BIO
Hailing from Missoula, Montana, Moneypenny formed this Blues and Rock quartet in 2015, where they quickly gained notoriety by capturing the Zoo Music Award for Best Blues/Jazz Band. Moneypenny brings a funky, high energy, authentic Blues experience with an emphasis on improvisation and experimentation that builds on the traditional sound that is “The Blues”.
Moneypenny has picked up steam on the summer festival scene, headlining the 11th annual Deadgrass Festival for a fourth consecutive year. Also the band will be playing in Hot Springs, MT at The Symes Hotel and Hot springs Blues Festival in July and The Flathead Blues Festival in Lakeside, MT. in August. You can also find Moneypenny every summer at Out to Lunch or Downtown Tonight at Caras Park in Missoula. Moneypenny also has plans to get in some studio time over the winter months to put down a full-length recording of their original Blues infused originals. Look for something to sink your teeth into in the Spring/Summer of 2024.
Christopher gray
Vocalist and lead guitarist, Christopher Gray grew up in Memphis, Tennessee to the sounds of Beale St. Christopher shapes his tone by building his own amplifiers and playing direct with no effects. Guitar, amp, and volume are all Christopher needs to achieve that “Monster Tone.” From George Benson and John Scofield, to Freddie King and Derek Trucks, Christopher blends Jazz, Rock, and Blues together to shape the sound that is Moneypenny. You can catch Christopher playing in local theater productions and various Jazz projects.
Charlie hopkins
Charlie Hopkins has played and studied the Blues legends, from Little Walter, Muddy Waters, and James Cotton to Junior Wells and Snooky Pryor. He has performed around the world including Slovenia, Poland, Amsterdam and parts of Canada. Singing high energy lead vocals and blowing with impeccable tone on the Blues harp Charlie brings an energy that has to be seen to be appreciated. Charlie is himself a Missoula local legend, from his days playing with the band ”Cold Beans and Bacon” to his status as a “wild mushroom guru.” Whenever Charlie is not performing with Moneypenny you will find him frolicking in the forests of The Northwest.
mark price
The Rhythm section starts with Mark Price on the bass. Originally from the east coast, Mark migrated West over twenty years ago from Lancaster, Pa. Mark immediately immersed himself in the vibrant local Missoula music scene and has performed in various projects over the years, including with Don Teschner (formerly of the Rod Stewart band). Mark and Bryan (drummer) also form the rhythm section for the local band Americana Rescue Unit. A founding member of Moneypenny, Mark provides powerful lead vocals and a rock-solid bottom end that will keep you dancing.
bryan farmer
Bryan Farmer is a transplant from Denver, Colorado and joined Moneypenny in 2022. His main influences are Jon Fishman (Phish), as well as Chad Wackerman, Chester Thompson, and Ralph Humphrey, who all three had stints playing with Frank Zappa. He has played drums with a diverse collection of bands in the rockies for the last 25 years, but now Darby, Montana is home for this percussive powerhouse. Bryan is the force that takes Moneypenny to another level.
“WHOA, I JUST WOKE UP TO A TREMENDOUS VERSION OF "HAVE YOU EVER LOVED A WOMAN?", I'M GONNA PLAY IT THIS MORNING AS PART OF THE MONDAY MORNING BLUES BLAST! YEAH MAN, VERY NICELY DONE!" -ROBERT CHASE, THE TRAIL 103.3 FM
2015 ZOO MUSIC AWARDS - BEST BLUES/JAZZ BAND
