Joel Auble: Vocals, Guitar, Keyboard
Joel started late (as with everything) with the guitar. He thinks he was maybe 18, and the first guitar, from Sears, cost around $20. It hurt like hell to play, and the tuning with a little pitch pipe was largely a joke. Joel says, “I made some really ugly sounds. Loved it anyway Elvis, Jerry Lee, Harry Belafonte, Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, Dion and the Belmonts, the Diamonds; pop, broadway, a little country, a little whatever—I loved it all.” That’s why Barefoot Nina fits Joel so well. Eclectic is what we do—just choose what we like from wherever and run with it. His strumming gets to hide behind the flute, the fiddle, and the keyboard, and that’s just fine. Singing is where it’s at for him, and there is a mix of male and female voices in our group to complement our instrumentalists. Joel says, “I hope we continue to hang out together for a long time, ‘cause I’m having a great time. Hope you enjoy us too!”
JoBeth Thomas: Vocals, Flute, Whistle, Keyboard
JoBeth grew up with music as a big part of her life. She began taking piano lessons before she started school, and learned to sing harmony by singing duets with her mom. When she was old enough to join the school band in 5th grade, she took up the flute and played it all the way through high school. Unfortunately, the demands of adulthood – working and raising children and such – pulled her away from playing music for several years. But in the 1990’s, a friend told her about a local group that held weekly jam sessions. She found a babysitter, took out her long-neglected flute from high school band, went to a jam session, and rediscovered the joy of playing music. She loves being a part of Barefoot Nina because it gives her a chance to do all the musical things that make her happy -- singing, playing the flute (and the occasional Irish whistle), and even beginning to rediscover her first musical love, the keyboard.
Mitchell "Blues" Johnson: Vocals, Drums, Guitar, Banjo
Mitchell “Blues” Johnson loves the music of The South. Born in the Arkansas Delta, then settled in the Piedmont, Mitchell “Blues” is a student of the Roots Music Stew of European, African, and Native American traditions that provide the soundtrack to life in the Southland. Mitch brings a Southern flavor to the Barefoot Nina sound. When not practicing or performing, Mitch enjoys rubbing puppy bellies, drinking beer with cheerleaders, and arranging his small collection of US One Dollar Bills. His goal is to be mindful of every precious moment, and make the world a better place.
Davin Auble (aka Torchlily)
As bandleader Joel's daughter, it would be surprising if Davin didn't grow up wanting to make music! Fortunately she inherited his love of music and performing, as well as a decent sense of rhythm and a pretty strong set of pipes. "Back in the day" Davin sang in musicals at Carrollton High School, Carroll County Community Theatre, and West Georgia College (yes that used to be the right name!). She left Georgia to go to college and took way too long to come back home, but in the meantime played with several Chicago rock bands, including lead vocals for Misery Index and Tarantati, and singer/guitarist of original songs with Bitter Lipstick and her most beloved group, Torchlily. Davin loves being home and singing with her dad and the amazing musicians of Barefoot Nina.
Bill Brewer: Vocals, Bass
Bill spent many years as a garage band bass player. After a two year stint in a country roadhouse, he discovered the upright bass a few years ago and has since been on fire. He was refined in the Celtic cauldron of Lisdoonvarna and is now flourishing in the expanding repertoire of Barefoot Nina. Besides providing the bass line, Bill is also a singer, adding harmony on most of our songs and singing lead on some as well. He is also a mentor for the Carrollton Youth Orchestra and Principal Bass for the Centre Strings, Newnan.