ROCK HALL — On Saturday, The Mainstay will welcome local favorite Barbara Parker to its outdoor stage — weather permitting.
The longtime Kent County resident has written and sung songs and accompanied herself on guitar since she was a young girl.
For a number of years, Parker stepped back from music, deferring to her career in the advertising industry.
An invitation to perform at a local open mic night about 15 years ago jumpstarted Parker’s return to performing.
Since then, she has appeared solo and with musical backup at some of the mid-Atlantic’s best-loved stages and listening rooms.
According to a news release, Parker’s original music comes from an understanding of her own and others’ wistfulness for what lies beyond the horizon.
“Her stage presence summons memories of the grand folk dames of classic coffeehouses, and the giant female stars of old-time country such as Patsy Cline. But she is equally capable of assigning her signature voice to the iconic tunes of her favorite performers, including Joni Mitchell, Bonnie Raitt, Carly Simon and James Taylor,” the news release states.
In her Aug. 23 performance at The Mainstay, Parker will be accompanied by Greg Zant on guitar, Dave Sharp on bass, Bob Miller on drums and Benji Price on acoustic rhythm guitar.
Showtime is 8 p.m.
Tickets are $20 in advance of the show and can be purchased online at mainstayrockhall.org.
Phone reservations are accepted by calling 410-639-9133.
Tickets reserved by phone are $25 when paid for at the door.
The Mainstay is located at 5753 N. Main St. in Rock Hall.
The programs of The Mainstay are supported in part with funding from the Maryland State Arts Council and Kent Cultural Alliance.
