Elsa Howell is a traditional Appalachian ballad singer, old-time guitarist, and songwriter from Roanoke, Virginia. She grew up attending fiddlers’ conventions and old-time events in the region and began competing in the Folk Song category at 13. Her interest in narrative songs with haunting melodies led her to explore the many murder ballads of Virginia. With encouragement and teaching from her family, she committed her powerful voice to balladry and learned old-time guitar to accompany herself on stage. Her deep love for ballads only grew from there, fostered by a year studying under ballad singer Elizabeth LaPrelle through the Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program. She developed a distinct personal style, influenced by singers like Texas Gladden, Jean Ritchie, and Victoria Morris. Now, Elsa travels and performs with her string band, Blackbird Pie, who reimagine songs with origins in balladry, old-time, bluegrass, country, and americana. She has taught ballads at the Handmade Music School Youth and Teen weeks, been featured at the Richmond Folk Festival, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, the Inside Appalachia Radio Show, and more. Elsa is excited and available to teach ballads and beginner old-time guitar!