dfarrisca
CONTACT

SEEKING

Lead Guitar, Bass Guitar, Drums, Keyboard, Background Singer.

ABOUT

Great Music? Yes, please. I grew up in Southwest MI, then left for CA for 30 years chasing my music dream. Back to MI, helping out my family, and now in FL, looking to connect with some great musicians, and play some music locally. I've played music for over 50 years, and love the alchemy of a good ensemble when the rhythms and energy are really in sync! I am the leader of my own blues/funk/classic rock band now for 25 years. Had a band in CA, and in MI as well. I write, played rhythm guitar, bass, am the lead singer, play harmonica and trumpet. I'm also a good basic drummer, and love to take stale, overplayed songs and mix them up to make fresh, new arrangements! I also have a nice home studio, Use Logic Pro, teach lessons, write commercial music for radio, TV, and Film, and do some production and Artist Development for up-and-coming music artists. I was also the music/stage director for many summer festivals in Santa Barbara, CA. Recently, songwriting with musicians abroad and locally on Zoom or Skype.

Screen name:
dfarrisca
Member since:
Aug 03 2017
Active over 1 month ago
Level of commitment:
Very Committed
Years playing music:
50
Gigs played:
Over 100
Tend to practice:
2-3 times per week

Influences

Love Blues, funk and classic rock! Early music influences include 60's Folk artists,( Peter Paul & Mary, Dylan, Kingston Trio, gordon Lightfoot, The Beatles, Elton John, James Taylor, Toto, classic rock, and more. Blueswise: Clapton, Mayer, Jonny Lang, Robben Ford, Susan Tedeschi, Bonnie Raitt, Buddy Guy, Alastair Greene, and up and coming Michigan guitarist/singer, Jake Kershaw.
Early music influences include 60's Folk artists, The Beatles, Elton John, James Taylor, Toto, classic rock, and more.

Instrument experience:

Vocalist:
Expert
Rhythm Guitar:
Expert
Acoustic Guitar:
Expert
Vocalist - Alto:
Expert
Other Percussion:
Advanced
Background Singer:
Advanced
Harmonica:
Advanced
Bass Guitar:
Moderate
Drums:
Moderate
Trumpet:
Moderate

EQUIPMENT

I have an armory of guitars and amps in CA, but could only fit a few in my car when I travel. I have an SG, a Strat, Yamaha Acoustic/Elec., Ibanez SR500 bass, with Mark Bass Amp, Fender and Genz Benz amps. Also have a small PA, mic stands and enough gear for a small club gig. I love vocal harmonies.

MUSIC

CALENDAR

Past Events

We'll be rocking the Ghouls this Halloween at a private party!

Come out to the Country and enjoy, music, fun, fruit and the sunshine. DFP plays 11-2pm.

Debra is playing for the folks at Bickford outdoors in the parking lot. Plenty of space, fresh air and masks.

Debra is rocking the living room on a weekly basis! Tune in and hear some live music. I"m making a point to never play the same tune twice!

This is an ongoing weekly gig in Dunedin for the residents of my Aunt's condo. Plenty of music, masks and social distancing.

Debra is collaborating with musicians and songwriters around the World.

join me (WED. April 1st, 7:30pm EST/4:30 PST) on FB LIVE for some Music in the living room by yours truly! ???????? — in Dunedin, Florida.

LIve from the Living room. Another 2 hours of classics, favorites, originals and more. Join me!

join me TONIGHT (March 22, 9:30pm EST/6:30 PST) on FB LIVE for some Music in the living room by yours truly! ???????? — in Dunedin, Florida.

join me TONIGHT 10pm-midnight EST on FB LIVE for some Music in the living room by yours truly! ???????? — in Dunedin, Florida.

Deb is playing a short 3 song set with the house band at Dunedin Brewery this upcoming Wed. 3/11/20, promptly at 8:30pm. 937 Douglas Ave. Dunedin, FL 34698.

Come on down for a brew and some music at Dunedin Brewery. Florida's oldest brewery! Music runs from 8-midnight. Debra is scheduled to be on at 11:30pm. 937 Douglas Ave. Dunedin, FL 34698.

