Ashley Barron Makes Moves With Debut Album Showcase

With shimmering lights, checkered beach balls, and eclectic furniture, country-rock artist Ashley Barron put on a dazzling show at The Eighth Room – with Aerosmith vocalist and keyboardist Buck Johnson kicking things off. The two performed in support of Barron’s debut album Checkmate which dropped earlier this year. 

When it came to naming the project, the singer-songwriter shared, “The concept of my album, Checkmate, comes from my belief that whatever sets you back in life will eventually move you forward.”

Opening Act: Buck Johnson

The show started off with rocker Buck Johnson. He performed his take on the song “Just Feel Better,” written by Johnson and recorded by Carlos Santana and Steven Tyler in 2005. The stage was shared by Johnson and his guitarist, allowing for a more intimate setting and the lyrics to ring through the smaller venue.

The acoustics were lovely at the Eighth Room, and there was not a bad seat in the house. It was decorated thoughtfully by Barron, who even brought her Christmas tree from home to add to the holiday spirit.

Ashley Barron Takes The Stage

Ashley Barron has an undeniable stage presence. Whether she is performing for 50 or 500 people, it is clear that energy and passion comes from within her. 

She started the show with a heavier rock vibe, but her vocals are coated with country influence of legends like Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood. 

A highlight performance of hers was “Satisfied,” where she told a story about how love just was not in the cards for her at the time. Singing the lyrics, “he was singing all the right notes / but it just wasn’t my song.”

When Barron got to the point where she thought she might give up on love for good. She shared, “If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.” From there, she would meet her now husband.

There was a special moment in the show dedicated to Barron’s mother who passed away from a rare autoimmune disease called scleroderma. She was also diagnosed with the disease at the age of 5 but it has remained dominant for her. Barron proudly works as a celebrity ambassador for the National Scleroderma Foundation, bringing awareness to the rare disease.

She dedicated the song “Call Her Mama” to her mother and allowed a vulnerable moment of her on stage sitting with her band.

The showcase allowed both artists to shine as excellent songwriters and musicians. Being familiar with Buck Johnson, it was cool to finally see him take the stage. This was my introduction to Ashley Barron and her debut album Checkmate, she is not only a fun performer, but a thoughtful lyricist. So be sure to check out Buck Johnson and Ashley Barron!

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