Elsa Howell & the Blackbird Pie Stringband

Elsa Howell is an old-time inspired Folk Americana singer/songwriter from Roanoke, Virginia. She performs original music, traditional and re-inspired ballads and folk/country favorites. She has released an EP of original music and traditional tunes and is working on recording a full-length record. Her music is inspired by her native Virginia and its flora and fauna, as well as its women singers and their history. Her show, accompanied by her family, is dynamic, energetic, and touches many different corners of the country music world.

Elsa blends her traditional background with a love for poetry and old country music, with inspiration from role models like Gillian Welch, Texas Gladden, and Sierra Ferrell. She is no stranger to the stage, performing for over 8 years at a variety of different events. She began at fiddlers conventions, competing in the folk song category, but she is now leading her own band. She has been featured at the Richmond Folk Festival in Richmond, VA, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington D.C., the Taubman Museum of Art in Roanoke, VA, and more. She has experience playing in a variety of settings, from outdoor mainstages to happy hour brewery stages, always accompanied by her family band out of Roanoke, VA or her Richmond, VA-based band.

The Blackbird Pie Stringband is a driving family band with an old-time-inspired folk sound based in Roanoke, Virginia. Their haunting original music is written by Elsa Howell, a traditional Appalachian ballad singer and teacher. Isak Howell (banjo) and Chris Howell (bass), Elsa's parents, have always been her biggest supporters and teachers. Isak's knowledge of traditional Appalachian music inspired the creation of the band. For many years, Isak and Elsa performed together, competing at fiddlers conventions and playing local venues and breweries. In 2024, they finally recruited Chris to join them on stage after Elsa released her first EP, Eyes Wide, and they have been gigging together ever since. Blackbird Pie are welcoming new band member, Alaina Krakowiak, a good friend and talented fiddler. 

This is a seated indoor show. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Music starts at 7 PM. For more information, check out our FAQs!