Barney's Goat

Borrowing their eccentric name from an Irish folk tune, the members of the Atlanta-based folk ensemble Barney's Goat value a healthy dose of blarney within an evening of music. Whether performing the Irish and Scottish songs that are their specialty, their unusual repertoire of American material, or both, these spirited entertainers love nothing more than to spin a good yarn through song.  Moving effortlessly from ribald pub songs to poetic and tragic ballads, they sprinkle in wry humor and running commentary to keep their audience on an emotional rollercoaster.

Barney's Goat is best known for performing Celtic music - that is to say, the traditional music primarily of Scotland, Ireland and Wales. Unlike most other local Celtic groups, they do mostly songs, with some instrumentals in the mix. They play a wide array of instruments: six-string and 12-string guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin, pennywhistle, recorder, electronic keyboard, mountain dulcimer, bass, and bodhran (Celtic drum).

Since forming in 1992, Barney's Goat has gained a strong local following from frequent appearances at coffeehouses, folk festivals, other cultural events, retirement homes, and private parties.