift for accompanying vocalists, creating warm and textured musical landscapes that elevate every performance. These days, you’ll often find him sharing the stage with some of the finest musicians in the Black Hills, adding his signature touch to an array of local performances.