Guitar with Barry C.

Barry Chern has been one of Central Ohio's premiere proponents of Roots Music since before any one else was calling it that. His first public shows at the age of 15 already featured a unique mix of early folk, blues and originals. He has ever since been absorbing and transmuting the diverse streams of American Song, with a deepening focus on early blues and string-band music. This mixes with a compositional drive to explore and invent within modern harmonic structures. His performances feature heartfelt vocals with bare-finger guitar picking, mandolin and harmonica, and sometimes piano, clarinet, autoharp and other items from his arsenal. Chern has represented Columbus at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, and in 2012 was the "Honored Artist" at Columbus' Comfest, making his 40th appearance at the Fest's 40th anniversary. He is also an award-winning fine artist.