Chris Baron plays the Riverside Concerts on Aug. 1, 6 p.m., at Riverside Park in La Grande.

ENTERPRISE — Chris Baron logged nearly 300 shows in 2023, and this year he’s back on the road.

He will kick off the Courthouse Concert Series on Thursday, June 6, at the Wallowa County Courthouse in Enterprise. The concert, which is free, starts at 5:30 p.m.

Baron quit his job in insurance and started as a full-time musician in 2015. His shows are mostly west of the Rocky Mountains, and he tends to schedule gigs in places he’d like to see, or visit again.

Sometimes he plays solo, and sometimes as a band with the Two Secrets.

He describes his sound as “funky folk.” When solo, he plays acoustic guitar and kick drum. A full band adds an upright bass, cello and drums.

He’s released many albums which he describes as “different snapshots of my life,” and has a vast catalog to tailor his set list to a venue’s unique atmosphere.

“I walk into a place, hang out for a minute and think ‘what would fit here?’” he said.

His songwriting is inspired by conversations and observations.

“Each song is a unique story,” he said.

An idea and melody can take a while to form — and sometimes the result is quick.

“Sometimes those snippets sit there for 10 years, and sometimes for just a week,” he said.

When the pandemic canceled 250 shows, he said the band switched their focus.

“We just practiced,” he said. “We got super tight and set the foundation for the band.”

Shows

He’s played many times around Eastern Oregon, and this year he’ll play at Juniper Jam for the first time — one of his long-time goals. That music festival is Aug. 31 at the Wallowa County Fairgrounds in Enterprise.

“We love playing out there,” he said. “Eastern Oregon is where I got my start, and I just keep returning.”

He’s made sure to weave Oregon shows into his packed schedule that runs until Nov. 23.

“The most epic road trip ever,” he said.

Here’s a schedule of his local shows:

• June 5: Terminal Gravity, 7 p.m., Enterprise
• June 6: Courthouse Concert Series, 5:30 p.m., Enterprise
• June 16: Terminal Gravity, 7 p.m.; Enterprise
• Aug. 1: Riverside Park Concerts, 6 p.m., La Grande
• Aug. 2: Wallowa Lake Lodge, 6 p.m., Joseph
• Aug. 27: Emerald of Siam, 6 p.m., Richland, Washington
• Aug. 30: Side A Summer Series, 7:30 p.m., Island City
• Aug. 31: Juniper Jam, Enterprise
• Nov. 8: Barley Brown’s, 6 p.m., Baker City

Concert series

The Wallowa Valley Music Alliance has been presenting the Courthouse Concert Series since 2006. This summer will feature a variety of music from folk to rock ‘n’ roll.

“Musicians from all over the Pacific Northwest will grace the courthouse stage this summer,” said Janis Carper, WVMA executive director.

Concerts are held every Thursday from June 6 to Aug. 29 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. They are free and open to the public. Picnic blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged.

The Courthouse Concert Series schedule can be found at wvmusicalliance.org.

Carper said the music alliance thanks the city of Enterprise, Wallowa County Board of Commissioners and the Wallowa County Cultural Trust Coalition for support of this event.

Also, more sponsors are needed — for information, send an email to info@wvmusicalliance.org.

Courthouse Concerts

The Courthouse Concert Series is held Thursdays, 5:30-7 p.m., on the lawn of the Wallowa County Courthouse in Enterprise.

June 6: Chris Baron

June 13: Gregg Hill

June 20: John Depew

June 27: Mike Mallory Trio

July 4: Jezebel’s Mother

July 11: Wallowa Fiddle Tunes Camp

July 18: Terry Robb

July 25: Heidi Muller and Bob Webb

Aug. 1: Karyn Ann

Aug. 8: Bikini Drone

Aug. 15: Jenny Parrott

Aug. 22: Bad Penny Pleasuremakers

Aug. 29: Desert Moondogs Band