Liz Barnez

This singer/songwriter was heavily influenced from the distinct sounds of New Orleans. Growing up in the French Quarter, Barnez mixed funk with gospel, soul and Dixieland music to create "acoustic swamp-rock". While attending the University of New Orleans, Barnez met drummer Steve Amedee. Amedee was a member of The Subdudes and encouraged Barnez to continue her writing and singing. In 1987, The Subdudes moved to Colorado and Barnez was soon to follow. In 1988, she recorded her demo. One of the songs from the demo, Easy Life, was continuously aired on a regional radio station. Barnez also contributed Don't Worry for a compilation of Colorado musicians. Shortly thereafter the singer was opening for various artists throughout the Rocky Mountain region. Barnez also won the Colorado Sound Contest and performed at the American Music Festival. In 1992, she released Liz Barnez Band, her debut album. More touring and performing ensued before she entered the studio in 1995. Working with Tom Sullivan, Barnez released Inkmarks On Pages in 1996. Often compared to Melissa Etheridge, the musician performed at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival for two years.