A Rutland-based acoustic duo are celebrating their first anniversary.

One year ago this week, local women Rita and Barbara formed a female acoustic duo known as 'Barbarita'.

The pair met at Rutland u3a (University of the Third Age) acoustic club over a shared love of music. Playing the guitar and ukulele, they enjoyed playing a wide range of folk, country, pop and acoustic songs and gigs. 

Barbara and Rita former Barbarita in 2022. Image credit: Barbarita.

Over the next few months, they went from a duo to a seven-piece band, completing their sound and growing their repertoire.  

Their individual music experience is vast from song writing to playing in various bands in the past with audiences from five people to over 2,000. 

Barbarita is a seven-piece band based in Rutland. Image credit: Barbarita.

'Barbarita' continue play cover songs from 50s through the decades, from folk to pop, country to rock.

Since July 2023, have played at The Plough at Caldecott, Oakham Food Festival, the CAMRA beer festival and other local events.

They went on to play at a 50th birthday party at Jinky's, in Oakham High Street, and a function for the Lion Club in Corby, and their following started to grow, mostly through word by mouth and social media.

Now, they have more upcoming events and are excited to celebrate their first anniversary with the Oakham locals as they continue to grow.

Support Barbarita, Empingham Cricket Club and local charities at an upcoming gig. Image credit: Barbarita.

You can see 'Barbarita' play at the upcoming Cutts Close live music event hosted by Oakham Town Council on Sunday 20 August from 2.30pm until 4.30 pm, and at Empingham Cricket Club on Sat 26 August from 7 pm onwards.

The band look forward to seeing you there and encourage interested resident to contact them via Facebook, or email [email protected], for enquires about private events and more from 'Barbarita'.

Barbarita will be performing in Cutts Close, Oakham, Rutland, in August. Image credit: Barbarita.

If you want to share your good news, anniversary stories or business events with Oakham Nub News, get in touch by emailing [email protected].