BIO
Award-winning singer-songwriter Dara James started his professional gigging music career at only 11 years of age playing harmonica for the popular New River Valley-based band, Upland Express. Playing alongside his father and twin brothers, Barry and Garry Collins, Dara travelled with Upland Express all around Virginia for almost 10 years, opening up for national acts and recording a CD together when Dara was only 13 years old. Dara recorded his first solo album when he was 17.
From there, Dara found a popular blues band in Central Virginia known as the Jon Spear Band, where his talent as a quadruple-threat musician became even more apparent as a master of harmonica, vocals, electric guitar, and award-winning songwriting. Dara’s work on the band’s three CDs has earned him generous praise. such as Friday Blues Fix calling him, “a blues star in the making…a gifted guitarist, singer, and songwriter,” and Professor Johnny P. calling him “a ‘guitar wizard’ who can easily get an audience up on its feet just by the strength of his playing.” Dara, alongside the Jon Spear Band, has opened for national acts such as Chris Duarte, The Iguanas, Junior Brown, Delbert McClinton, and many others. He has also competed in the 31st, 33rd, and 35th International Blues Challenge.
Dara has also joined with fellow band member Jon Spear to form an acoustic duo called “Old Soul” that plays numerous venues in Central Virginia and placed as a semi-finalist in the Blues Foundation’s 35th International Blues Challenge in January 2019.
Presently, Dara has recorded another solo project entitled, “Her Light,” in dedication of his late daughter, Everly Margaret Rose, released September 1st, 2021.
From there, Dara formed “Dara James and the Soul Disciples, bringing a powerhouse blend of authenticity, groove, and soulful musicianship to every stage they hit.
This organ trio delivers a captivating mix of Dara’s acclaimed original songwriting alongside refreshing, high-energy interpretations of blues, funk, R&B, and soul. Their sound is raw, uplifting, and deeply rooted in tradition—yet unmistakably their own.
Accolades
“Dara is a superb singer and guitarist I never get tired of listening to. His tasteful playing and exceptional vocal range is always entertaining. His performances are heartfelt and deep and I look forward to what the future will bring for him. If you haven’t already, check him out! You’ll be impressed for sure.”
—Steve Hamilton (WNRN)
“I’ve had nothing but great experience working with Dara James over the past few years… both as a solo artist and with The Jon Spear Band! I’ve booked shows with him and the band at Pro Re Nata Brewery and Brewing Tree dozens of times! A world class lead guitar player, a voice like an angel (with the blues)… and a heart of gold! I highly recommend catching a show with him… any chance you get!”
—Brian Combs, Music and Social Media Manager at Pro Re Nata Brewery & Music Hall