Darren Geffre: News

Cornered
Darren Geffre
Published on Thursday, October 25, 2007
Darren Geffre will be playing as part of the Ghoulie Boogie Ballroom Bash Wednesday, Oct. 31, at the Ward Hotel's Crystal Ballroom. Joining Geffre will be Brandon Johnson, Doug Rezac and Merritt Mulaney. Also performing will be Adam Hooks and The Tiny Buzzards. The music goes from 9 p.m. to closing. The cost is $8, or $5 for those in costume. There will be a cash bar. A prize will be awarded for best costume. Family: Wife Dara Eaglestaff-Geffre, Terren Geffre (9), Trista Eaglestaff (7) and a new addition, a little boy Isaiah Geffre (4 1/2 months).

What have you been up to lately?

I just finished up my out-of-town shows for a while. I normally travel all over the U.S. between April and October, and try and stay in the few-state region during the winter months. I've been currently working as the IT Director at the Aberdeen Catholic School System, which keeps me very busy. I recently auditioned for a part in the movie "The Lost Warrior;" this is a Hayze Entertainment Group Production. I read for the part of Dragging Canoe. That would be great to be on set again.

You have been living back in Aberdeen for how long?

I 've been back in Aberdeen for 2 years. I moved back from Albuquerque, when I found out my mother was terminally ill. I'm just glad that I got to spend the last year of her life with her.

What will your show be like on Halloween?

It's going to be a really awesome show. I really like to mix up the music when I do shows; we play rock, blues and some originals. I have a really talented group. Brandon is my nephew and plays with the Groove Reflex; he's a totally gifted bass player, and Merritt is a great guitar player and all-around musician. And last but not least, Doug Rezac - he's a monster on drums. It's great to play with such a talent.

How would you describe yourself as a musician?

I guess I would describe myself as a singer/songwriter, definitely in the pop/rock genre. I grew up on top 40, so that's kind of where I stayed. In the Midwest, I primarily play casino show rooms, clubs and do everything from Johnny Cash to Incubus. And in other parts of the country, Southwest, West Coast, I focus on original shows. I will play a one-hour jam-packed original set and with rarely any covers.

Why should people come see your show?

First off, it's a Halloween costume party, there's nothing cooler than that. Secondly, we have a great sound and know how to show people a great time.

Where did you live when you moved away from Aberdeen?

I lived in Albuquerque, N.M., for about six years, and was back and forth to San Diego and Los Angeles quite a bit during that time.

Tell us a surprising fact that most people don't know about you.

I have a couple of facts, actually. I've been featured in Men's Health Magazine twice, once in 2002 for an incredible 125-pound weight loss. And in 2006, I was chosen as one of the top six weight loss stories in Men's Health and named a "Belly off All-Star." I'm the first Native American to be featured in their magazine. Another cool fact is in 2004, "Uncivilized" was nominated for two Grammys, and I'm the first Native American solo artist to be nominated for a Grammy. They have categories in the Grammys for Native Music, but this was nominated in the mix with everyone else.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

If you want more information you can log onto my Web site at www.darrengeffre.com or www.nativesinger.com.

It's going to be a great time, so take a break, get your costume and we'll see you there! Peace.

You can hear Darren Geffre's music at www.aberdeennews.com.

Darren Geffre was featured in February 2007 on msn.com in a feature called "Tales of Inspiration". Darren's story is located towards the bottom of the column. A big shout out and thanks to Men's Health Magazine and to MSN.com for running this story. Website URL - http://health.msn.com/dietfitness/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100155298

Three acts performing Friday
B.J. Clark, Darren Geffre and Shut Up Jake onstage

By Gretchen Mayer

American News Writer

Audiences attending the show at the Eagles on Friday will get to hear not one, but three different groups. "Having been on the road, there's lots of clubs in the big cities that offer a bunch of different acts," said organizer Darren Geffre.

Geffre was interested in getting a variety of different types of music for his venue. B.J. Clark will perform rap, rhythm and blues and hip hop beginning at 9 p.m.

At 10 p.m., Shut Up Jake will perform rock/blues tunes. The audience may recognize band member Jake Miller who was the Singing Bartender at Alonzo's in 2005.

Last onstage, at 11:15, is Darren Geffre whose four-piece band will perform pop/rock music, some John Mayer and several of his own songs. Geffre has produced two CDs - "Uncivilized," and "Audiobiography," and is working on a new CD which is thus far untitled.

"There is a lot of really great young talent here," said Geffre. "On Friday we'll really have some great music. These are people I've worked with in the past and we're always trying to look for the next level."

Performances will run from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. and there is a $5 admission charge.

Darren has been named "Artist of the Month" by the Indigenous Internet Chamber of Commerce. This is really a great honor. We will be doing an interview that will be archived on their page. The website is http://www.iicoc.com

Darren has launched a clothing store "In Ur Face Designs". You can pick up some kewl Darren Geffre items as well as other designs from Darren. Darren will be always designing new things for the store. You can access the store from the Buy page. So shop til you drop!!

Ya'll missed one hell of a show at Lode Star Casino!! The very talented Justin Haigh opened the show at 7pm. Then Darren took the stage at 8:30 pm, and his crew rocked that stage. BJ Clark from A.R.K. came up on stage for two songs, "Desire" and "Baby". That definitely took Darren's show to another level. Then Bryce Niemiller took the stage with his pplz and rocked til midnight. Thanks to all that attended, if this tour comes in your area. This is one you gotta come out to.

Darren recently had two songs put into the movie "The Bliss". A story about a struggling singer Phaedra Hill, who is trying to make to make it as a rock star in the backdrop of Los Angeles music scene with her band, "The Bliss". The two songs that were put into the movie were "Uncivilized", and "I can't turn away" from Darren's album "Uncivilized". Darren hopes to do more work with LP3 Pictures. Congrats Doug and Chris on your new movie release, too bad my crew at "In Ur Face" couldn't make the premiere.

Darren joins the Dakota Rising Star with fellow artists Justin Haigh and Bryce Niemiller. This is the brainchild of LFA Entertainment CEO Lawrence Archambault. This tour starts out at Lode Star Casino on Saturday September 2nd. This is a midwestern tour that will hit casinos in South Dakota, North Dakota and Minnesota.

Darren has been added to the lineup for the Aberdeen Pig Out. This is a really awesome event, its on Saturday July 8th and his performance time is at 4:30 pm. Can't wait to see you all there!!

Just to let all you fans know that Darren is planning his 3rd Album. This is going to be a full length album which will include such songs as You and I and Jane, Missing the Girl, Baby, Goodbye Tonight, and many more!! Darren has enough great songs for 3 more albums, and it's time to unleash these to the fans.

Here's another great release from Darren called "Audiobiography". This album is a 4 song EP released by Aberdeen Recording. Part of this recording was done in LA at "The Lab" with Producer Def Jef, and some of it was done at Aberdeen Recording Studios in Darren's hometown - Aberdeen, SD. Check out the music page for song bites and places to purchase this great work