Bill Barnes Among Entertainers at Arts Showcase Saturday

Guests attending Saturday's Arts Council Menifee Showcase will have the opportunity to see and hear some of the most talented artists in the area. Visual arts, music and entertainment will be showcased on two stages at Countryside Marketplace from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Stop by around 1 p.m. and you'll be treated to the vocal talents of Bill Barnes, a Menifee resident who is well known in the area for his varied styles of entertainment.

Barnes is a singer, entertainer, DJ, dance host, MC and motivational speaker. He performs with the accompaniment of acoustic instruments and digitally enhanced backing tracks. Musical expression is perhaps his favorite creative outlet, and Saturday patrons of the Showcase will be able to share in his talents.

"I'll be doing some powerful songs," Barnes said. "They're gonna hear me. I want them to be songs that are uplifting and positive. That's my stuff."

Songs Barnes plans to sing Saturday include such well-known tunes as "On a Clear Day"; "I Believe in Music"; and "Listen to the Music."

Barnes has worked with Hawaiian singer Don Ho and 1950s recording star Donnie Brooks. He has performed at hundreds of weddings and is a popular entertainer at local events. Whether it's Rock, Big Band music, Country or Bluegrass, Barnes is ready and willing to perform.

Although he does not restrict his repertoire to country music, Barnes has a special passion for Western movies and TV shows. He has quite a collection of record albums featuring the "singing cowboys" of the 1930s, '40s and '50s as well.

Names like Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, Rex Allen, the Sons of the Pioneers and many more fill his collection, which also includes movie promotional posters, books and Western artifacts.

All in all, however, Barnes would rather be on stage singing than concentrating on his collectibles.

"It's either that or sitting there watching cowboy movies all day," he said.

Performers will appear on stages set up near the pond by Starbucks and at the firepit adjacent to The Beer Hunter.

Barnes also will be the host and featured entertainment June 21 at the "Sizzlin' Summer Dance Party," to be held at the Kay Ceniceros Senior Center from 6-9 p.m..

This summer theme for the center's monthly dance night features a variety of dance music of all types and for people of all ages. Barnes will sing and play songs from the Big Band, Swing, Rock, Latin and Country genres.

Guests are invited to bring their own beverages and snacks. Cost of the event is $6, and seating is limited. To make a reservation for the event, call 951-672-9673