Eric Ian Farmer

Born in State College, Pennsylvania and raised in North Carolina, Eric Ian Farmer, a Black man with Blackfeet and Cherokee heritage, has returned to his birthplace sharing his songs about relationships, social awareness, and finding one's path in life while keeping alive classics by artists like Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, and Bob Marley.  Eric learned the practice of becoming one with a song from Bonnie Carter and David Williams, singers in the church of his childhood just across the North Carolina state line in Danville, Virginia.  A bass in tenor's clothing, Eric also draws inspiration as a singer from popular artists like Bobby McFerrin, Stevie Wonder, and Jimmy Hayes (The Persuasions).  And his guitar playing is inspired by the percussive stylings of rock legend Bo Diddley.

Eric has opened or played pre-shows for the Soweto Gospel Choir, Bettye LaVette, Luciane Dom, and Rusted Root; performed at Musikfest (Bethlehem PA); and served on the faculty at Folk College (Juniata College, Huntingdon PA).

Eric completed his doctorate in Penn State University's College of Education.  You sometimes can find him in classrooms singing songs and talking with young folks about songwriting and issues related to identity.

Connect with Eric Ian Farmer either in person or online.