Trish, Benjamin, Norm, Hannah, Daniel & Nathaniel

Bluegrass & BBQ Festival ~ May 12, 2008

Picture courtesy Jan Roberts/Travel and Wildlife Camerawork

Based out of Southwest Missouri, Norm & Trish Farnum have performed in the Branson area and around the country for many years. Their blend of bluegrass, gospel, old-time & western music has delighted audiences everywhere. These days they are joined by their three oldest children: Daniel, Benjamin and Hannah, on upright bass, mandolin, guitar, harmonica, and fiddle. Additionally, their younger siblings, Nathaniel, Maggie & Matthew, are featured on select bluegrass, gospel and specialty songs. Nathaniel is occasionally featured with his washboard, and Maggie now occasionally joins her big sister on some twin fiddling!

Norm has been entertaining audiences with his 5-string Gibson Mastertone Banjo since 1977 when he became part of the cast of the Saloon Show and joined the ‘Marvel Cave’ band at Silver Dollar City. Through the years, he has played a variety of venues, including the Roy Clark Theatre in the early 80’s.

In the fall of 1986 Norm met Trish, and discovered that - along with her beautiful smile - she came with a musical background. The following spring with their talents combined, they began a seven year run aboard the Lake Queen where they were featured on Breakfast & Supper Cruises. In the winter of 1990 they toured the Midwest performing over 150 school assembly programs. They have since continued their travels sharing their music from Oregon to Vermont.

Now performing with all of their children, the Farnum Family from Galena, Missouri, continues to travel, sharing their lively music in many venues: churches, festivals, school assemblies, special occasions... including nine stints at Silver Dollar City (one of their favorite local venues) for their Bluegrass & BBQ Festival, Southern Gospel Picnic and Festival of American Music!