www.cdbaby.com/cd/chriscairns2
Playing Since: 1981
Experience Level: Expert/Professional
Interests:
[Teaching] [Socializing] [Helping]
Occupation: Banjo teacher
Gender: Male
Age: 50
My Instruments:
2001 Stelling Masterflower - chrome plating, walnut resonator and neck.
1988 Custom - gold plated, curly maple resonator and neck, Gibson tone ring.
Favorite Bands/Musicians:
Heros: Earl and Lester, Carter and Ralph, Bill and his plethora of rotating band members, Johnny Cash, Carter Family, Bob Wills, John Hartford, Ricky Skaggs, John Denver, Gordon Lightfoot, Paul Simon, Elvis Presley, Beach Boys, Beatles, Alison Krauss, Willy Nelson, Larry Cordle, Pete Goble, Tony Rice, Gabe Witcher, Dolly Parton, Mills Brothers, Ray Charles, Southern Culture on the Skids, Sex Pistols, Allman Brothers, Louvin Brothers, Jim and Jesse, Doc Watson, Gram Parsons, The Eagles, Depeche Mode, The Cure, Men at Work, Carlos Santana, Seldom Scene, Gillian Welch, Jimi Hendrix, Del McCoury, Old Crow Medicine Show, David Greer, Tim O'Brien, Yo Yo Ma, Sting, Seldom Scene, Bela Fleck, Tony Trishka, Brad Leftwich, Louis Armstrong, Kingston Trio and Chuck Berry. I'm sure there are a few others who would make the list if I had more time.
Classified Rating: not rated
Rate this Member
Profile Info:
Visible to: Public
Created 8/7/2007
Last Visit 5/5/2015
Chris Cairns was born playing the banjo. Almost. His interest in bluegrass and folk music was kindled at an early age when he began playing guitar and banjo in the 2nd grade. At age 10 he was performing for his schoolmates at special concerts alongside his teacher. At 11 years old, Chris performed on live TV in the Statue of Liberty Celebrations Closing Ceremony in Giant's Stadium. By age 14 Chris had started his first bluegrass band, The Yankee Bluegrass Boys, playing at McNulty's Ice Cream Shop for enthusiastic audiences. Chris continued to teach banjo lessons while persuing his undergraduate degree from Cornell University. After graduation, Chris moved to Santa Barbara, California and started his second bluegrass band, Wild Sage, in 1998. Wild Sage's popular success included taking 3rd place at the esteemed Telluride Bluegrass Festival Band Competition in 2000, performing on the mainstage of the Strawberry Music Festival in 2001 and numerous radio and concert apperances throughout California. Their first CD "Endless Detour" sold 1500 copies and their follow up CD's "Live at Strawberry," "Fresh Produce" and "Live at Painted Sky" sold 2000 copies.
In 2003, Chris founded the independent record label FireHeart Records. As a record producer, Chris helped produce, manufacture and distribute over 5000 albums by songwriters Kenny Edwards, Pete Goble, Ivan Rosenberg, Pat Milliken, Wild Sage and instrumentalist David West. Chris started The Chris Cairns Band in 2003 and recorded and produced his debut album "Runaway Train" to rave reviews in the U.S., Europe, Australia, and Canada. In addition to fronting The Chris Cairns Band, Chris performs with The Porch Dogs and Whiskey Chimp. As a songwriter, banjo teacher and record producer, Chris makes his home in Ventura, California.
