Bio
Listening to the songs of Cheryl Fare is an intimate glimpse into a mature talent being revealed for the very first time. A compelling writer of songs and prose, an actor on stage and screen, an educator and a prolific creator and producer of performing arts – Cheryl Fare’s work combines the grounded stance of a show business veteran, with the vulnerable and fascinating cadence of a rich personal history. A self-confessed “late bloomer”, Cheryl was raised in a non-artistic household in Springfield, Virginia, a suburb of Washington, DC. A steady diet of academics and athletics kept artistic pursuits firmly on the sidelines, and limited musical inspiration to school choral selections and Top 40 radio. Secretly penning personal songs and singing herself to sleep, Cheryl’s talent for lyrics was to stay hidden for many years to come.First exposure to music outside of pop came along in Cheryl’s first year of college, with a boyfriend who played in a local bluegrass band, and exposure to similar bands at Alexandria Virginia’s famed music club, The Birchmere. There, Cheryl heard for the first time musical acts such as Jonathon Edwards, Mary Chapin Carpenter, David Bromberg, the Birchmere’s Thursday night house band - The Seldom Scene, and most notably, the groundbreaking sound that changed the shape of modern Americana music - New Grass Revival. With her musical and personal horizons expanding for the very first time, Cheryl tried her hand at lead and harmony vocals with her boyfriend’s band, and started to gain some attention from local producers, but found she did not yet have the confidence to follow the music path.
At the same time, college academic exploration brought Cheryl’s attention to the study of theatre. In theatre, Cheryl discovered an infinitely challenging collaborative art form that snatched her attention, and held it fast for many years to come. Cheryl’s work in theatre continues today with her work as a director and playwright, and as an educator on the adjunct faculty of Randolph Macon College in Ashland, Virginia. As both a performer and manager, Cheryl’s career in theatre began with summer theatre in 1982, and continued for many years with advanced degrees and professional credits throughout the mid-Atlantic region. Work in theatre eased a bit when Cheryl became a mother, and came to a sudden and unexpected halt in 1999, when Cheryl’s then 6-year-old daughter was diagnosed with a brain tumor.
Needless to say, the events of 1999, and the intense few years to come, informed and changed all that has since developed. While learning the ropes of managing a life-threatening illness, Cheryl began work as a volunteer on behalf of local brain tumor survivors and their families in Richmond, Virginia, work she continues today. Treatments, including two precarious surgeries, a full course of radiation, and ongoing medication and monitoring have been very successful. Scans show no visible sign of tumor, and Cheryl’s daughter has grown to a thriving young woman who appears normal and healthy.
As happens often in life, challenging events led to surprising opportunities. Unable to maintain a professional theatre schedule, music became a salve for the weary soul, and an outlet for the creative healing process. Cheryl’s musical interests cover a wide range of styles - from Rickie Lee Jones, Maura O’Connell, and Cassandra Wilson; to Beastie Boys, Nirvanna, and G Love. Cheryl began writing and performing her own songs to ease the stress of caregiving, and clear her plate of the old relationship issues we all share. Inspiration came from songwriters in a variety of styles – Darrell Scott, Patti Griffin, Jason Mraz, Kim Ritche, and Daniel Bedingfield, among others.
The results of years of challenge and reward speak for themselves. Springfield, Cheryl’s newly released collection of original songs, is a fun and intriguing blend of jazz, blues, and folk rock, featuring truly fine lyrics and stellar musical performances. As Cheryl developed a following for her clever lyrics and evocative vocal stylings, her confidence as a writer grew, with splendid results. Described as “intimate and laid back, vulnerable and haunting”, Springfield takes the listener on a “powerful, sultry, and captivating” journey - “Like all good blues artists, she lets you know you’re not alone.” Drawing comparisons to Cowboy Junkies, Norah Jones, and Phoebe Snow, the “alluring” vocals and songwriting of Springfield make the trek from “sweet heartache”, through “shady summer back roads”, and back again.
In addition to songwriting, Cheryl is the author of numerous short plays on inspirational themes, and Seven Steps to Positive Living, a self-help program comprised of short and accessible guided meditations designed for those who would like to introduce moments of quiet contemplation into their hectic lives. As an actor, Cheryl has appeared in numerous TV commercials and industrial videos, and feature films. A native of Springfield, VA, Cheryl is a happily married mother of 2 teens.