The Barn: Mississippi’s Backyard Stage

When Steve and Kay Ellis built a barn on their land outside Columbus, Mississippi, they had no idea how to produce and promote concerts. Yet today, The Barn is one of the most popular music venues in the area. “We’ve learned a lot over the past few years,” says Steve. “It’s not just about the music. We are committed to creating a great experience and making lasting memories.”

Steve and Kay bought their home 25 years ago. Next to the house was a pole barn that they turned into a playhouse for their kids. They later had a Mennonite family build two barns connected by a large, covered pavilion that they used for family reunions, class parties, and weddings. But Steve and Kay saw a way they could use it for more.

Music has always been a part of Steve’s life. A retired broadcaster, he built and ran the radio station at Mississippi State University – WMSV. “I had a vision for The Barn years ago,” he says.

Taking his love of music and combining it with community and a passion for giving back, what started as a simple pavilion on the side yard of the Ellis’s home has become a place where locals and visitors gather under the stars to enjoy good food, music, and fellowship.

The first show at The Bard was held on October 4, 2019. “It was 96 degrees that day, and Paul Thorne was scheduled to play. We sold 140 tickets, because that’s how many could fit under the roof of the pavilion,” recalls Steve. Despite the unseasonably hot temperatures, the show went on, and the folks attending loved it. “They all wanted to know when the next show was scheduled.”

But just as the venue was getting up and running, COVID squashed their concert plans. After a months-long hiatus, concerts started again in the Barn, and being isolated for so long, folks were thrilled to get out of their homes and back into the world. Now, many more people attend, and they bring lawn chairs. On concert nights, the field in front of the pavilion is full. Folks arrive early to claim their spot and visit with other regulars, while also meeting newcomers to the concert series. A $30 ticket covers a show with two artists and a meal.

At first, Kay cooked for the crowd, but when a local restaurant offered to provide the food, the Ellises took them up on it. Now, various restaurants in the area rotate, providing meals for the masses, along with cold beer and soft drinks.

The Barn’s concert series runs with a few shows scheduled each spring and a few more in the fall. Not just a venue, it’s been called a “sanctuary for music lovers” and a “chapel to songwriters.”  Andrew Doohan was the first to use that phrase when he played at The Barn.

Steve transformed the pavilion into a place where artists entertain an appreciative crowd. He hangs the photos of all the artists who have played at The Barn on the pavilion’s back wall. It has become an inviting place for musicians, providing a unique experience for fans who love to listen to their music. The Barn has hosted an impressive line-up of musicians over the years, including singer/songwriter Mac McAnally.

Steve and Kay discover many of the acts at the annual Americana Festival. “If it’s someone we want to play, I’ll call their agent and see if they’ll be anywhere in our area. We just go from there.” Steve says they also attended the Folk Alliance International conference in New Orleans in January. “And YouTube is one of my favorite places online. I find a lot of talent by watching videos on YouTube.” But the real test is watching a band play live. “It’s always good when I can see how an audience reacts to a band.”

Acts have included Americana, blues, and bluegrass. There have been big names and emerging artists who appreciate the platform provided at The Barn.

One of the biggest joys for Steve and Kay is the connection the concert series at The Barn has with their community. Money collected at each show goes to a different charity. “We have donation buckets that make the rounds, and folks donate what they can.” They have raised money for several local charities, including Habitat for Humanity, as well as a neighbor whose home burned just hours before a show.

There is a limited number of season tickets, with sales opening in November. Individual tickets go on sale each January.