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0:00/4:38
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0:00/5:02
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I Got Drunk (Stolen) 5:080:00/5:08
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0:00/4:07
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0:00/3:28
Who are Barnaby and the Butcher
Alt-Country | Roots Rock | Americana
Tucson, Arizona
Bands They’ve Opened For:
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Los Lobos, New Year’s Eve, Historic Fox Tucson Theatre, December 31, 2024
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Young Dubliners, multiple dates, 191 Toole, Tucson, Arizona; Rhythm Room, Phoenix, Arizona
- Robert Jon and the Wreck, 191 Toole, Tucson, Arizona, January 10, 2026
- The Smithereens, La Rosa, Tucson, Arizona, March 12, 2026
- The War and Treaty, Historic Fox Tucson Theatre, March 31, 2026
Their Sound:
Barnaby and the Butcher write and perform across the broadly defined genres of Alt Country and Americana. Damon Barnaby’s madly skilled heritage electric guitar is magnified by Joshua Butcher’s powerfully rich and welcoming vocals. Their sound is complex and fervent, vacillating between Dark Country rock songs, bittersweet honeyed ballads, and traditional Country riffs; all of which is enhanced by Butcher’s clever, often heartbreaking lyrics. It is a style that evokes the nostalgic mystery of Arizona's desert country while offering something entirely new. Their catalogue of originals is ever-expanding, and their uniquely-chosen covers include artists as wide ranging as Chris Stapleton, The Tragically Hip, Bonnie Raitt, John Hiatt, and Indigo Girls.
Their Story:
Barnaby and the Butcher is the partnership between a Louisiana Cottonmouth and an Arizona Songbird. They make their home, and their music in the lush desert country of Tucson, Arizona; where the sun-soaked sand, tenacious scrub, and mysteriously winding canyons echo and ground their Dark Country sound. They began as a duo in 2021 and quickly drew in their long-time friend and bandmate, John “The Monkey” McIntyre. John’s creative and nuanced style responds expertly to Joshua’s music direction; and he is the glue and the heart of the band.
Doug “Hurricane” Floyd is Southern Arizona’s funk guitarist, but he grabbed a bass and joined his friends on this project. He brought melodically and harmonically rich experiences to the low end. After four years, he moved back to electric guitar where his thundering talent adds radiant color and complexity, and he can exchange solos and share expansive guitar harmonies with Damon. Robin Messing, vocalist with a long list of bands that include each and all of Barnaby and the Butcher, joined as a core band member in 2026. Her heart-stopping vocals are uncompromising and defibrillator-worthy, and her harmonies shared with Joshua bring a height and beauty reminiscent of Arizona’s desert skies. In early 2026, the band began entertaining new bass players… for all of three and a half minutes. Darren Santos arrived on the scene, immediately bringing the much longed for vibe and personality. He is rhythm and groove-centric, supporting the melody and song structure with a character you can both see and hear.
Photo by Rex Scofield
Testimonials:
"Known for their serious musicianship and playful spirit, Barnaby and the Butcher offer an authentic taste of Tucson’s vibrant music scene. Their unique sound, rooted in the local spirit of Americana, provides the perfect backdrop to a night of musical celebration." - Fox Tucson Theatre
“Loved the band. Great vocals and loved that the music kept my attention the whole time.” - Charlene, audience member, 2026
“This is starting to sound like a vintage album.” – of Stolen, Steve Tracy, Saint Cecilia Studios, Tucson, Arizona, 2023
“[They’re] creating culture… doing things in a way no one else does.” – Ryan Anderson, musician, Tucson, Arizona, 2023
“…it’s only right that some quality traditionalism makes its way into your ears. Best consumed in its native habitat of smoky barrooms, or in this case, a local art gallery cabaret; with a fifth of whiskey or your favorite equivalent mocktail.” – of Live at Poe’s, Tucson Sentinel, January 2026
Gaslight Music Hall, Oro Valley, Arizona, Photo by Anna Dibble
Photo by Nicci Radhe
Clockwise: Joshua Butcher (vocals, acoustic guitar), Damon Barnaby (electric guitar), John McIntyre (Percussion), Darren Santos (bass), Doug Floyd (electric guitar, mandolin), Robin Messing (vocalist)
