Why is it usually surprising when a friend, a neighbor, steps in front of a microphone on a local stage, starts to sing, and something spellbinding comes out? Local singer/songwriter Barbara Parker has such a gift. Her strong, just-right voice and heartfelt songs instantly bring us elsewhere as few vocalists can. Her musical palette has room for her original music as well as some familiar covers, and delivers a smooth and saucy Americana. It's the promise of a summer evening that samples classic coffeehouses, snippets of old time country, blues, and even an occasional rock tune.