Fabulous Farquahr
September 14th, 2007 by 
bacon
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The Fabulous Farquahr was comprised of brothers Frank, Dennis and Bob McGowan, who were all Mariners, as well as Doug Lapham, Jim Ricker (bass) and Dick Liso (drummer) who were not Mariners. Individually, they were known as Barnswallow Farquahr, Hummingbird Farquahr, Flamingo Farquahr (Bobby), Condor Farquahr (jim), and Little Dicky Bird (Dick). (missing one bird) Their music has been described as a mix of Irish folk music, bluegrass, psychedelic rock and comedy. According to Mariner John Ciaglia (Woodpecker Farquahr), who joined in 1981 and played with them for eighteen years until their last gig in 1999, the comedy routines were all done by Bobby and were mostly gay routines. Evidently they were a big hit in Provincetown. Along with Ciaglia, Mariner Craig Stopka joined for one year.
The Fabulous Farquahr have the distinction of being the official band for Hubert Humphrey’s presidential bid during the 60’s.
They released two albums early on, “The Fabulous Farquahr” (1968), and “Farquahr” (1970). During the eighties they released a couple of other albums, which I have not been able to track down.
Dennis McGowan passed away in 2001.
Frank McGowan passed away in October 2004 at the age of 65.
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September 14th, 2007 at 12:39 pm
The Fabulous Farquahr was the brain child of Doug Lapham, a relative of the boys. After a falling out, it was Frank, Dennis, Bobby, & Jim (bass player, can’t remember his last name. He was from Grand Isle, Vermont. There was also another member of the band who could really fill you in on specifics. John Ciaglia was Woodpecker Farquahr. I’m sure John could tell you a million stories.
September 23rd, 2008 at 12:25 am
First heard these talented musicians at a Hootenanny at Branford Point in 1964! I have tow of their cassette tape collections and have just been able to record them on a CD. “My Island” is my particular favorite. I have so many memories of them - followed them until the end, even adding my son who loved them when he was a teen to their long list of avid fans. I went to high school and graduated the year after their sister Peggy. Frank always remembered. My best friend and I became fast friends of the group and often surprised them at gigs with silly gags that made them laugh - like sitting right in front of the stage and sucking lemons during a romantic ballad. We were rewarded with shots of tequila - WAY too often! They always seemed to enjoy themselves during a show - wish I could tell them how often they brought laughter to my days and fun into my life! I’ll always be an avid fan and often wonder how Bobby is doing. His sensitive nature made him a special friend to me.