Debra Farris and Greg Roche' - Acoustic Classics Duo will be outside in the Garden playing music for
Wine walk in Tarpon Springs. 5-8pm
The Tarpon Springs Merchants Association is hosting a Wine Walk. This event will include over 35 merchants throughout the city of Tarpon Springs. Participants will receive a souvenir wine glass and visit various merchants for wine tastings, appetizers, prizes and special offers. The event starts at either the Tarpon Tavern 21 N. Safford Ave., Tarpon Springs or Wine At The Docks 828 Dodecanese Blvd. Tarpon Springs. There will be a shuttle to bring participants to the various destinations. Tickets $20.00 Advance, $25.00 day of event. Purchase online spongedocks.net or at the Tarpon Tavern or Wine At The Docks the day of the event. Call 727-942-9463 for more information.

Debra is booked for a private event this evening. Thanks!

Come on out and enjoy the back outdoor patio with some live music! Debra Farris Guitar and vocals, Cody Moore on Saxophone! Crown and Bull in Dunedin, has excellent food! Try the Burgers!
8-11pm

Debra will be playing bass with these two very talented, funny musicians from 7-10pm. The music runs the gamut from Johnny Cash to reggae to Jazz to rock. Something for everyone!

Eldercare Facility Extraordinaire! Live music for the residents.

Blues, Brews and BBQ!
Come on out to hear Debra Farris Project at Barn Brewers in Lawton. 114 N. Main St. 7-10pm

Blues, Brews and BBQ.
114 N. Main St. in Lawton, MI

Debra Farris Project
Acoustic/Electric Trio
SAT. Nov 2nd, 7-10pm
Barn Brewer’s
114 N. Main St. Lawton, MI 49065

Debra Farris Project
Acoustic/Electric Trio
SAT. Oct. 12th, 7-10pm
Barn Brewer’s
114 N. Main St. Lawton, MI 49065

Debra Farris Project
Acoustic Trio
SAT. Sept 14th, 9 am -Noon
Texas Corner’s Farmers Market
7110 W Q Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49009

Fruit, veggies, coffee, baked goods, crafts and music!

DFP at Barn Brewer's in Lawton, MI.

Debra Farris Project
Acoustic/Electric Trio
SAT. July 6nd, 7-10pm
Lawton Summerfest - Barn Brewer’s
114 N. Main St. Lawton, MI 49065

Parade, Street Fair, food, crafts, Music and fun!

Solo Guitar and vocals oldies for the folks, as a musical sing-a-long nostagia trip.

Solo Guitar and vocals for a musical nostagia trip and resident entertainment.

DFP Trio providing music for the audience and partygoers at a private gathering. Rain or Shine!

Solo Guitar and vocals oldies for the folks, as a musical sing-a-long nostagia trip.

Debra and luthier, Andrew Craig, are working together to create the weirdest, wackiest, funnest band in a box ever. Check out www.panheadz.com to see what I mean.

Sitting in with the hardest working trio in the local area. You'll hear something for everyone, as this full band trio tears it up. Special guest, Debra Farris on Vocals/guitar.

A dynamic duo of music, experience, and energy! Come hear Deb and Dale rock the house with acoustic guitars! Maestro's Pizza 6070 S 12th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 269-372-2222. Music EVERY Thursday from 6-9pm! They also have awesome Pizza, sandwiches, salads, and a full bar! See you there!

Bruce Shockley is a musical force to be reckoned with. Armed with an acoustic guitar, harmonizer, loop machine, saxophone, top-notch vocals and songs, he is a true muse. Deb sits in playing bass, and owner Matt Watson plays the congas and percussion every second Thursday of the month at Maestro's Pizza. 6070 S 12th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. Be there or be square!

Bruce Shockley is a musical force to be reckoned with. Armed with an acoustic guitar, harmonizer, loop machine, saxophone, top-notch vocals and songs, he is a true muse. Deb sits in playing bass, and owner Matt Watson plays the congas and percussion every second Thursday of the month at Maestro's Pizza. 6070 S 12th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. Be there or be square!

