Megan McGarry radiates positivity and is bringing American Roots music to new light. As an award-winning multi-instrumentalist, a notable vocalist, a distinguished song-writer, and a vivacious performer, Megan pulls you in. She keeps you there with her charming songs and stories that blend traditional American Roots music and originality. This Pennsylvania-born storyteller is an emerging artist to keep your eyes and ears on.
Through Megan's clawhammer banjo, fiddle, guitar, and voice, she presents a collection of songs and tunes that demonstrate the excellence of traditional and contemporary American Roots Music, as well as her evolutionary prowess and emerging contributions to the genre. With intellectual zeal, she pulls from a wide span of influences that include musicians and songwriters such as Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, Townes Van Zandt, Joni Mitchell, Clarence White, Leadbelly, Patsy Cline, Rosanne Cash, Tommy Jarrell, and many more; and with a passion for preserving, shaping, and sharing these musical histories, Megan is authentic and engaging in her playing, singing, writing, and speaking.
Megan’s writing is narrative-driven and explores the world of storytelling, marrying her tales to unique, traditionally-informed musical ideas. Megan says: "I'm inspired by stories like the ones Jane Austen tells. She talks about everyday life, but she pulls you in. I've devoured every word she's written, and I want to my songs to engage listeners the same way that Jane's novels have engaged me."
Through Megan's clawhammer banjo, fiddle, guitar, and voice, she presents a collection of songs and tunes that demonstrate the excellence of traditional and contemporary American Roots Music, as well as her evolutionary prowess and emerging contributions to the genre. With intellectual zeal, she pulls from a wide span of influences that include musicians and songwriters such as Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, Townes Van Zandt, Joni Mitchell, Clarence White, Leadbelly, Patsy Cline, Rosanne Cash, Tommy Jarrell, and many more; and with a passion for preserving, shaping, and sharing these musical histories, Megan is authentic and engaging in her playing, singing, writing, and speaking.
Megan’s writing is narrative-driven and explores the world of storytelling, marrying her tales to unique, traditionally-informed musical ideas. Megan says: "I'm inspired by stories like the ones Jane Austen tells. She talks about everyday life, but she pulls you in. I've devoured every word she's written, and I want to my songs to engage listeners the same way that Jane's novels have engaged me."
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“Megan McGarry is a talented string musician who
radiates positivity and light. Do yourself a favor and spend some time with her music.” - Darol Anger Fiddler, composer, producer and educator “Our audience enjoys the warmth, laughter and stories that accompany the outstanding musicianship...as we work on our schedule for the next season, we will certainly include
Megan McGarry." -Kevin Connelli, Director, Wellsboro Deane Center for Performing Arts |
“The brightness comes from more than Megan’s
considerable ability as a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. It comes from her heart, her ever present smile, and the twinkle in her eyes. Her happiness is infectious. Her music makes you feel good. Megan truly loves to perform, loves to entertain, and loves being on stage. She will always hold a special place in Smoked Country Jam’s heart.” - Ron Kodish, Director, Smoked Country Jam Bluegrass Festival |
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Megan released an album of original music in 2015. On this debut, self-titled album, she demonstrate her notable talents as a vocalist, clawhammer banjoist, fiddler, and guitarist. Not to mention her skillful songwriting. She blended the sounds of traditional American roots music and contemporary folk music through rich melodies and engaging storytelling. The album kicks off with "Two Roads," a song that further extends the narrative presented in Robert Frost's poem, "The Road Not Taken." Throughout the album Megan shares other stories such as in her song "Watson," a true tale of Megan's great-great-great-great grandfather who served in the Civil War.
Speaking of family, Megan has spent the past ten years of her performing as a duo with her father, Chris McGarry. The two have shared their zeal for music and life at festivals and venues throughout the Mid-Atlantic States. The two continue to perform regionally. |
As a recent graduate of Berklee College of Music, Megan is currently pursuing opportunities to share her stories and love for American Roots and folk music as an artist and as an educator. She will be moving to Hong Kong in July 2019 to teach music and will continue to write and perform. She is also working towards a second album.
Megan endorses Bourgeoise Guitars and The Ozark Banjo Company.
