Bruce “Sunpie” Barnes is a true master of musical fusion and cultural storytelling. Based in New Orleans, Sunpie is a musician, naturalist, park ranger, and educator who embodies the vibrant traditions of Afro-Louisiana music. Leading his band, Sunpie and the Louisiana Sunspots, Barnes has crafted a distinctive sound that blends zydeco, blues, gospel, jazz, and African and Afro-Caribbean rhythms into a unique “musical gumbo.” His performances are electrifying, featuring his powerful vocals and incredible versatility on the accordion, harmonica, piano, trombone, and more.

A native of Benton, Arkansas, Barnes was born on May 18, 1963, as one of eleven children in a family of hardworking sharecroppers. His love for music began early with inspiration from his father, Willie Barnes Sr., a blues harmonica player who introduced him to legendary figures like Sonny Boy Williamson II. Despite humble beginnings, Barnes displayed immense talent and determination. A skilled athlete, he earned All-American status as a defensive end during his football career at Henderson State University, before briefly playing for the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL. However, his passion for music and nature ultimately called him back.

Sunpie has been an integral part of Louisiana’s cultural and musical scene for over three decades, performing at iconic events like the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and the Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival. His music is rich in tradition and storytelling, informed by his work as a park ranger with the National Park Service, where he educates visitors about Louisiana’s unique ecosystems and cultural heritage. He has also taken his music around the world, performing in over 50 countries.

Barnes’s influence extends beyond the stage. Since 2010, he has served as the leader of the Northside Skull and Bones Gang, a legendary Mardi Gras group that has upheld ancestral traditions since 1819. His commitment to cultural preservation includes co-authoring the book Talk That Music Talk, focused on preserving New Orleans’ brass band traditions.

Sunpie’s talents have reached other mediums, too. His music and expertise have been featured in films (Déjà Vu, Jonah Hex), television shows (Treme), and award-winning documentaries. Further highlighting his artistic versatility, Sunpie toured with Sting and Paul Simon from 2014 to 2016.

Join us at the Rhythm and Roots Music Festival to witness the magnetic energy of Sunpie and the Louisiana Sunspots. With their infectious Afro-Louisiana sound, they promise a performance that will make you move and leave you inspired.