Blackbird Pie

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.