Bluegrass blooming

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Aug 7, 2005 by Lorraine Jessepe Capital-Journal

FARIS FAMILY CONCERT

Band to play benefit Wednesday to aid East Topeka Senior Center

SUBMITTED

The Faris Family, which includes Bob Faris, far left, his wife, Michelle, and their four sons, will perform at a benefit concert for the East Topeka Senior Center at 7 p.m. Tuesday at White Concert Hall, Washburn University.

FARIS FAMILY

What: A benefit concert for the East Topeka Senior Center

When: 7 p.m. Tuesday

Where: White Concert Hall, Washburn University

How much: $10 at the door or $8 in advance ($5 ages 6 to 12; free ages 5 and younger)

Tickets: At the door or in advance at the center, 1114 S.E. 10th

Co-sponsors: SBC and the Washburn School of Nursing

Learn more: 232-7765

By Lorraine Jessepe

SPECIAL TO THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

OZAWKIE --- With a little help from a quirky movie, Bob and Michelle Faris are doing their part to keep traditional bluegrass music alive.

Since 1997, the Ozawkie-based Faris Family has performed at bluegrass festivals, fairs and benefit concerts in 24 states and Canada. The band consists of Bob and Michelle Faris and their four sons: James, 21; Richard, 20; Edward, 18; and John, 17.

This up-and-coming group now averages 150 dates a year. To date, they have recorded nine CDs and four videos. They will perform in a benefit concert Tuesday at Washburn University's White Concert Hall.

One of the group's most popular songs is a rendition of "I am a Man of Constant Sorrow," featured in the 2000 Coen brothers hit film, "O Brother, Where Art Thou?"

Bob and Michelle Faris credit the movie with sparking a nationwide resurgence in the popularity of bluegrass music.

"It really opened a lot of people's ears up to bluegrass," Michelle Faris said.

"I think it had a tremendous influence," Bob Faris said. "I think the country was ready for a more real-roots music."

The film's bestselling bluegrass soundtrack struck a chord with people hungry for authenticity, simplicity and emotional truth.

"I think that's what people are responding to," Bob Faris said.

Characterized by high harmony singing and virtuoso musicianship, bluegrass originated in the Appalachian mountain states and flowered during the Depression.

"There's a hometown honesty about those songs," Michelle Faris said. "It's music about life, about love, heartache and hard times."

The film also brought bluegrass to younger generations. In addition to seeing more young fans at concerts, the Faris Family also brings bluegrass to young people with their Bluegrass in the Schools program. The program is designed to educate students about bluegrass music, history and instruments.

"Bluegrass in the Schools has made a big difference," Michelle Faris said.

Faris Family performances are 100 percent acoustic, and all members lend their vocal talents.

This year, the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America awarded the Faris Family with four awards, including Entertaining Group of the Year and Traditional Bluegrass Band of the Year.

Their music's wholesome soulfulness and the family's love of performing radiates to audiences.

"It's absolutely total fun to be able to turn an audience on," said Michelle Faris. "It's like the ultimate high. We've had a lot of people come up to us in tears and say how much our music has meant to them."

The family also receives requests to play at funerals.

"To me, that's an extremely high honor," Faris said.

As a child, Michelle Faris lost three brothers in a house fire. Since 1994, she has served as a firefighter in an all-volunteer firefighter force in Ozawkie.

"It was something I always wanted to do," she said.

As for their music, Faris said the Faris Family will strive to honor and carry on the tradition of the forefathers of bluegrass, such as Bill Monroe and Jimmy Martin.

"Every day is a blessing," she said. "We have a wonderful purpose."

Lorraine Jessepe is a freelance writer and member of the Native American Journalists Association.