Grammy-Winning Gospel/Soul Artist @MikeFarrisMusic Performs Ohio City House Concert

MikeFarris

Sun 3/29 @ 7PM

Nashville-based singer-songwriter Mike Farris has had his share of problems, which he’s open about. He’s got a history of substance abuse which has at time been an anchor on his musical career. And that’s a shame. His gospel- and soul-based music is gut-wretchingly intense — and gorgeous. And while we’re glad to hear he’s kicked his habit and is on a roll, undoubtedly his past pain has to some degree fueled the power of his music, along with the awareness of what’s on the other side.

“My music has always been first and foremost for the downtrodden, the wayward, people who’ve had to go up the rough side of the mountain,” he says in his official bio. “Even when it’s upbeat and inspiring, there’s always been an element of pain, because truth be told, we’re all flawed.”

Farris had overcome his addiction when he released Salvation in Lights in 2007, leading to a serious upswing in his career including performances at major festivals like SXSW and Bonaroo and shows opening to artists like the Blind Boys of Alabama, Mavis Staples and Patti LaBelle. He even performed at the Rock Hall’s American Music Masters Series in 2011, dedicated to Aretha Franklin.

But when he found himself addicted to pain pills as a result of earlier back surgery, which led him back to rehab and some serious soul searching. That personal work fueled his new album, last year’s Shine for All the People, on Compass Records, his first since 2010.

“I’d been working on the record before my recovery, and then there was a pretty huge delay,” says Ferris in his bio. “I had to back up, take time to grab the ground, to re-acclimate, to learn how to live now, truly sober for the first time since I was a kid.”

The effort paid off; Shine for All the People won the 2015 Grammy for Best Roots Gospel album.

And how often do you get to hear a Grammy-winner perform in someone’s living room? That’s what he’ll be doing on his next visit to Cleveland when he does a solo concert for the Mechanic Street Concerts, a series held by an Ohio City couple in their home. To reserve your seat, email mechanicstreetmusic@yahoo.com. They’ll give you the exact location once you make your reservation.

Admission is a $20 suggested donation, all of which goes to the artist.

mechanicstreetmusic.com/

mikefarrismusic.com/

 

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