Bruce Shockley is a musical force to be reckoned with. Armed with an acoustic guitar, harmonizer, loop machine, saxophone, top-notch vocals and songs, he is a true muse. Deb sits in playing bass, and owner Matt Watson plays the congas and percussion every second Thursday of the month at Maestro's Pizza. 6070 S 12th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. Be there or be square!

Bruce Shockley is a musical force to be reckoned with. Armed with an acoustic guitar, harmonizer, loop machine, saxophone, top-notch vocals and songs, he is a true muse. Deb sits in playing bass, and owner Matt Watson plays the congas and percussion every second Thursday of the month at Maestro's Pizza. 6070 S 12th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. Be there or be square!

Annual Songwriter's convention in Los Angeles, CA

Multi band lineup. Blue justice, Whatsit2ya, Joe Hertler and the Rainbow Seekers, and more. Food, fun and music all day long.

Audition for new band in Kalamazoo area. Whatsit2ya. Guitar, vocal, bass, drums sub player.

Got to be able to record here, as I'm writing commercial music for radio, TV and film.

I have a rockin' home studio, and lined up blues man Alastair Greene to play some spirited leads for me on a couple of new songs! http://www.agsongs.com/ https://soundcloud.com/search?q=alastair%20greene

I have played this venue for 17 years. It's an alzheimers/demenia facility with awesome staff and residents. I tailor my set to include music from their era... oldies like Bill Bailey, All of Me, Red River Valley, Act Naturally, etc. They love it, and always tap their toes, and sing along.

This was an annual food/music extravaganza in Santa Barbara where we got invited to play year after year. I was actually the music director, and interviewed and hired bands, provided the stage, sound, lights and stage management as well. Then I picked up my guitar, and we tied up the night with music!

This is a local bi-athalon event in Santa Barbara running fom May 1 to Sept 1, annually. It involves a 1 mile swim, and 5 k run, with food, and musical entertainment afterwards on the beach. We were invited to play year after year for this event, and it became a favorite for us.

We had the privilege of playing the Santa Barbara Summer Solstice Festival Main Stage. A hundred thousand people is a freaking awesome experience! www.solsticeparade.com

This is a popular bar in the funk zone in Santa Barbara. We played here numerous times, and always got folks dancing!

This event was sponsored by Santa Barbara Blues Society. Debra Farris Band played it several times, and we came in runner up, missing the winners by only 3 points!

We were the opening duo for Debbie Davies Band. Big Stage, lots of people. Great gig.

This was an exclusive event hosted by 2 high end wineries; Fiddlehead and Jasper. The monies raised were a benefit for Direct relief Int'l. We played both a jazzy cocktail set, and a blues rockin' upbeat after dinner set. They cleared out the tables and folks were dancing! http://www.fiddleheadcellars.com/

A lovely low key gig at a Santa Barbara favorite restaurant. It was active and lively there as a Santa Barbara landmark for years.

This is a historic place in the mountains in Santa Barbara. It was built as a stagecoach stop on the mountain pass in 1886. It looks pretty much the same, and is still lit by fireplace, with a great variety of music on the weekends. http://www.coldspringtavern.com/

Music, Nice stage, Food and an Ocean view in Santa Barbara. Hard to Beat!~

This is an awesome outdoor stage set near the Ocean just north of Santa Barbara. We played this venue several years in a row, and it was great fun! http://www.elcapitancanyon.com/events/summer-concert-series/

This place is a very classy joint. Awesome food, generous staff, and plenty of fine wine to drink! We played her several times, and always had fun! http://terravant.com

This place is downright FUN! Always hopping with lots of folks, and they have great beer and great bands! http://www.figmtnbrew.com/

We played numerous times at the Tasting room in the Funk Zone. It's an outdoor venue where the folks and the wine are flowing! http://www.oreanawinery.com/

This is another huge festival in Santa Barbara. They have 3 locations with multiple stages. We were chosen to entertain, and it was an honor. https://www.oldspanishdays-fiesta.org/

This has become a huge SoCal event. It's basically a street festival where multiple vendors, stages and events are all happening concurrently throughout the weekend. We played this festival numerous times over the years, and this year, we were invited to play the Main Stage. https://avofest.com/
There's one video from that gig on the video page.