BAKER CITY — Jonathan Foster started playing classical guitar at 15, and divided his high school time between musicals and sports.

He wrote his first song at 18, and this year he’s celebrating a milestone.

“It’s the 25th year from the first song that I wrote and published,” he said.

He’s currently touring the western United States, and will play live at Barley Brown’s Taphouse, 2200 Main St., on Friday, Nov. 11, 7-10 p.m.

Foster grew up in Cranberry Lake, New York. He moved to Northern California in 2001.

His parents still live on the East Coast, so Foster plans cross-country routes for his music tours.

“I get to spend a good chunk of my summers in the Northeast,” he said.

With many stops between California and New York.

“I’ve gotten to know a lot of friends and great musicians along the way,” he said.

And he likes to visit libraries.

“I try to pop into a library — it’s a great way to learn about the community,” he said.

He spends six to seven months on the road every year. The rest of the time he puts his biology degree to use as a wetland ecologist.

“I’m able to juggle those — using different sides of the brain and getting outdoors recharges our batteries,” he said.

He’s released five albums over the last 10 years, and describes his music as “folk Americana” combining lyrics, acoustic guitar and harmonica.

“Every song is a little bit different,” he said.

And he has a hard time naming just one favorite song.

“I’m a lifelong geeky music fan,” he said. “Every week I have a new favorite song.”

To learn more about the musician, visit www.jonathanfostermusic.com.

Who: Jonathan Foster

When: Friday, Nov. 11, 7 p.m.

Where: Barley Brown’s Taphouse, 2200 Main St., Baker City