Kick off your weekend at the Festival of Arts with a salute to Americana! This series features some of Southern California’s most talented in the Americana genre, playing a variety of instruments such as banjos, guitars, harmonicas, and more. Experience a fusion of different musical styles including folk, country, blues, and bluegrass, all with a unique American twist.

Darden is comprised of Clara, the guitarist; Havi on mandolin, Tabbi, the bassist, Josiah on drums, and Noah on keys. The girls are the vocalists in the group, focusing on harmonies and musical blends. Raised on the California Coast in a family of musicians, the band grew up surrounded by musical influences from almost every genre. In the early 2000s, their parents piled them into an RV, and together they embarked on several singing tours around the U.S., traveling as far east as Ohio. Originally their vocals were backed by their Grandpa Joe Tatar on honky-tonk style piano, but eventually, each decided on an instrument, and when the Darden family came off the road in 2008, the sisters began to hone in on forming their own musical entity. A couple of years ago, Josiah joined the band on drums so it was only natural for the youngest brother, Noah, to join the group as well on the keys.

Everyone is a songwriter in the group, now playing several instruments each. Since coming off the road, they have developed a sound that is their own unique spin on all the music they grew up on. Leaning towards an Alternative, Modern Americana feel, Darden presents an experience of crystal clear harmonies, angelic melodies, and modern versions of classic songs and styles.

The band currently resides in Orange County and they can be seen frequently performing around Fullerton and Southern California.