Celtic Appalachian describes the unique music of Steve and Ruth Smith featuring hammered dulcimer and guitar. The North Carolina couple, both of Scots-Irish heritage, present a musical journey connecting the origins of 17th and 18th century Celtic music of Scotland and Ireland with today’s Appalachian mountain music.
Steve and Ruth, who are married, have been playing music together for many years and live in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. Through the years, they have performed together in venues around the world, including Japan, Korea, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Thailand, Hong Kong, Tonga, Canada, and across the United States from North Carolina to Hawaii. Combining their individual musical influences, Steve and Ruth play a blend of traditional Appalachian, Celtic, Baroque, and original music.
Their concert “Celtic Music: The Appalachian Way” gives an overview of what Celtic Appalachian music is, where it came from, and how it lives on in modern times. In addition to hammered dulcimer and guitar, the concert also features Steve and Ruth on Appalachian Mountain dulcimer, clawhammer banjo, and vocals. Their many years of experience in the entertainment business in a wide array of venues around the nation and the world gives them the ability to adapt quickly and specifically tailor each performance for each individual audience.
Their first CD “An Appalachian Aire” gained national attention and airplay in 2006 , most notably being chosen by XM satellite radio as “The Best Music This Week on XM.” The title song, written by Ruth, was featured on National Public Radio’s on-line show “All Songs Considered.” The CD features their Celtic Appalachian music as well as several Baroque selections.
Steve and Ruth's just released CD “Dancin' Cross the Strings” features more of their original music as well as traditional Celtic and Appalachian tunes. They are currently performing music from both of these CDs in their live concert presentation.
