Carolyn Shapiro at The Eleven

Carolyn Shapiro is an old-time banjo player and songwriter from upstate New York whose music feeds the soul like a hearty, home-cooked meal. Blending sultry flavor with a deep-rooted traditional style, her songwriting pushes the boundaries of the banjo and invites listeners on an intimate journey through the complexities of being human. As a performer, Carolyn brings a joyous vulnerability to the stage, leaving audiences feeling 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 Yearin 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.