JOE PERRY PROJECT's Charlie Farren To Perform As Part Of "Trio Of Songwriting Guitarists"

May 10, 2007, 17 years ago

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Gloucester Daily Times has issued the following report from Gail McCarthy:

Charlie Farren got his big break with the JOE PERRY PROJECT, performing at rock and roll concerts from coast to coast. But the musician never neglected his acoustic guitar and love of songwriting. Decades later, he continues to write and perform.

On Saturday, he brings his talents to Cape Ann for the first time as part of a trio of songwriting guitarists. He will join Fly Amero and Allen Estes at One World Performance Center located in the First Universalist Church at 59 Main St. in Essex for the 8 PM show.

Amero is currently touring as a member of ORLEANS and fronts the rock/blues act THE BIG STRUM. Estes, who also plays harmonica, banjo and piano, has had his songs recorded by DAVID MALLETT, THE JUDDS and TAMMY WYNETTE.

"We're really excited about bringing in Charlie," Estes said. "The music will just flow perfectly."

Every spring for the past several years, Estes and Amero have hosted an evening of original music in a coffeehouse setting.

"A songwriter can't always sit down and play one song right after the other and play all original material," said Estes, whose song, "Before It's Too Late," is featured in the movie "First Snow." "In a setting like this, you can hear a pin drop and you have the total attention of an audience. It's why we do what we do - to play our original music."

Farren, who lives in North Chelmsford, is eager to share the stage with two musicians he has known for a long time.

The musician has had a busy career. After performing with Joe Perry, he formed the band FARRENHEIT, which toured heavily, including joining the band BOSTON and the late Brad Delp on their1987 tour, which included 90 shows in 38 cities.

"These were the quintessential rock and roll shows," he said. "It's a load of fun when you're young and single."

Farren reached a crossroads where he needed to decide between a life as a professional musician or songwriter. He went the route of songwriter and solo performer.

"I wanted to have a family, but also keep music as an art, as compared to a profession," he said. "Being a rock star is a whirlwind life."

Now 53 with a wife and three teenagers at home, Farren has scaled back the touring. But he continues to write and play music every day.

"To me, writing is key and it's all about the lyrics," he said.

One of the songs Farren will perform Saturday comes from his new CD, Old And Young.

"The title is related to all of us. Everyone falls into one of those two camps," he said. "The song is about things people say you can and can't do because you are too old or too young, but these rules aren't true."

The suggested donation for Saturday's show is $15. For reservations, call 978-768-7056.


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