Bristol, Tenn./Va. (January 10, 2022) – GRAMMY Award-winning recording artist Mike Farris returns to the Birthplace of Country Music Museum on January 29, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. ET as part of the 1927 Society Concert Series.
Presented by the Birthplace of Country Music (BCM), the 1927 Society Concert Series offers more than great live music – it’s an all-inclusive, catered event with drinks and an intimate concert experience where fans are given the opportunity to connect with the artists both on and off the stage.
“Mike Farris is a magnificent performer and has one of the most unique voices in Americana,” said BCM Executive Director of Advancement Leah Ross. “Whether he’s performing for large crowds at Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion or playing to an intimate crowd at the museum, he puts on a thrilling show. We’re excited to host him back in Bristol for the 1927 Society Concert Series – a series that really allows fans to interact with the artist on a personal level.”
In addition to an incredible GRAMMY win for 2015’s Shine for All the People (Best Roots Gospel Album), Farris earned a GMA Dove Award in 2010 (Traditional Gospel Album of the Year) for his album SHOUT! Live. In 2018 the artist made his debut at the Grand Ole Opry, following performances on Austin City Limits and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 16th Annual American Music Masters Concert honoring Aretha Franklin. In November of last year Mike Farris was honored by the state of Tennessee and his hometown, the city of Winchester, with a Tennessee Music Pathways marker in the artist’s name near the city’s square.
During his solo career, Farris has crossed between rock, blues, soul and gospel to bring a current sensibility to traditional Southern music. In April 1991 he started a band with guitarist Rick White. Their name, Screamin’ Cheetah Wheelies, was adapted from a Gary Larson cartoon. Signed by Atlantic Records, their first self-titled album was released in 1994. The band toured consistently, starring alongside the Allman Brothers band, the Dave Matthews Band, Meat Loaf and Sheryl Crow. Two albums on Capricorn Records followed in 1996 and 1998, supported by arena tours with Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top.
Farris left the group to explore different genres of music. He eventually took the advice of his manager, Rose McGathy, to base his career around his love of traditional Southern music. Overcoming addiction issues led Farris to embrace Christianity. As a solo artist, he has performed at major festivals including Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, Bonnaroo, MerleFest, South by Southwest and Hardly Strictly Bluegrass. His career remains firmly rooted in the core styles of Southern music. Farris has also drawn on his personal narrative to work with addiction recovery programs, helping at-risk kids and young adults. His focus is to encourage kids to discover their personal direction and build their lives around it.
BCM’s Friends of 1927 Society Concert Series is a unique concert experience where fans have the opportunity to interact with performers in a relaxed setting. Pre-show hors d’oeuvres and adult beverages are included in the ticket price, and after the performance fans have the opportunity to mingle with the artist.
Tickets to the 1927 Society Concert featuring Mike Farris are on sale now to the public for $100. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. for attendees to enjoy drinks and catering prior to the concert. Ticket holders must be 21+ with a valid driver’s license to consume alcohol. The concert begins at 7:00 p.m.
In order to continue to offer concerts in the museum’s intimate performance theater, audience members, staff, musicians, and artists in attendance will be required to show proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours for entry.
For tickets and more information, visit the Events page at BirthplaceOfCountryMusic.org.