News Release
Bruce Barnes
News Release Date: August 21, 2019
The Maryland Park Service, National Park Service, and the National Council for the Traditional Arts are proud to offer a free performance by Sunpie & the Louisiana Sunspots on Thursday, September 5 at 3pm under the pavilion at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park. (Stop #13 on the Harriet Tubman Byway)
Bruce “Sunpie” Barnes, a former professional football player and National Park Service park ranger for 30 years, is an acclaimed accordionist, harmonica player, and researcher. Sunpie is known for performing his own style of Afro-Louisiana music that combines zydeco, blues, gospel, and Caribbean traditions. He learned accordion at the feet of some of zydeco’s most acclaimed pioneers, including Fernest Arceneaux, John Delafose, and Clayton Sampy.
Among Sunpie’s many areas of expertise is the deep wellspring of traditional songs, African American spirituals in particular, that contained hidden meanings for enslaved Africans who dreamed of reaching freedom on the Underground Railroad. Joining Sunpie will be LeRoy Etienne on drums and Michael Harris on bass.
The event is free of charge for the public and seating is available on a first come, first serve basis. Other musicians will also be in attendance including, Phil Wiggins Blues House Party.
The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park and Visitor Center is located at 4068 Golden Hill Rd, Church Creek, Maryland 21622. For more info, contact 410-221-2290.
Last updated: August 21, 2019