Passion cannot be taught, and neither can a supernatural knack for what you’re most passionate about. Blues enthusiast Taj Farrant is a prodigious talent that packs a ton of intensity into every performance, and Guitar Player is thrilled to partner with K.C. Turner Presents to welcome the rising star from the land Down Under to the Hopmonk Novato on the Friday after Independence Day Weekend.
Farrant’s advanced chops, huge online following and energetic performance style have earned him slots with the Experience Hendrix tour and major music festivals from Australia’s Bluesfest to Telluride’s Blues & Brews. He has collaborated with icons like Carlos Santana and Buddy Guy.
Farrant’s first full album, Chapter One, debuted at the top of the iTunes Blues Chart in 2024. Farrant has released two singles in 2026. The first was a singer-songwriter-style collaboration with his sister Jazel Farrant, a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist who is also a core member of Taj’s touring ensemble.
His latest single is a collaboration with Isaiah Sharkey, who won a Grammy for his work as a core member of D’Angelo’s backing band, the Vanguard. Farrant and Sharkey’s new tune is appropriately called “Texas Jam” as the seven-minute electric guitar showcase features the two trading smoking blues licks back and forth over a 12-bar form and would sound right at home at any backyard barbeque.
That’s exactly the setting for Farrant’s show at the Hopmonk Tavern in Novato, California on Friday, June 10. It’s a part of KC Turner Presents celebrated Cookout Concert Series where GP Presents has formerly teamed up to welcome the North Mississippi Allstars, Anders Osborne, and Bella Rayne.
Farrant’s blend of blues, rock and pop has audiences captivated and ever-curious about the next chapter for the next-gen guitar star. If you’re planning to be in Northern California over the weekend after Independence Day, be sure to head to the North Bay, less than an hour drive from San Francisco, and experience Taj Farrant live on Friday, July 10.
Farrant’s popularity is snowballing, so secure your spot in advance, tell a friend, be sure to come to the GP Presents table on site to snag a free set of acoustic guitar strings courtesy of Martin Strings.
WIN TICKETS!
For a chance to win a pair of tickets to see Taj Farrant in Novato, California, on Friday, July 10, send an email and put “Farrant” in the subject. Include a sentence about yourself and why you want to go. Phone contact greatly appreciated for confirmation.
Winner must provide their own transportation to the Hopmonk Tavern in Novato, California, and have their own accommodations in the area. Best of luck!
EVENT DETAILS
GP Presents Taj Farrant plus Percy Howard (singer from Nus)
Friday, June 10
4:00 p.m. doors, 6:00 p.m. show
The Hopmonk Tavern (Outdoor Beer Garden Venue)
Novato, CA
We’ll be handing out free packs of Martin strings
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