Carolyn Shapiro – Old-Time Banjoist, Songwriter, Soul-Stirrer

Carolyn is an old-time banjo player and songwriter from upstate New York whose music nourishes the spirit like a hearty, home-cooked meal. Blending sultry nuance with deep-rooted traditional style, her songwriting pushes the boundaries of the banjo, creating a catalog of songs that feel both timeless and entirely her own. With a rich tapestry of folk influences and lyrics that balance wit with emotional depth, Carolyn invites listeners into an intimate journey through the complexities of being human. Her commanding voice and resonant banjo tone bring a joyous vulnerability to the stage—leaving audiences not just entertained, but genuinely restored and inspired.

Though originally on the path to law school, Carolyn’s trajectory changed the moment she picked up a banjo in college. Immersing herself in the vast world of folk music, she never looked back. Her 2022 debut album earned her the title of Folk Artist of the Year in New York’s Capital Region. Her sophomore release, Take it Easy (2024), recorded live with her band, captures the warmth, spontaneity, and camaraderie that define her sound—a celebration of music shared in good company.

Carolyn plays a Pisgah Dobson banjo, a cherished instrument she purchased from T.R. Crandall Guitars in New York City. After months of eyeing it in the shop window, the banjo became hers on her 25th birthday thanks to a heartfelt gesture: a collection taken up by friends and fellow musicians at Caffe Lena’s open mic in Saratoga Springs. It’s a fitting origin for a musician whose artistry is as much about community as it is about craft.