COUNTRY VS. TOWN: EMILY CAMPBELL

EMILY CAMPBELL was born in New York City, while her father was completing his oncology residency at Sloan Kettering Hospital, and her mother was pursuing her PhD at Columbia University.

The family moved to Connecticut and then to Spartanburg, South Carolina. Emily’s childhood was filled with every sort of activity, many of which she still excels in today. Musically, she studied piano, cello, and singing. Athletic pursuits included soccer, ballet, tennis, and swimming. She continues to nurture her creative interests, including writing poetry, photography, videography, and painting.

In high school Emily was a featured dancer on a European orchestra tour and took on the leading role in the musical her senior year, which deepened her appreciation for the performing arts. “A friend once mentioned that I have a ‘quintuple Leo’ astrological chart, which might explain my comfort with performing,” she says.

While attending Washington University in St. Louis, Emily double majored in Vocal Performance and English Literature while participating in several operatic productions and singing in an a cappella group, The Greenleafs. This joyful experience created life-long friendships and wonderful memories, including performing the national anthem at St. Louis Cardinals games. Somehow, Emily found time for mountain biking and ultimate frisbee, and even studied abroad in Arezzo, Italy.

“My love for music and the auditory arts led me to graduate school in Audiology at Washington University School of Medicine. For over a decade, I practiced and trained clinicians in Illinois and California on hearing aid technology to enhance the auditory experiences of those in need,” she says. Emily recently returned to audiology part-time as part of a Duly Health and Care practice.

Emily is married to Brent Campbell, a Hinsdale native, and they have two wonderful sons, Matthew, who is 12, and Daniel, who is 10. Emily’s parents relocated to Burr Ridge a few years ago. “It’s great to have them and Brent’s mom nearby, actively involved in our lives,” she says. The family is completed by a lovable Cavapoo named Echo, who especially enjoys family beach vacations during spring break, but stays home when the trips are to Bora Bora, New Zealand, Italy, Greece, France, Portugal, and Hawaii.

This Renaissance mama teaches music at Zion Lutheran Early Childhood Education Center preschool through Mattix Music Studio. Emily says, “It brings me so much joy. Many people ask how I manage to teach such young children, but I find these early years delightful, as they are eager to learn and engage.” Older musicians also seek her help as a private voice teacher.

Emily’s performance skills have not grown rusty over time, as she flexes them in an acoustic duo with singer/songwriter Chris Tiritilli, and plays in two local cover bands, Fossil Fuel and The JungleeZ.

On the sporty side, Emily loves playing tennis at Midtown, dabbles in pickleball and paddle, loves horseback riding, competitive sailing, skiing, and snowboarding.

Mantra “Carpe Diem” resonates with me, even if it feels cliché. I also cherish a piece of art that says, “Make Art Not War.” On your reading stack My book club is currently reading ‘The Briar Club’, but I often find it challenging to finish books with my busy schedule. I enjoy thrillers and books about music, such as ‘Just Kids’ by Patti Smith. Good works and organizations The Community House, where I played the Ghost of Christmas Past in the 2018 and 2019 productions of A Christmas Carol. Wellness House, Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club, with the highlight being a fashion show I co-chaired which raised more than $25,000. Brightpoint, Cub Scout Pack 3052, Madison School PTO, where I co-chair the Variety Show, and Hinsdale Historical Society. Daily ritual I enjoy indulging in the steam room after a workout and taking yoga classes at Inner Jasmine. Music you love? It’s a mixed bag, but my taste is mostly rooted in classic rock, including bands like Led Zeppelin, Cream, and the Allman Brothers. I also appreciate alternative rock, folk (I’m a huge Joni Mitchell fan), indie rock, blues, bluegrass, and pop hits. Favorite summer traditions? I cherish vacationing in the Adirondacks, where my family has gathered on Upper Saranac Lake since I was four. We hike, sail, fish, canoe, and compete in an annual one-mile swim to a nearby island. It’s a joy to share this special place with my kids. In spring, I love gardening, and I always look forward to Hinsdale’s Uniquely Thursdays summer music series.

Any daily rituals that make you feel centered? When I am home, I try to make a meal every night, and a giant breakfast on the weekends. Cooking together as a family and sharing that same meal together, and listening to everyone’s reflections of the day, fills my heart with so much joy Music you love? My husband Connor has introduced me to so many different artists that I love. I’ve really expanded my breadth of genres and thanks to him, got to discover bands like Mk.Gee, Westerman, Washed Out, Khruangbin, and Kings of Leon in the early days. We saw these artists when they were just starting out in small venues like Lincoln Hall. I’ll never forget seeing Westerman there. Favorite spring tradition or activity? The Hinsdale Kitchen Walk, duh! What beauty products are you loving currently? I love love love moisturizer. My favorite one is the Italian brand, WiQo which you can get at Natural Beauty Med Spa. I can’t live without Dior blush in Éclat Rose 001, Il Makiage No Filter primer and Givenchy Prisme Libre prep and set mist.

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WHEN IN THE HINSDALE

Favorite outfit formulas? Sometimes I opt for lace or floral dresses, while other times I lean toward a rocker chic look. I frequently attend dressy events, so I’m often shopping for new dresses, with Eliza J being one of my favorite designers. If I’m running errands, I’m probably in athleisure and a hat. Can’t leave the house without? I always have sunscreen on hand or a trucker hat to hide my bedhead Where do they know you by name? Most of the parks around Hinsdale. The chances are good that one of my preschool students from the past six years will be there and spot me! Best Bites? I enjoy Vistro Prime, where I get to perform occasionally. I’m a fan of the smoothies and bone broth at Nourished. Name a local tradition you’d love more people to know about The Community Revue is a humorous take on our local society that runs every two years. I highly recommend attending in 2026 for a good laugh!

WHEN IN CHICAGO

What’s in your bag? I carry lip balm, a pen, my cell phone, earbuds, and my wallet. View that never gets old? The sunrise over the lake is always beautiful. Must-visit restaurants Toro Sushi and Amitabul, a Buddhist Korean vegan restaurant just outside the city. My friend and I felt a natural high after our first meal there, which inspired an idea I had for a non-alcoholic beverage that I never pursued, only to see it popularized by other entrepreneurs several years later. I clearly regret not manifesting my ‘Carpe dime’ mantra! Favorite museum? I adore both the Art Institute of Chicago and the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, especially the butterfly garden. What is your favorite movie filmed or set in Chicago? The Fugitive stands out as a fantastic thriller, along with Blues Brothers, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, and Adventures in Babysitting, which is a true blast from the past.