Biography

Barb grew up in a tiny rural community in central western New Brunswick, only 12 kilometers from the Longest Covered Bridge in the world. Her grandmother was perhaps one of the biggest and earliest music influences, with Barb learning to sing “Jesus Loves Me” (at age 2) standing beside the old pump organ in her grandparents farmhouse “parlor”. Barb went on to sing in music festivals during her school years, participating in the high school glee club. She learned to play guitar at the age of 15 when her parents gave her a “starter model” from the Sears Catalogue.

It wasn’t until she met her husband (in 1993) that she began to sing publicly again after many years of silence (except for kitchen concerts). Since then she’s been performing in many local festivals (New Brunswick Gospel Music Festival) in her area as well as guest appearances in churches throughout New Brunswick. Barb has supported several local charities and organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Society, the United Way and the Children’s Wish Foundation with fund-raising gospel concerts.

Since 1997, Barb and her husband have worked to promote local talent in their area in a venue of their own called the Country Junction. That building (owned by the couple) has been sold to Outreach Productions, where Barb recorded her latest CD entitled “By Request”. This second project features many of the hymns she learned growing up, as well as many of her personal favourite gospel songs. Barb’s debut CD, entitled ‘It’s Been a Long Time” contains many of her own compositions and was recorded in 2003. Barb’s music encompasses many styles ranging from country, blues and traditional roots.