Robbie Fulks, Danny Barnes
Spencer’s Stadium Tavern
Wednesday, Feb. 7

It’s not often a bar, or coffeehouse for that matter, can achieve a listening room vibe.

Spencer Valentine turned his Stadium Tavern into a cozy acoustic venue for the Robbie Fulks and Danny Barnes show Feb. 7. The attentive audience was full of musicians and music fans.

Fulks and Barnes played several songs together before they flipped a coin to see who would play a solo set first. Heads it was, and Fulks started with songs from his upcoming record, “Revenge.”

Fulks’ set was peppered with commentary: “Country radio … How long can it suck — 20 years?” he asked. He also discussed the challenges of being a songwriter in his 40s. “All of your subjects dry up as you get older,” he said. “I like being left alone.” Then he complimented the “perfect vibe” of the room.

Barnes played banjo most of the evening, using many effects, including looping a voiceover by 1950s movie star Jack Agar (Shirley Temple’s first husband).

Fulks and Barnes reunited for a few more songs to finish the show. They ended the evening to a standing ovation.