The Barn celebrated its return to live music with a packed house and upbeat performances by two Southern California bands on Thursday.

Chola Orange, a funk-electro band, and Kiki Diago, an indie, funk and hip-hop influenced act, played the Barn’s outdoor stage as part of a St. Patrick’s Day Happy Hour event that drew a large crowd.

It was the first performance at the Barn in seven years and the first on the new stage at the expanded and renovated facility. Mano Mirandé, an independent concert promoter hired to book acts, said it’s the start of more to come.

Another free happy hour event with music acts is planned for Cinco De Mayo. In the fall, Mirandé hopes to begin booking regular ticketed events on Friday and Saturday nights, featuring mostly local and regional acts.

Members of the bands said they were thrilled to play the venue.

“We’ve been hearing stories about the Barn and people who played here forever,” said Andrew Plasciento, bassist for Kiki Diago, whose members are based in the Inland Empire. “When we heard we could play here, we were hyped. It’s an honor to be in the same space.”

The Barn Patio Bar is open Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Visit the Barn website or follow its Facebook page for updates.