Roddy Barnes

I am a pianist/sing/songwriter who has graduated with a BA in Classical Performance but has always been strangely drawn to the blues of the 1920\'s (Bessie Smith, Big Mama Thorton, etc.) While studying classical, I performed in blues bars around the area singing these classic songs of my sheroes. Many times, this was an odd mixture (white guy singing black womens music from the 20\'s) but that was my passion and so that\'s what I followed. Fortunately for me, it has afforded me the opportunities to see foreign countries (Togo, Ghana, France, Germany, Monte Negro, and Jamaica. Also, since I stuck to what I knew I should be performing, many music writing opportunities have come to me for the style in which I write. Namely, PBS I wrote the theme song (words and lyrics) and segue music for a show called \"Cultivating Life\". My music has been recorded by Saffire/the Uppity Blues Women and also I written music for plays. \"Road Kill Diner\" in Lafayette LA. \"The Velveteen Rabbit\" Petersburg VA, and \"Death of a Salesman\" Missouri Rep. Theatre. I also wrote \"Nocturne for Harmonica\" which the Charlottesville Ballet Company danced to. There are these accomplishments but honestly they sound like a resume. My greatest joy is when I\'ve moved someone. Either to laughter, insight, movement, or tears. When these things have happened at a show, I feel I am an artist.