Western Colorado Musician Todd Farr Passes Away

Todd Farr, a well-known Western Colorado musician, passed away last Friday (November 30).

If you were a live music lover back in the 1980s and 90s, you probably remember Todd very well. He performed around the Grand Junction area for a number of years. He was the original drummer for the Mountain Home Band, and then worked for some time alongside singer/guitarist/songwriter Doug Lenard.

In 1993, Todd joined the Grand Junction-based band Shot Gun. He continued to perform with that group through summer 1995. During his stint with Shot Gun, Todd performed at several local venues including The Rose, J.J.'s, The Roundup, The Colorado Club, and Chasers.

In addition to Western Colorado clubs, Todd could be seen performing at several local concert events. The photo at the top of this post was taken backstage at the Avalon Theatre as Shot Gun prepared to perform the opening show for BlackHawk (1994).

In late 1993, Todd and Shot Gun performed for KEKB's community concert as the opening act for Shenandoah, Skip Ewing, and Deborah Allen. Todd's final performance with Shot Gun, the band's swan song, was opening for Neal McCoy in Craig, Colorado (May 26, 1995.)

When Shot Gun disbanded in 1995, Todd moved his family, including his wife Lily, and sons Cody and Matt, to Arkansas. While in Arkansas, Todd chose to pursue a career involving another passion, law enforcement.

I had the opportunity to visit him about two years after he moved out of the valley. He mentioned working with the Highway Patrol near Decatur, Arkansas.

Eventually, he and the family returned to Western Colorado, living in the Rifle area. Ultimately, they moved back to the Grand Valley.

Todd was part of the 1990's music scene, a time when you could see live local bands five nights a week. Unfortunately, that era is long gone.

Thank you for all of the great music over the years, Todd. You were a fantastic drummer, and an amazing family man.

Todd's services will be December 13 at 11 a.m. at Brown's Cremations and Funeral Service at 904 N. 7th Street in Grand Junction.