Barnhill and Ehrenstrom to open Starry Nights

The Sisters Starry Nights Concert Series has announced that singer-songwriter Greg Barnhill and Sisters High School senior Travis Ehrenstrom will be performing together as the opening act for the Gary Morris concert set for Saturday, April 28, at the Sisters High School Auditorium.

Barnhill first appeared during Starry Nights inaugural season in 1997, when he performed with Kim Carnes. Since then, he has returned to Starry Nights with such artists as Suzy Bogguss, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, T. Graham Brown and Mark Collie.

He has also played at the Sisters Folk Festival, and has visited Sisters elementary, middle and high schools to perform and conduct workshops with music students.

Many Starry Nights fans remember Barnhill's inspired performance of his hit song "House of Love," accompanied by then middle school students Alisa Boley, Kelly Cundiff, Lauren Shultz and Kimberly Wilson.

"It is so fitting to bring Greg back for Starry Nights' tenth anniversary season," said event co-chair Susan Arends. "He has developed a very loyal fan base here in Sisters and has a gift when it comes to connecting with kids. Greg is really excited about returning to Sisters and having the chance to work one-on-one with an accomplished student like Travis."

Barnhill's songs have been recorded by artists including Tim McGraw, Etta James, Jessica Simpson, Chicago, Lee Ann Womack and Tony Bennett. The hit single "Walkaway Joe," recorded by Trisha Yearwood and Don Henley, was a significant milestone in his career. "To have a hero of mine like Don Henley sing my song was incredibly humbling," said Barnhill. That song went on to earn Barnhill a Grammy nomination, as well as the respect of his peers who follow him today.

A talented singer, songwriter and guitarist, Ehrenstrom started writing music when he was enrolled in the Americana Project, a collaboration of the Sisters Folk Festival and the school district that teaches students to play guitar, write songs, record and perform American roots music. Through the Sisters Folk Festival and Americana Project, Travis has taught elementary and middle school guitar programs, helping over 60 children learn to play.

He plans to record his first album with his band in July 2007 and will be majoring in history at Portland State University next fall, while also continuing to pursue his music.

Barnhill and Ehrenstrom will rehearse together for several days leading up to the Starry Nights concert.

"It's a new concept for Starry Nights to pair a mentor like Greg with a student performer for an opening set," said co-chair Jeri Fouts. "Greg and Travis are very compatible musically and it should be a great experience not only for them as artists, but for our audience as they enjoy the results."

Renowned vocalist Gary Morris, who will headline the show, returns to the Starry Nights stage for the first time in nine years. His credits include his award-winning version of "Wind Beneath My Wings," and number one country hits "Baby Bye Bye," "100% Chance of Rain" and "Leave Me Lonely." He gained critical acclaim for his lead roles on Broadway in "La Boheme" and "Les Miserables."

Reserved general admission tickets for the April 28 concert are available for $45 at Leavitt's in Sisters. All performers donate their time to benefit the Sisters Schools Foundation and support classroom and co-curricular activities at Sisters elementary, middle and high schools. To date, more than $600,000 has been raised for the schools by Sisters Starry Nights.

The concert begins at 7 p.m., and lobby doors will open at 5:30 p.m. Concert goers can enjoy light dinner fare and the chance to participate in the Starry Nights raffle and silent auction.

For more information contact Shirleen Cundiff at the Sisters School District at 549-8521.