ARCADIA – Singer-songwriter Joe Baxter, who coordinates the live music at the Arcadia Round Barn, will present a “66 on 66” concert on June 25 as he prepares to mark a milestone birthday.

The performance will feature Baxter and a few of his musical friends and is part of the Elm Tree Concert Series, held most Sundays at 1 p.m. beneath the shade of the giant elm tree on the north side of the Round Barn. Admission is free, but donations are accepted for the maintenance of the barn, which was built in 1898.

Baxter said he has Route 66 on his mind as well as his birthday these days, as businesses and attractions up and down the Mother Road prepare for the 100^th anniversary of the 1926 establishment of the iconic pathway from Chicago to Santa Monica. The Round Barn is one of more than 250 sites along the route that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The barn is owned and operated by the nonprofit Arcadia Historical and Preservation Society, which is currently planning a siding project to repair exterior damage caused by Oklahoma’s harsh climate.

Elm Tree Concerts continue through Sept. 24 except on the second Sunday of the month, when musicians of all skill levels are invited from noon to 4 p.m. for the Round Barn Rendezvous jam session. Baxter and his Round Barn Ramblers provide acoustic Americana music every Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

In addition to his role as music coordinator, Baxter volunteers every week in the museum and gift shop and oversees narrated group tours that can be arranged by calling him at 405-833-1350.

The Round Barn is located six miles east of Interstate 35 on Historic Route 66. To volunteer at the barn, call Volunteer Coordinator Kimberly Burk at 405-651-0240.

Photo courtesy of Joe Baxter