www.montereycountynow.com January 2-8, 2025 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 27 MUSIC Doug Fearnside is a local singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, worship leader, father and self-professed “fidgeter.” He can’t sit still when he is tuned into something that interests him. “Music is always something that I want to do. So it always ends up pulling me toward that,” he says in a warm tone through a thick brown beard. His winter outfit is often a patterned sweater, tan sherpa jacket and wool cap. He has lived in Monterey for most of his life, and chances are if you attended this year’s lighting of the Christmas tree at Colton Hall, have gone pub-hopping on Cannery Row, been to a Sunday service at All Things New Church or spent a happy hour in Carmel, then you have already heard Fearnside sing. He performs around town, and has a regular Friday gig at SteakCraft in Carmel. “I really like playing at SteakCraft,” says Fearnside, who has a catalog of three or four hours of Americana and folk material. “I can stay mellow, which is my style anyway.” But if he is fidgety in his actions, his songs offer a stable counterbalance. Fearnside has the kind of voice that seems to carry the special weight of making longing seem beautiful and making the beautiful seem to ache. “I feel that it’s more that I’m processing negativity or things like spirituality [through my music],” he says. Fearnside met his wife Janet while they were living in the Bay Area. After the birth of their daughter, they decided to move back to Monterey. “I grew up near the beach,” he explains. “It was huge for me. And I thought, I want my kids to be beach kids, too.” As a father of two working full-time hours, finding the balance to performing locally at least two nights a week can be a challenge. But Fearnside says Janet is supportive. “Also, I run hot. I don’t require that much sleep.” In addition to his Friday happy hour gigs, he also has an upcoming show at Wendi Kirby Music in Monterey. Fearnside says he wants to be involved in music for his whole life, whether it’s production or performance. “I can make a lot of noise with pretty much any instrument,” Fearnside says with a chuckle. He pauses, meditates for a moment, then smiles. “I guess I just love saying yes to anything that’s music-related.” Doug Fearnside plays 5:30-7:30pm Fridays through February. SteakCraft, 102 Crossroads Blvd., Carmel. Free. 220-3254, steakcraft.com. KHALIL ROBINSON IMAGERY Americana Dream Doug Fearnside is drawn to music and, as a performer, he gives depth to mellow songs. By Jesse Herwitz While Doug Fearnside plays at various venues, his current Friday happy hour residency at SteakCraft suits his style. From our Farm To Your FamilY Fresh, locally grown, certified organic produce. Join our CSA now, and get your customized share of the harvest delivered each week. We deliver every Thursday to: Carmel/Carmel Valley: Hidden Valley Nursery Pacific Grove: Happy Girl Kitchen South Salinas, North Monterey, Watsonville: At the farm! Watsonville LiveEarthFarm.net 720 BROADWAY AVE. SEASIDE Call 831-899-1762 to order DINE IN / TAKEOUT / DELIVERY Great Dough Great Pizza is Thin crust & Sourdough pizzas Salads & Calzones • Pasta • Subs Draft beer on tap • Wine • Dessert Serving handmade pizzas with fresh, quality ingredients At The Oven, we believe Domenico’s on the Wharf features Cioppino-a house specialty, Boat to Table Wild Alaskan Salmon, Oysters Rockefeller are a sample of the many great menu choices. Also enjoy Fine Wines and Cocktails, Desserts and Great Service. A local favorite celebrating 43 yeARS on Old Fisherman’s Wharf. 50 Old FiSheRmAn’S WhARF mOnTeRey • 831-372-3655 www.domenicosmonterey.com Open Daily 11:30am to close Fresh Seafood, Italian Classics, Prime Steaks , with Beautiful Harbor Views.
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