Barney's Goat at the Fountain

The Atlanta Area Friends of Folk Music presents its Fourth Fridays Show and Jam Session this week at the Old Tucker Fountain with guests 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, consisting of Chris and Carol Moser with Phil Matteson, 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, mountain dulcimer, bass, and bodhran (Celtic drum).

The Goat takes the stage at 7 p.m. and is followed by the jam at 8 p.m.

Bring your instruments and voices for a Folk Music jam session after the show. The jam encompasses an eclectic mix of acoustic music, including Old Time Appalachian, blues, '60s folk, Celtic, ragtime, bluegrass, contemporary singer-songwriter selections, and whatever strikes your fancy. Bring an instrument and maybe even some songs to share at the jam or song circle.

Barbecue, sandwiches, desserts including homemade ice-cream, Brunswick stew, smoked chicken, and other good food items are available for sale, so bring your appetite as well. Directions and other info on the Old Tucker Fountain are here.