Marilyn and Cris Barnes on creating community and musical opportunities with Tri-M Productions

Marilyn and Cris Barnes on creating community and musical opportunities with Tri-M Productions

Author: Santa Fe New Mexican June 10, 2025 Duration: 31:34

Catching up with former students came with an element of sadness for longtime Santa Fe music educator Marilyn Barnes as she found they lacked opportunities to showcase their talents in front of an audience after graduation. So she and her husband, Cris Barnes, did something about it. They created a musical theater company to give young adults the chance to retake the stage — and the result has been a hit. 

“We had the incentive, seeing our students on the street, and saying ‘What are you doing? Are you singing?’,” Marilyn Barnes said. “And they hadn’t opened their mouths except in their cars and in the shower since high school, and it just broke our hearts. That was our incentive to start Tri-M, but it has just grown way beyond that.”

In the latest episode of “Conversations Different,” Marilyn and Cris Barnes speak with host Inez Russell Gomez about how Tri-M (Millennial Music Makers) Productions has not just been a way for young adults to share their musical talents with the public but has also developed into somewhat of a social club that helps them form connections in the city. 

The pair talk about how they’ve prioritized paying the talent for productions, and the struggle with finding venues in Santa Fe.

They also discuss their upcoming production of Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods,” which will run June 12-22 at the Santa Fe High School Performing Arts Center. For more information, visit trimsantafe.org.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


There's a particular rhythm and texture to life in Northern New Mexico, a blend of history, art, and complex contemporary conversations that defines the region. Conversations Different with Inez Russell Gomez captures that essence through thoughtful dialogue. Presented by the Santa Fe New Mexican, this podcast moves beyond headlines, guided by host Inez Russell Gomez, whose decades as Opinion Page Editor inform her nuanced approach. Each episode is built around a genuine exchange with the local and regional personalities who are actively shaping the cultural and societal landscape. You'll hear from artists, community leaders, writers, and thinkers, all engaged in talks that are designed to be more provocative than promotional. The discussions delve into the ideas, challenges, and stories that matter here, offering listeners a deeper understanding of the forces at play in America's oldest capital city and the surrounding areas. It’s a series for anyone curious about the real conversations happening just beneath the surface. Tune in for a podcast that prioritizes substance and perspective, reflecting the unique character of its setting through every candid interview.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Conversations Different with Inez Russell Gomez
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