Hackbarth in the Black Box

(Published in Planet JH Weekly)In smooth fashion, pop-folk singer songwriter Andy Hackbarth embraces a Jason Mraz meets Rodrigo y Gabriella vibe, with the mainstream country elements of Nashville on the back burner. Until you take it in piecemeal, it’s a head-scratching mix. Virtuosic Spanish/flamenco guitar selections are slotted next to award-winning songwriting (he was a finalist in three major international competitions including the Billboard Songwriting Competition, and received a “Denver Songwriter of the Year” nomination via Denver Westword Magazine). Hackbarth has a tailor-made sound for mainstream radio, with some videos that are CMT-worthy. “Pour me a Double” is one such tune, painted with a Southern accent about the freeness of being single again. Nashville via a Colorado llama ranch, contemporary is on the menu. Andy Hackbarth Band, 5 p.m. Sunday in the Black Box Theater at the Center for the Arts. $10/adults, $5/students at the door. JHCenterForTheArts.org.