An eclectic set of multiple genres and decades in music: Barnes plays the Barn in Sauquoit

The Thursday Night Music Series at the Paris Hill Barn and Café in Sauquoit continues Aug. 11 with an eclectic set of music by Mark Barnes. 

The Waterville-based Barnes promises he will be spanning multiple genres from the 1940s to the present. He said he enjoys presenting arrangements of songs no one expects to hear in a sparse format. And while the show is billed as a solo performance, he said he loves bringing talented family and friends along to share the songs.

Barnes said he has always gotten a special charge out of connecting with a live audience.

"If the lights aren't too bright, you can always look around the room and lock eyes with someone who is really into what you're doing. And that's incredibly satisfying for any performer," he said.

All concerts in the weekly summertime music series are from 6:30-7:30 p.m. There is no admission charge but the series is supported by audience donations. There is also a cash snack bar with proceeds going to Three Steeples United.

Barnes said he has been performing for five decades and a date at the Barn is his all-time favorite gig, bar none.

"First off, the venue is so professionally run," Barnes complimented. "Great sound system managed by people who know their business well. And the clientele and management are absolutely first-rate ... super-appreciative, kind and knowledgeable music fans. I feel like I can play anything, even material that's really personal and wouldn't necessarily fly anywhere else. And they listen and we get to chat afterwards. It's a special venue ... really unique, in my experience. I love it."

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The Paris Hill Barn and Café is located behind Three Steeples United at 2817 Old Route 12 in Sauquoit. 

Mike Jaquays is the community news reporter for the Mid-York Weekly. Email him atmjaquays@gannett.com.