🎶 Vermont Artist of the Week 🎶

Written By Walter Byrne

🎶 Maple City Music Highlight: Vermont Artist — Barika 🎶

Honoring the deep grooves, soulful roots, and global heartbeat of one of Vermont’s most innovative bands

At Maple City Music, we celebrate the artists who shape the sound and spirit of our home. Today, our Vermont Artist Highlight turns to Barika, one of the most unique and mesmerizing musical forces to come out of the Green Mountain State.

Barika blends West African inspired melodies, psychedelic soul, jazz, dub, and deep rhythmic textures into a sound that is both timeless and forward-moving. Led by masterful musicianship and anchored by the ngoni; a traditional West African stringed instrument; Barika creates music that feels earthy, spiritual, and hypnotic.

Their sound isn’t just heard; it’s felt.

It’s the kind of music that moves through your chest, quiets your mind, and reconnects you to something deeper.

🎵 A Sound Rooted in Culture, Carried by Creativity

Barika’s music is a bridge between worlds:

• Traditional African instrumentation

• Vermont-grown artistry

• Soulful, meditative grooves

• Modern improvisation and psychedelic tones

This fusion creates a sonic landscape that is both intimate and expansive — music that invites listeners to slow down, breathe, reflect, and get lost in the rhythm.

🎤 A Pillar of the Vermont Music Scene

From Burlington clubs to outdoor festivals across New England, Barika has built a reputation as a must-experience live band. Their performances are immersive, emotional, and deeply connective.

They bring people together; artists, families, students, travelers, veterans; all gathered under one groove.

Barika is more than a band; they are a community experience. Their music creates space:

• For healing

• For reflection

• For joy

• For unity

🌄 Why Maple City Music Honors Barika

Because they represent everything we believe in:

• Music that lifts the soul

• Art that honors culture and tradition

• Creativity that transcends boundaries

• Community built through sound and shared experience

As Maple City Music grows toward opening our brick-and-mortar home in 2026; a space dedicated to healing, music therapy for veterans, and community connection; Barika’s music reminds us of why this mission matters.

Music brings people together.

Music heals.

Music is belonging.

🎶 Thank you, Barika, for bringing global depth, Vermont soul, and transformative sound to our state.

https://www.maplecitymusic.com

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Walter Byrne

Walter Byrne is the founder and heart behind Maple City Music, a passion-driven music boutique and cultural hub based in historic Saint Albans, Vermont. A retiring Master Sergeant with over 28 years of service in the U.S. Army, Walter brings the same dedication and community focus to Maple City Music that guided his military career.

Music isn’t just a business for Walter; it’s been a lifelong companion and source of rejuvenation. With a personal collection spanning thousands of records, cassettes, and CDs, he has always believed in the power of music to connect, heal, and inspire.

Maple City Music began as an online store featuring curated vinyl, rare recordings, and beloved classics for collectors and casual listeners alike. Now rooted in Saint Albans — known as the Maple Capital of New England — the shop reflects Walter’s vision of blending his love for music with community: a welcoming space for veterans, music lovers, and curious visitors along the I-89 corridor, including travelers from Canada and beyond.

More than a record store, Maple City Music is a community hub where stories are shared, connections are made, and the healing power of sound is celebrated. Whether you’re discovering a favorite album or enjoying a warm conversation over coffee, Walter and the team aim to make every visit meaningful.

https://www.maplecitymusic.com
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