Emily Barnes

Emily Barnes is a contemporary folk singer-songwriter whose music breathes life into the characters and stories of everyday people. With a voice that cuts straight to the bone and lyrics that linger long after the last note, she crafts songs that feel both intimately personal and universally human.

Born and raised in Johnsonburg, New Jersey—a town so small it doesn’t appear on most maps—Barnes began writing songs on the steps of her 200-year-old house. From those quiet beginnings, she’s built a grassroots following the old-fashioned way: one room, one story, and one listener at a time.

Armed with her acoustic guitar and a raw, haunting voice, Barnes has crisscrossed cities and small towns alike, captivating audiences nationwide. Her latest album, Mint Condition, took her on a sold-out tour throughout the Northeast and marked her most accomplished work to date.

A recognized talent in the songwriting community, Emily has been a finalist in several major festivals, including the Kerrville Folk Festival, Red Lodge Songwriters Festival, Blast on the Bay, and The Acorn Songwriting Contest.

With four albums under her belt and a growing reputation as a storyteller of uncommon depth, Emily Barnes continues to carve out a space that is wholly her own in the modern folk landscape.

Backing instrumentation and harmonies for 07/25/2025 with: 

Aaron McCloskey and Joe Teichman

Website:

https://www.emilybarnesmusic.com

Opening Acts:
Russell Thornberry, Jesse Maclaine

(+++ ABOUT OUR OPENING ACTS +++)

+++ NO ADVANCE TICKET SALES. ADMISSION IS FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED AT THE DOOR. +++

Doors open at 6:15 p.m.; the concert begins at 7:00 p.m. with two opening acts. $15 general admission, $8 members and students with ID; free for ages 12 and younger (become a member before or at the show and $tart $aving right away!).

No advance ticket sales. Admission is only at the door.

+++ Free, off-street parking is available in the church lot across the street from our hall. +++

Baked goods, coffee, tea, and water are available for purchase in the Community Center.