Julie K. Walker, better known as “Julie K,” is an entrepreneur, singer/songwriter and award-winning performer and creator of original children’s music. As owner and operator of Julie K Music, she entertains children and families with fun, age-appropriate music, and when she’s not on stage, she composes and records music, and writes, produces, directs and stars in original theatrical videos.
In 2005, Walker opened Music Together, the music and movement program for young children, on the Peoria riverfront. The business grew from serving 10 families to more than 100 each semester, and she added locations in North Peoria and Morton before selling the business to focus on Julie K Music.
Backed by an infectious smile, Walker is a strong role model, bringing the love of music to children through educational and values-based positive messaging. She is among the area’s most requested performers, having entertained at more than 40 schools, 50 libraries and 25 art fairs and festivals to date.
Walker contributes a significant amount of time and energy to support area nonprofit organizations. She created and performs in the popular “Sunny Day” event, which has raised more than $100,000 for Children’s Hospital of Illinois, as well as her “Noon Year’s Eve” concert. She has volunteered for the Arts and Healing program at Children’s Hospital and numerous events for St. Jude, and her music has helped many children through chemotherapy treatment. She has also assisted Crittenton Centers, ELITE, The Baby Fold, Tazewell Mental Health Association, March of Dimes, Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, the Community Cancer Center Foundation and the Junior League of Peoria.
Walker has received numerous national awards and honors, including the Parents Choice Award, the Preferred Choice and CD of the Year awards from Creative Child magazine, Rising Star recognition from the National Parenting Association, and WEEK-TV’s 25 Women in Leadership Award. She was also selected as the opening performer for Nickelodeon’s Worldwide Day of Play for the Peoria area in 2014. iBi
