Arts Nest - Emily Barnes

February 15, 2026 – Arts Nest 2 p.m. - $20 presale/$25 at the door.

Emily Barnes is a contemporary folk singer-songwriter whose music breathes life into the characters and stories of everyday people. With a voice that cuts to the bone and songs that tug on the heart strings, she crafts songs that feel both intimately personal and universally human.

Born and raised in Johnsonburg, New Jersey, a town so small it doesn’t appear on most maps, Barnes began writing songs on the steps of her 200 year old house in 2010. From those quiet early years she has become a storyteller of uncommon depth building a grassroots following the old fashioned way: one room, one story, and one listener at a time. 

Armed with her acoustic guitar and a raw, haunting voice, Barnes has performed in cities and small towns alike, captivating audiences across the country and building a community through songs and stories. Her latest album, Mint Condition, took her on a sold-out tour throughout the Northeast and marked her most accomplished work to date.