The Third Sunday Concert Series: Sunpie and The Louisiana Sunspots

5–6 p.m. (Doors open at 4:30 p.m.)

Sunpie and The Louisiana Sunspots set to bring “musical gumbo” to Nov. 16 Third Sunday Concert

             Sunpie Barnes, along with his group The Louisiana Sunspots, will bring his unique blend of zydeco, blues, gospel, jazz, and African and Afro-Caribbean music to the Third Sunday Concert at Christ Episcopal Church on Sunday, Nov. 16.

            Barnes, who plays accordion, harmonica, piano, trombone, rub board and various other instruments, is known for his powerful vocals and musical versatility. Born Bruce Barnes in Arkansas, he adopted his nickname “Sunpie” from an uncle who frequently visited from Bastrop. Now a resident of New Orleans, he combines his musical career with his job educating visitors about Louisiana’s ecosystems and cultural heritage as a park ranger with the National Park Service.

            Sunpie and The Louisiana Sunspots perform their “musical gumbo” regularly at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival. They have released six albums and have played in more than 50 countries across Africa, Europe, Central America and South America.

            For the Third Sunday Concert Barnes will play accordion and harmonica, along with Matt Hampsey on guitar, Leroy Etienne on drums and Kerry Lewis on bass. Selections will include “Bunny Bread,” “Irene,” “Trouble In Mind” and “Island Man.”

            The Third Sunday Concert is an outreach of Christ Episcopal Church, Covington. The one-hour concerts are free and open to the public and are followed by a reception in the parish hall for the performers and audience.

            The 2025-26 season will also offer holiday selections by Louisiana Brass on Dec. 21; Broadway tunes, new and old, by Cedric Bridges & Friends on Jan. 18; classical piano by Dr. Qifan Wu on Feb. 15; and, jazz vocal harmony by The Pfister Sisters on April 19.

About the Series:

            The season will conclude on May 17 with a performance by teen piano phenom River Eckert, who channels the styles of New Orleans legends Professor Longhair, James Booker and Dr. John.

            Christ Episcopal Church is located at 120 S. New Hampshire, near the Covington downtown area and just before the entrance to Bogue Falaya Park. The handicap accessible entrance to the sanctuary is located on the park side of the main church.

            For more information call 985.892.3177 or visit christchurchcovington.com.