Erik Barnes was born in Buffalo, New York, raised there and in Seattle, Washington. His formal education in music began with private piano lessons followed by degrees from Yale College (B.A.), Washington State University (M.A.) and doctoral studies at the University of North Texas, where he was both a teaching fellow and part time faculty member.
At the University of North Texas, Barnes discovered that the pure joy of making music, whether classical, jazz or pop, was his true passion and decided to focus all of his energies on his performing career. He has performed concerts in many of the major cities in the U.S. including, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle, Minneapolis, Phoenix, San Antonio, Chicago, New York, Boston, Buffalo, Tampa and Atlanta. He has also played with four orchestras in the southwest.
There are few venues, however, where one can play Beethoven, Amy Winehouse and George Gershwin in the same set. The Library at the Warwick Melrose for Mr. Barnes is such a venue. Every evening there is a unique experience ranging from a “laid back hang” to a rockin’ good time. Sometimes the music occupies a background role and other times it is front and center. On some occasions, touring musicians agree to sit in. Gladys Knight’s background vocalists, singers for the Electric Light Orchestra, as well as a host of gifted local performers have all graced the room with their talents. Chance meetings with celebrities such as John Mayer, Gregory Hines, Bobby Short, and many others keep open the possibility that the elusive brush with fame will occur.
Most of all, Mr. Barnes enjoys indulging all musical requests because they allow the audience to play a role in determining the overall feel of the room which is always romantic.
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