“After listening to the Farnum family at a festival recently, I was thrilled with their expertise!
Really dynamic repertoire, great technique, and they enjoy performing -- they are a joy!”
— Jana Jae, American Fiddler / Grove, Oklahoma
Benjamin
Guitar, Mandolin & Vocals
Benjamin started mandolin lessons when he was eight years old and took up the guitar a few years later. His strong rhythm and skillful flat-picking are the bedrock of the band – add the charming smile and ready wit and you’ve got an audience favourite! Once a reluctant singer, Benjamin has blossomed in recent years and is now a featured lead vocalist. Other interests include reading, playing board games, and perfecting his pour-over coffee method. He also loves all things British – especially Charles Dickens, Doctor Who, and Cornish Pasties – and is in favour of changing the family name back to the original spelling of Farnham!!
For private or virtual guitar or mandolin lessons, or festival workshop sessions, please contact Benjamin...
Hannah
Fiddle & Vocals
Hannah began “fiddlin’ around” at the tender age of six, studying for over 10 years with World Champion fiddle player, Ricky Boen. An occasional contest fiddler, she has placed in several competitions over the years, her most exciting award coming from the 2012 Walnut Valley Old-Time Fiddle Contest when she brought home a brand new Romanian-made Gliga violin! This past September, she again brought home the 3rd place honors and another prize fiddle!
Hannah enjoys playing many musical styles including Western Swing, Bluegrass, and Traditional Irish. She is also a gifted singer: her lead and harmony vocals highlight every family program. Her interests include sewing, reading, and English Country Dancing.
On the Farnum Family Facebook page, Hannah co-hosts the weekly, Fiddlin' Friday at Five, with her brother, Benjamin.
BIG NEWS!
Hannah joins clay cooper's country express
Our favorite fiddler has made her debut on Clay Cooper's Country Express! Clay contacted Hannah early in February saying he was in the market for a fiddle player and wondered if she would be interested. This opportunity came after she had accepted an invitation to audition for another major Branson show. Turns out she was offered both jobs! Although very honored to have been given the chance to work for the wonderful Presley’s Country Jubilee, a couple of factors helped make the decision: 1) Clay’s lighter show schedule gives her more availability to perform with her family along with other pursuits, and 2) she feels a special connection to Clay’s show as her Grandma Irma worked in the theatre box office for many years.
If you visit Branson this year, make plans to see Hannah at Clay Cooper's Country Express!
Maggie
Bass & Vocals
Maggie (18) followed big sister’s example and started learning fiddle just before her sixth birthday. After five years of lessons with Ricky Boen, she set her eyes on bigger things – namely, the bass fiddle! She is known as the "younger and prettier version" of the Farnum Family bass player, filling the shoes of big brother, Daniel, who left the band in 2018. Like Hannah, she has a lovely voice and an ear for harmony. When not making music, she's employed as a babysitter, or you can find her writing stories, reading books, sewing, English Country Dancing, or whipping up pancakes and desserts for the family.
She also assembles and manages her own fashion jewelry enterprise: Magpie Jewelry.
Matthew
Mandolin & Vocals
Matthew (15) is the youngest Farnum. He joins the family for several feature songs, including Battle of New Orleans, Are You Washed in the Blood, and You’ve Got a Friend in Me. He is progressing on the mandolin, and we are hopeful that 2021 will find him on stage more frequently. His interests and responsibilities include: Legos, reading, learning computer skills, taking care of the chickens, helping Dad with handyman projects... and finding new ways to annoy his older siblings.
Tricia (Mom)
Piano, Pennywhistle & Vocals
Tricia plays piano & pennywhistle with the band and enjoys teaming up with the girls on trio numbers. She coordinates wardrobe, plans set lists, helps Dad with itineraries, and does a graceful job emceeing much of the show.
She began playing piano at six years of age, and in 1987 got her first music job as ragtime pianist in the Homestead Comedy Revue at Shepherd of the Hills in Branson, Missouri. That same year she and Norm began performing on the Lake Queen, a paddle-wheel boat on Lake Taneycomo, entertaining passengers during breakfast and supper cruises.
She loves reading, word games, Bible study, English Country Dancing, and all things associated with tea!
Norm (Dear ol'Dad)
Banjo & Vocals
Originally from California, Norm started taking banjo lessons when he was 17 years old, and has been entertaining folks on the 5-string for nearly 45 years! He started at Silver Dollar City in 1977 in both the Saloon Show and as part of the Marvel Cave Band. Later he traveled with a rock-a-billy band (Stumpwater) and in 1983 began performing at the Roy Clark Theater in Branson. While there he fronted many Nashville artists, including Whispering Bill Anderson, Freddie Fender, Janie Fricke, Louise Mandrell, Ray Price, Patti Page, Ray Stevens, Tanya Tucker, and of course, Roy Clark. Returning briefly to the San Fernando Valley, he worked for a time as a limousine driver, and even chauffeured the likes of Roger Miller, Eddie Rabbit, Neil Young, and other celebrities.
When not performing with his family, Norm wears his handyman hat at Stone County Services.
“I can’t tell you how wonderful it brings me to feel when I hear you guys play.
Makes a rough day go great. I look forward to hearing you each way. Love y’all from Texas!”
— Ken Harris / Texas
Fiddlin' Friday at Five