Guy Clark | Photo courtesy Senor McGuire

The historic Barter Theatre, in Abingdon, has been better known for plays, but with concerts scheduled this month, the venue is broadening its horizons in a classy way.

January Jams started on Jan. 5, with Acoustic Syndicate and The New Familiars. Sorry I wasn’t able to get that online or in print (I blame the holidaze, but you can blame my poor organizational skills). The rest of the month looks even better, and it starts on Saturday with Guy Clark and opening act If Birds Could Fly. Clark is a singer/songwriter legend who has influenced many in country and folk. If Birds Could Fly features a fine young singer, Brittany Carter.

Steep Canyon Rangers and The Black Lillies play the Barter on Jan. 19. The Rangers are one of bluegrass music’s best and have expanded their notoriety further by teaming up with Steve Martin. The Black Lillies are well known to Kirk Avenue Music Hall audiences, having played several killer shows there.

Leon Russell and Wise Old River close out the month of Barter jams on Jan. 26. Russell’s work is a template for Americana music, and his recent work with Elton John was critically lauded (Sir Elton even played a couple of those numbers when he hit Roanoke Civic Center last year). Wise Old River is fronted by Jamen Denton, formerly of Virginia Ground.

Show time each night is 8 p.m. Ticket prices vary. For info and tickets call the Barter Theatre box office at 276-628-3991 or visit bartertheatre.com.