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Barbara Ernst

Musician - Singer

About the artist:

Born in Canada, Barbara Ernst (vocals, guitar) grew up listening and dancing to the swing music of the 1920’s – 40’s (following the example of her parents – avid dancers). Studying piano as a child, she switched to guitar later, and made her way to the West Coast – first the Bay Area, and then Seattle, where she was greatly influenced by the music scene there in the 1980’s – becoming well-versed in swing/jazz standards. Over the last 20 years Barbara has traveled in Asia, Africa, and predominantly Latin America, collecting music from the various countries & playing with musicians along the way. She has performed in clubs in Mexico, Peru, Bolivia and Brazil. She has also participated twice in the Winter Music Festival in Sao Joao del Rei, Brazil. Fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, she sings with true authenticity the romantic Spanish ballads and Brazilian Sambas & Bossa Novas, and brings her own unique touch to some of our Jazz Standards. Barbara has performed locally in Colorado Springs since 1999 at several clubs and restaurants including: Fujiyama, the Fine Arts Center’s Deco Lounge, Salsa Brava, Cucuru Gallery, Adams Mark Hotel, The Broadmoor Hotel, Rico's Cafe & Wine Bar, the Bliss Café in Denver and Pueblo’s Café ZzaJ. In May of 2010 the sextet on her new CD performed--headlining-- at Estes Park jazz Festival's 20th anniversay. Barbara has had the privilege of working with some of the area’s finest musicians. From Denver/Boulder: Ken Walker, Paul McDaniel, (bass); Todd Reid, Raoul Rossiter, Jill Fredericksen (drums); Bill Kopper (guitar). In Colorado Springs: Mark Rose, Ricky Sweum, Ed Hurreau (sax); John Flores, Mark Neihoff (bass); Luke Tripp (violin); Stephan Flores (drums). The group, Mistura Bela (Beautiful Mixture) can be hired in a variety of configurations from Barbara, solo, up to a 5-piece ensemble.

Currently playing every Friday 7-9 pm at Fujiyama, 22 S. Tejon & First Saturdays at Salsa Brava, 802 S. Village Center Drive, Rockrimmon 8-10 pm