Singer/Songwriter
Multi-Instrumentalist

"Chris is a remarkable musician, a multi-instrumentalist and captivating singer who has performed at our festival (Wind Gap) over the years. His talent not only shines on stage but also extends to mentoring the next generation of performers through our Bluegrass Academy for Kids."
-Harry Grant (Talent buyer and festival promoter)

"Chris Panfil is by far one of the best solo acts in the city"
-Dennis Talty (Music club owner)

"Thank you Chris for another night of AMAZING MUSIC! ! Hope to have you back!!!"
-Laura Dixon (Club owner)

"To watch Chris on stage is to witness a master craftsman."
-Pat O'Brien (Disc Jockey WYRK)

"What struck me most about Chris is his consummate professionalism, and his ability to really connect to any audience." 
— Sue Tedder (Music Journalist/ Entertainment Manager)

A solo performer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist whose musical palette includes vocals, mandolin, fiddle, harmonica, and a wide range of guitar styles. Drawing on years of entertainment experience, his performances are shaped by an ability to read the room and tailor each set to the unique demographic of the audience before him.

His greatest passion lies in writing, singing, and performing original Americana-influenced songs, while classic Pop/Rock and Country favorites remain an essential and well-loved part of his repertoire. He performs both as a solo artist and, just as often, alongside his equally talented and musically complementary brother, Mark Panfil.

After pausing extensive touring to raise a family in his Western New York home—while still averaging more than 80 appearances per year throughout the Northeastern United States—he is once again expanding his reach and traveling more widely. He is equally at home on concert stages, at private events, house concerts, and in music clubs, delivering engaging, professional performances in every setting.

Press Kit

CHRIS...

Multi-Instrumentalist • Vocalist • Songwriter • Producer

ARTIST BIO

With more than 45 years of professional performance experience, Chris is a highly versatile multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, songwriter, producer, and engineer whose career spans an exceptional range of musical styles and settings. Proficient in multiple guitar styles as well as mandolin, fiddle, banjo and harmonica. Chris brings depth, authenticity, and musicality to every performance.

Equally at home in intimate listening rooms, clubs, festivals, private events, and prestigious concert halls, Chris draws from a vast original catalog and an extensive repertoire crossing Pop/Rock, Folk, Bluegrass, Irish Pub music, and Roots Country Music. His performances are consistently praised for their warmth, storytelling, and—above all—his rare ability to read an audience and tailor each show to connect with and delight diverse crowds.

Chris has performed original music in renowned venues including the George Eastman School of Music, toured throughout Europe, the Caribbean, and the United States, and shared the stage with legendary artists such as Peggy Seeger and Denny Laine (Paul McCartney & Wings, Moody Blues). His career reflects both musical excellence and a lifelong dedication to craft.

MUSICAL STYLES

Pop / Rock
Folk & Acoustic
Bluegrass & Newgrass
Irish Pub & Traditional
Country & Americana

LIVE PERFORMANCE

Chris performs as:

Solo Artist (originals & curated covers)
Duo / Ensemble Member
Full Band Performer
Themed & Genre- Bluegrass, Irish Pub, Americana.

IDEAL FOR

Concert halls & theater
Clubs & listening rooms
Festivals
Cultural events
Private & corporate engagements

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

2017
Performed the debut of the
rock opera Arctic Song, sharing vocals with its writer Denny Laine (Moody Blues, Paul McCartney & Wings). Accompanied by the Fredonia College Choir and Chamber Orchestra. Produced by Armand Petri (Goo Goo Dolls, 10,000 Maniacs, Sixpence None the Richer). Excerpts from "Arctic Song"(The Flag Song), (In the Forest)

2016
Inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame.

2007 – Present
Panfil Brothers (Mark & Chris). Writing and performing original music featuring guitar, dobro, banjo, mandolin, accordion, and harmonica. Released albums:
Keep Right, Notes From Above, Two Monkeys, Saved by the Night, Rails, Waves, Wood & Wire.

2000 – Present
Emerald Isle – Irish Pub Songs. Performing in clubs, concerts, festivals, and private events. Roles include vocalist, writer, guitar, fiddle, banjo, and mandolin.

1995 – Present
Solo Performer & Songwriter. Performing original and select cover material in clubs, concerts, and private venues. Authored and performed 80+ original songs, including works centered on Seneca Indian rights, American and local history, and notable regional figures. Featured artist in numerous Songwriters Concert Series.

1994 – Present
Creek Bend – Bluegrass band performing throughout New York, Pennsylvania, and Southern Ontario.

1st Place, Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival Band Competition.

Roles: Vocalist, Songwriter, Mandolin, Fiddle, Guitar.

1993
House band member at Nashville’s The Stagecoach, a premier country music industry nightclub.

1991 – 1993
Freelance session and touring musician, Nashville, TN. Band Leader for national package tours with Opry Stars, Jack Greene, Jeannie Seely, Little Jimmy Dickens, Del Reeves, Sheb Wooley, and others. Demo and master recording sessions on guitar, fiddle, mandolin, harmonica, vocals.

1988 – 1991
Recipient of Best Fiddle Player, Best Acoustic Guitar Player, and Best Band (multiple years), Buffalo Country Music Awards.

1988 – 1991
J.C. Thompson Band – Neo-Traditional Country. Released The JC Thompson Band album.

1980 – 1985
Sleepless Nites – Critically acclaimed newgrass pioneers. Toured the southeastern U.S.; recorded Live at the Garden. Fun samples of Sleepless Nites Music...(Spain), (Cheap Tequila)

1978 – 1980
Bluegrass Southern Style – Florida-based bluegrass band.

Touring Europe and Puerto Rico (USO-sponsored)

Recorded Rosewater Mountain

NOTABLE COLLABORATIONS