Tucson Musician Spotlight: Sabra Faulk

For decades, Sabra Faulk has been a familiar and respected presence in Tucson’s music community, performing across country, blues, funk, folk, and Americana projects with some of Southern Arizona’s most talented musicians. Her musical journey began in childhood while watching her parents rehearse with their country band in Kayenta, Arizona, and from that point on, music became part of who she was.

Over the years, Sabra has played in countless bands, shared stages with legendary local performers, headlined the Tucson Folk Festival with the Angel Band, and continued evolving as both a songwriter and performer. In this interview, she reflects on the experiences, collaborations, and personal growth that shaped her career—and why music still brings her joy after all these years.

You grew up around music from such a young age—what do you remember most about those early days watching your parents perform with Bonnie and the Westerners?

 It seemed to me like my parents got more serious about playing after my Dad graduated from NAU and we moved to Kayenta. I remember being at the rehearsals until late into the night and just thinking how much I wanted to be on stage with them. I would fall asleep in a chair while they learned new songs and practiced harmonies.

After we moved back to Willcox they got busy with life and they never had a band again. But the bug had hit me and I would play my Dad’s guitar when he was at work. He told me not to touch it but my Mom would watch him leave and then tell him he was gone so I could go play.

She always encouraged me to follow my dream and become a musician. After the divorce, I was jamming with my Mom at home, playing in a high school rock band, and even playing in a band with my Mom for a while. I always had music in my life thanks to my Mom.

You mentioned deciding at a young age that music would be your future—was there a specific moment when it really clicked for you?

Yes, I had a crush on a really nice kid with a sports car and he had a rock band with his younger brother.  I was recruited to play bass and even though we never played a gig in public because they were so shy, we sounded pretty good at rehearsals. That was when I knew that I wanted to be the world’s greatest bass player. Haha. 

You started out playing bass in bands before moving into your own songwriting and performances—how did that transition shape you as an artist?

You’ve played in so many bands across Tucson’s country, blues, and funk scenes—how would you describe the evolution of your sound over the years?

I have always loved so many types of music. I wanted to play bass in every genre and learn from the amazing musicians in Tucson, there are so many. I just wanted to be challenged and there were things I was not good at, probably based on interest but also because I don’t read a lick of music. I play by ear. I also must admit that if you are going to make a living playing music full time you must be able to play with most of the bands and try to do it well.

Tucson has the most friendly and lovely players of any town I have been in. It’s like big family. I would say that the evolution of my sound is mostly credited to the many performers, writers, and singers I have had the privilege of playing with in Tucson. That is a smorgasbord of teachers and I am grateful. 

You’ve collaborated with so many incredible local musicians—are there any standout moments or performances that still stick with you?

Being asked to headline the Tucson Folk Festival in 2012 is a huge milestone—what did that experience mean to you?

I was so scared and nervous.  I had serious Imposter syndrome. Jim Lipson believed in me and I had a nice conversation with John Coinman before we went on and nerves calmed. It felt like a dream come true. After so many years of being a hard working non stop gigging musician I felt validated and loved in a big way. I don’t really do this for the kudos, I do it because it’s what I know and I feel like I am called to give people joy through music. But it sure was nice to be recognized and asked to headline. It was also so nice to play with the Angels, all bandleaders  with their own bands and they said yes to me. Sublime.

You’ve shared the stage with some notable acts over the years—what have those opportunities taught you or inspired in your own music?

I learned that we are all just doing what we do, some people will love you and some  will find it uninspiring.  Just keep doing what you do your own way and the joy will be immeasurable. Never be someone you aren’t because people read the BS factor pretty well. 

These days you’re performing in projects like The Cactus Wrens and The Queen Bees Duo—what are you enjoying most about this current phase of your musical journey?

I am playing mostly for the joy of playing now in my golden years. I don’t worry so much about the money or fame or kudos. It is all about experiencing new things and stretching myself a little out of my comfort zone.

Looking back on your career so far, what advice would you give to musicians who are just starting out in the Tucson scene?

You know, it’s weird, I just had this conversation with someone and I remember starting out at 23 playing with all the guys in their 30’s, 40’s and some in their 50’s. I cut my teeth with the seasoned pros and they were super helpful and sweet to me. 

Music and how it is viewed these days is vastly different. These kids are coming up already virtuoso in many ways and with much better music education than I had. They have been writing since they were nine and performing on stages for a while already. They are so much more confident than I was at their age. I feel like they need to give me advice. Lol.

But if I have anything to say it would be to stay kind and be humble because Tucson is a great community of music and we all gotta love each other, respect each other and make beautiful music together.

Still Playing for the Joy of It

After decades in Tucson’s music scene, Sabra Faulk continues to approach music with humility, authenticity, and a genuine love for collaboration. Whether performing with The Queen Bees Duo, The Cactus Wrens, or alongside fellow Tucson musicians, her passion for creating meaningful music and community still shines through.

Her journey is also a reminder of what makes Tucson’s music scene so special—a community built on support, creativity, and musicians lifting each other up. We’d like to thank Sabra for sharing her story and experiences with Tucson Local Bands.