POWER OF TWO: Sherry Lynn and Brian Bachorz make a stellar first impression on a pre-season audience last Saturday night at Pop’s. Missed it? Have no fear. Catch them this Saturday at Breezes Dock Bar in New Gretna.(Photos by Ryan Morrill)
Despite having never been to Long Beach Island, the Bar None duo brought an energy to Joe Pop’s on Saturday night that felt familiar to locals. Their uptempo performance felt like a typical late summer night with crowd-pleasing song choices that ranged across genres. From country favorites such as “Wagon Wheel” by Darius Rucker to Top 40 hits such as “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus, Bar None played an entertaining show led by powerful female vocals and unexpected guitar riffs.
The duo kicked off their set with “Hey Bartender” by Lady A, a song that allowed lead singer Sherry Lynn’s vocals to shine. Guitarist Brian Bachorz played electric guitar while a back track with percussion and instrumentals played throughout the set.
Lynn and Bachorz, both from Woodbury, have been playing together for eight years. They met through the South Jersey music scene, Bachorz said. As Bar None, they’ve played shows throughout South Jersey and Philadelphia, frequenting Atlantic City venues. In addition to restaurants and bars, they play at private events.
Lynn started as a country singer, and has released several original songs. In 2013, she released a single with country singer Crystal Gayle, and later performed alongside her at the Grand Ole Opry. “It was the best night ever,” Lynn said.
Bar None continued their set with “I Hope,” a 2020 country hit by Gabby Barrett. Lynn’s powerful vocals and high energy kept people singing along. Despite the small pre-summer turnout, typical for the off-season, everyone at the bar was energized by Bar None.
Their rendition of “Summer of 69” by Bryan Adams no doubt had the audience looking forward to hot summer nights. Bachorz took the lead on vocals, and his voice suited the classic perfectly. Lynn’s high harmonies allowed the voices to blend together seamlessly on this song.
Lynn’s attitude and punchy vocals on “Ex’s and Oh’s” by Elle King was a standout moment, and the performance got a few people onto the dance floor, belting along to the catchy chorus. Bar None kept the energy up with “Cold Heart” by Dua Lipa and Elton John, before going back to basics with “Sweet Home Alabama,” which never fails to get people on their feet. Their rendition included an impressive guitar solo by Bachorz. The duo closed out their first set with “Red” by Taylor Swift, another great song for Lynn’s country-influenced vocal style.
Bar None opened their second set with “Save Me” by Jelly Roll, an unexpected slow jam with standout raspy vocals from Bachorz, as country fans in attendance sang along. The rest of their set consisted of popular bar songs typical for a night out on LBI, such as “All the Small Things” by blink-182, “My Own Worst Enemy” by Lit, and Bachorz’s favorite song to play, “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” by Shania Twain. A crowd favorite was their version of “Wagon Wheel” by Darius Rucker, sung by Bachorz with Lynn on harmonies and tambourine.
Lynn’s country background showed through her performance, as she added a bit of twang and attitude to each song. Unsurprisingly, some of her biggest musical influences are country icons such as Loretta Lynn and Martina McBride. Bachorz’ influences lie more in rock, and he cited Elvis Presley as his biggest musical inspiration. One of his favorite venues to play is Bourbon & Brews in Paulsboro.
The show at Joe Pop’s was Bar None’s first performance on LBI, and they’re hoping to play more this summer, they said. Their next show is at Breezes Dock Bar in New Gretna on May 18. Their Memorial Day weekend schedule is full with shows at Seaport Pier in Wildwood, Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget, and Steel Pier in Atlantic City.
Find more information about Bar None’s upcoming shows at @barnoneband on Instagram or at barnoneband.com.
— Emma Desiderio
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