Meet the Band
We are More Joy, a collective of musicians based in Sonoma County, California. We blend blues, folk, and original compositions with thematic storytelling and pointed political commentary. Our performances aim to create connection, inspire reflection, and share our perspectives as artists and members of the LGBT+ community.
Iris Harrell
A singer/songwriter who spent five years on the road in a ‘70s band called Shiraz. A proud Oakmont resident since 2015, she’s a retired general contractor and designer from Silicon Valley. Iris grew up in North Carolina and Virginia, steeped in country, gospel, and the Beatles. Her passion for meaningful, community-rooted music shapes everything More Joy brings to the stage.
Ann Benson
Born in Texas, Ann got her first guitar—a pawn shop Martin—at age 12 and never looked back. She spent decades performing in Dallas-area coffeehouses, restaurants, and concerts. A singer, guitarist, and arranger, she has a soft spot for ballads (especially sad ones) and a deep love of folk music. Ann brings warmth, depth, and heart to More Joy’s sound.
Deborah Knapp
A classically trained pianist who now plays for fun, Debbie studied piano performance in graduate school and taught children for years in San Francisco. Since moving to Oakmont, she’s accompanied theater productions, church choirs, and vocalists—and added accordion to her repertoire along the way. Debbie now gives piano “edutainment” talks and performs at Jack London Park on Charmian London’s 1901 Steinway.
Chris Finn
Chris plays upright bass and mandolin, and has performed in many bands over the years. She’s especially passionate about harmony singing and the joy of playing music in community. Since moving to Oakmont, Chris has found a musical home with More Joy—where she brings groove, heart, and a whole lot of love for the band’s shared sound.
Our Approach
We believe in the power of music to tell stories and build community. Our shows are carefully crafted events, often exploring specific themes relevant to our times. We prefer intimate settings where the audience can fully engage with the performance.