Nothing Beats a Mouth Full of Bark

Local band stays true to their Adirondack roots

Story by Angela MacMurray

Photos courtesy of Marie Schroder and The BarkEaters

An acoustic warm-up echoes against the tarnished walls as fans pile into the old tavern again. A few stray tunes, head nods of acknowledgement, and the three young men appear ready. Shoulder-to-shoulder individuals await the unmistakable voice of lead vocalist Bryan Watkins, welcoming another year of BarkEater music.

It has been a year since the band last performed at Gug’s Sports Bar in Glens Falls, NY, and the chaotic atmosphere begins. Chatter and loud applauses flood the rectangular room as Mike the bartender struggles to accompany the growing crowd. The crowd of Eater fans are mellow and peaceful, awaiting the full on dance scene that is about to unfold before them.

“The music is delivered with passion and energy, truly coming from their heart and soul.”

Sporting tie-die shirts, shaggy curls, and blue jeans, the BarkEaters show off their relaxed attitudes in both their fashion and rhythmic expression. From Sublime, Bob Marley and Belle Stars, The BarkEaters are bringing crowds across the North Country to their feet.

“They truly attract a variety of fans. It’s just a feel-good kind of band, everyone enjoys their music”, states Katie Comstock of Kingsbury, NY.

Bryan Watkins, the lead vocalist of the band, reflects on the starting of the group. “The BarkEaters came about sort of accidentally. Just two good friends jamming as a hobby, and people started to take notice”, he recalls. Watkins says the band landed a weekly gig at a small pub in Glens Falls, NY. The Band began attracting crowds of all ages, and word quickly spread throughout the local pub scene.

The band originally began with just two members, lead vocalist/guitarist Bryan Watkins and Guitarist Mike Whelan, both of Hudson Falls, NY. However, this particular evening a very special guest, Scott Hannay, also of Hudson Falls, has joined Bryan and Mike as vocalist/guitarist. When available, Hannay and a second bass guitarist Corey Hall will join the band for special occasions, per request, or just to have one hell of a jam session. The band strays far from the normal cover band commonly seen in the area. The BarkEaters present their fans with a larger variety of peculiar covers that many local pubs haven’t seen in a long time.

"Usually it’s just a knee slapping good time with close friends and other adventurous music fans.”

When asked about the band name, Watkins states that the idea came from his upbringing. “I named us after one of my most cherished things in my life…growing up with the Adirondacks in my backyard.”

“The BarkEaters possess a unique blend of laid back, easy going musicians that leave audiences of all ages wanting more”, Christopher Doody, a follower of the BarkEaters since they began, comments. He adds, “The music is delivered with passion and energy, truly coming from their heart and soul.”

Bryan pays close attention to the sort of crowds that are attracted to the music the band is putting out. “They seem to dig a change of pace, well most of them do. Your Plain Janes filter out to find that 'Sweet Home Alabama' cover band,” he states, regarding evenings in which he notices fans coming and going. He states that, “those are the only sour nights for us, because usually it’s just a knee-slapping good time with close friends and other adventurous music fans.”

What do you think of the BarkEaters music?