Chris BadNews Barnes & The BluesBallers and GALE MAYES

About This Event

Hailed as the King of Hokum Blues by Elmore Magazine, Chris BadNews Barnes is a comedic musician credited with resurrecting the witty and forgotten genre of Hokum Blues. American Blues Scene glorifies Barnes as a former Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm, 30 Rock, Uniting his adoration of blues and comedy to create an incomparable sound, Barnes collection of three critically acclaimed full-length albums have landed him on the Billboard Charts with several nominations and recognitions, and put him on the map as an accomplished artist in the blues scene. A Pennsylvania native turned New York City transplant, Barnes broke into the comedy scene in 1977 at 17 years old, performing stand-up in NYCs legendary Catch a Rising Star comedy club. It was on the stage of the citys blues club Tramps where Barnes first combined humor and blues music while improvising original blues tunes based on audience suggestionsa task that came so naturally, prompting the start of his comedic music career and landing him on stage with Koko Taylor, Pinetop Perkins, Big Eyes Willie Smith and Lightnin Hopkins. He was later signed to Fever Records after connecting with Rock RappinJimmy B featuring Jim Belushi. It was his comedic training which fed his musical needs, leading Barnes on his journey to creating satirical blues music. In 2017, Barnes released his full-length No. #1 chart topper album Hokum Blues a 14 track masterpiece highlighting his satirical and honest character, backed by professional instrumentalists from Saturday Night Live and Late Night with Conan OBrien. Two years later in 2019, Barnes collaborated with Grammy Award-winning producer Tony Braunagel for his hit live album titled LIVE which landed at No #8 on the Billboard charts and No #5 on Amazon, along with nominations for Best Live Album and Best Band for The Independent Blues Award. In 2021 he released BadNews Rising, Barness 10 song album and most recent project in alliance with Buddy Guys four-time Grammy Award-winning produc