Sarah Barker profile picture

Sarah Barker

About Me

I bought my first guitar when I turned forty, and was encouraged soon thereafter to start writing my own songs by the store owner where I purchased it (Mike Shannon of Daddy O's in Stillwater, OK). My early work left much to be desired, but hopefully it's improved somewhat over the past ten years.****************************************************** *****************Since then, I've been given many wonderful opportunities to play my music for audiences in several venues and small festivals around Oklahoma. Much to my surprise, I even received a few nominations for the Red Dirt music awards a few years back.One of my songs, Cimarron River Song, was played at a funeral for an Oklahoma man. His daughter had heard a friend of mine playing it at the Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah, OK, and when her dad passed away shortly after the festival, she asked my friend to play my song at his funeral. I can't think of a much higher honor than that. To date, this song and a couple others have been learned and played by several other musicians. Does my heart good just to think of it, and gives me yet another reason to continue singing, writing, playing and sharing my musical soul.******************************************************* ****************By far the best part of being a musician has been the friends I've made along the way. Red Dirt musicians are a tight, supportive bunch, and I've met many, many friends through festivals. Our friendships may have started with jamming at campgrounds, but have grown deeper over the years with shared experiences reaching far beyond the parameters of music. In fact, I think at this point in my life I can safely say that most of my friends are people I've met either directly or indirectly through music.****************************************************** ***************** This is my music, thanks for listening. Hope you enjoy.****************************************************** *****************

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 31/01/2007
Band Members: Sarah Barker~ Lead vocals, my Martin D-16*** Steve Huhn~ Upright bass, stage banter*** Paul Davidson~ Mandolin*** Leonard McCracken~ Lead guitar, vocals*** Jay Lesikar~ Keyboards*** Sometimes other musician friends along the way***<a
Influences: Dad, Red Dirt Music, Oklahoma, Gillian Welch, Emmylou Harris, Guy Clark, John Prine, Hank Williams, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Carter Family, Nanci Griffith, Fred Eaglesmith, Buddy & Julie Miller, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, John Denver (yeah, I know... but it's true dammit), Woody Guthrie, Arlo Guthrie, Bob Wills, Leon Russell, Steve Earle, Townes Van Zandt, Ralph Stanley, Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline, Kelly Willis, Iris Dement, Stacey Earle, Trish Murphy, Kimmie Rhodes, Kasey Chambers, Bob Childers, Monica Taylor, John Fullbright
Sounds Like:Audacity recordings on a cheap, ancient microphone!
Record Label: Unsigned

My Blog

I'm Not Worthy

I'm not really sure how to put my feelings into words over this one.  I've written a number of songs now, and to date a sparse handful have been picked up by other musicians.  They've played my songs ...
Posted by on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 05:48:00 GMT

For Better or For Worse

For Better or For Worse~ Sarah Barker I ain't what I used to be, but I'm more what I amThere's a best and a worst of me, I do what I canThe love you give to me, so precious that it hurtsGo sweep out t...
Posted by on Fri, 26 Dec 2008 19:05:00 GMT

Happy New Year

The following is an excerpt from an email sent to me by my friend Anne.  Pretty good message for the new year, so I thought I'd pass it along. Happy New Year~ Peace & Love to y...
Posted by on Fri, 26 Dec 2008 16:19:00 GMT

Bury Me Beneath the Willows

A couple of weekends ago, my husband Steve and I were sitting in our living room, picking and singing, when he brought up the idea of going to the hospital to sing and play for our friend Ed Shepherd....
Posted by on Fri, 05 Sep 2008 23:47:00 GMT

End of an Era... or a New Beginning

I received the sad news this week that one of my favorite gig venues, Stampede's in Cookson, OK, had burned to the ground.  I've played this wonderful venue a number of times, either b...
Posted by on Fri, 22 Aug 2008 07:57:00 GMT

One Fine Saturday

I think I played more music last Saturday than I have any time other than when I was at a festival.  I had been so concerned about the weather, as the forecast was for rain and more rain.  W...
Posted by on Mon, 18 Aug 2008 18:38:00 GMT

24 Hours at Woodyfest...

My parents are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this year.  All well and good for them, you're thinking... but what does that have to do with Woodyfest?  Nothing, except that I alm...
Posted by on Sat, 19 Jul 2008 07:29:00 GMT

Thursday Night Science

Having finally been cajoled by Don Morris and Bridget Wood into playing Thursday Night Science at Snockers in Bartlesville as the special guest, I followed Don's most helpful&...
Posted by on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 09:02:00 GMT

Keeps Getting Better

I just had the best birthday ever.  Well, okay... I probably say that every year.  But really.  It was a great celebration weekend. I spent Friday afternoon running errands while having...
Posted by on Fri, 30 May 2008 07:18:00 GMT

Goodbye, Magic Man...

I Never Even Kissed You~ Sarah Barker   I think the angels could've waited And let me say goodbye just one more time I never quite anticipated Even though I guess I saw the signs Oh I know you'r...
Posted by on Tue, 29 Apr 2008 18:34:00 GMT