Video: Ricky Barnes & the Hootowls - Who Throw Dat Rock

Columbus Alive: Barnes back at carving, music (2016)

Columbus Alive, September 28th, 2016:

While taking a break from carving out a niche for himself in the local music scene, Ricky Barnes started carving out a niche for himself in the art scene. By carving. 

“I was trying to get the music thing going,” said Barnes of his ’80s/’90s-era alt-country outfit High Sheriff Ricky Barnes & the Hoot Owls, which released a few albums on Columbus label OKra Records. But after a day spent on the water, a friend suggested another pursuit. 

“I was the worst, laziest fisherman,” Barnes said with a laugh. “I would always pick up a stick and just spend the whole time whittling.” 

Barnes’ earliest carving efforts were busts made from blocks of walnut or basswood. He had no tools, he said, and walnut is among the hardest of woods. 

“I just started doing it more and more and then sharing it with people. The rest is history,” he joked.

New Additions: Bone Country album by High Sheriff Ricky And The Hoot Owls

One of the unexpected discoveries of researching this book has been the influence of traditional country on a variety of artists and bands. Coming across High Sheriff Ricky Barnes And The Hoot Owls falls into that category, along with others like Hank McCoy And The Dead Ringers.

Know Yer Band: High Sheriff Ricky Barnes & The Hoot Owls

Band: High Sheriff Ricky Barnes & The Hoot Owls

Members
Vocals/Guitar - Ricky Barnes
Guitar/Backing Vocals - Tony Fischer
Bass - Matt Newman/Jeff Passifume
Drums - John Sowder/Louis Tsamous
Steel Guitar/Banjo/Backing Vocals - Billy Hill

Releases
1988 - Lost Track Of Time album (Okra Records)
1990 - Bone Country album (Okra Records)
1991 - Ya Finally Said Something Good album (Okra Records)
1994 - Welcome To Hilltop USA (Okra Records)