For listeners of WNTI, it’s not unusual to hear a tune or two from an artist one might not be familiar alongside established musicians. The popular public radio station has been taking this concept one step further with a Showcase Series intended to highlight up and coming singer-songwriter talent, particularly those from Northwest New Jersey.

The next show in this series, which takes place in the Tavern at the Inn at Millrace Pond in Hope, is slated for Friday night Oct. 16 with Hackettstown’s Don Kincaid. WNTI DJ Jeff Rusch, whose Saturday morning show, Crow’s Nest, has been a fixture at the station for many years, hosts the Tavern Showcase Series.

Admission to the showcase is just $5 per person, with proceeds going to WNTI.

“This series is an opportunity to give some ‘under the radar’ but very talented musicians a showcase to perform in the spotlight,” said Mel Thiel, Development Director and Manager of WNTI. “No doubt there is a lot of great talent in our region. This is our way of offering them a little bit of limelight and hopefully help them launch their careers onto another level.”

Kincaid, who grew up in Sparta, has been playing guitar, writing, and singing his own material, for many years. He is currently working on a CD that he says is part Americana, part country. “Something for everyone,” he points out.

Kincaid is the first to acknowledge that he’s had to work at his music.

“I wasn’t a natural born singer, guitarist or song writer,” Kincaid, a tattoo artist by trade, declares. “But I’ve worked hard at it.”

Indeed, Kincaid’s tunes offer solid lyrics, good melodies and some, he says, “will evoke smiles” as a few are tongue and cheek. “The bottom line is that everything I write and sing comes from me,” he said.

A big fan of Kris Kristofferson, Kincaid, who works at First Place Tattoos in Hackettstown, does admit that some of his songs have that “cry in your beer” feel to them. Yet, he has plenty of upbeat songs as well. Among his favorites that you can expect to hear at the inn are the autobiographical  “You Can’t Take It With You,” “One More Drink,” “Whiskey and Women,” and “Honey I’m Home.”

The historic inn, located in the heart of Hope, is a B&B and restaurant that offers entertainment throughout the year. The WNTI Showcase is a semi-regular event at the Inn. Admission to the showcase is $5 per person, with proceeds going to WNTI.

The show is from 7 to 9 p.m. The Inn offers an array of fine and casual dining options, cocktails and craft and domestic beers. The Inn at Millrace Pond is located just minutes from Route 80, Exit 12.