![The Jane Barnes Band started as a passion project in the height of lockdown to connect with others - now the Barnes family is hitting the road and coming to Bowral. Picture by Jarred Seng The Jane Barnes Band started as a passion project in the height of lockdown to connect with others - now the Barnes family is hitting the road and coming to Bowral. Picture by Jarred Seng](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/123048163/07e487c4-5938-49ab-9762-b47dbb1d890e.jpg/r0_0_1920_1280_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
When the Barnes family were locked down together during the pandemic, they wanted to reach out to others, and connect with them through music.
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People watching on social media saw musician Jane Barnes, Cold Chisel front-man Jimmy Barnes, Mahalia Barnes, her husband Ben Rodgers, and other family members, perform classic songs from various artists.
Every now and then, there were even some special guests who would come and perform with the musical family.
It has since become the Jane Barnes Band, which will make its way to the Bowral Bowling Club for two sold-out shows on May 28 and 29.
The shows are part of the band's tour around NSW, which goes to Wyong, Milton, Gundaroo, Newcastle and Penrith.
Jane Barnes said it was great to get the project out of the living room and on the road.
"It's just lovely to work with my family and have that fun with them," she said.
The musician joked it was fun to "boss around" family memories who a wealth of experience performing and entertaining others, but it was important to get their expertise.
![Jane is excited to work and perform with her family. Picture by Jesse Lizette Jane is excited to work and perform with her family. Picture by Jesse Lizette](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/123048163/ad777ef7-d04e-4404-8dcb-8b8bf9c6e12b.jpg/r0_0_7938_5292_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
While it took time to agree on a song list, those attending can look forward to a variety of soulful hits.
The band has covered classics from artists such as Dolly Parton, the Carpenters, The Beatles and Doris Day.
Mrs Barnes said she wanted people to be transported back in time and taken on a nostalgic journey, and Jimmy and Mahalia had their own renditions of classics.
For instance, people will hear Jimmy take a softer approach to songs.
"It's like favourite songs that are soundtracks to people's lives," she said.
Attendees will not only hear the vocals and musical expertise of the Barnes', but also more about family dynamics from members.
There also might be a special guest at the Bowral shows, Mrs Barnes said.
People can watch more covers from the family on Jimmy Barnes' Facebook page.
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