Lauren Sheehan is a charismatic interpreter of songs learned from some of America's greatest folk and blues artists. Her voice slides through old lyrics like clear water through a smooth creek bed, while her mastery of guitar and banjo styles continues to grow. Her performances are memorable for the authentic range of her material, from unaccompanied ballads, to boozy Memphis blues, and from old-time banjo tunes, to old country songs and eclectic modern folk.
    Lauren grew up in New England where she studied classical guitar as a child and became infected by the spirit of fiddle music at contra dances in western Massachusetts. She wrote her thesis on American folk music at Reed College before spending a number of years playing in small ensembles while founding, administering, and teaching in independent schools. During this time, she toured in New England, Ireland and the Pacific Northwest. She retired from teaching in 2003 and dedicated herself to full-time performing and recording.
    Lauren's passion for learning directly from other musicians has led her into the homes and front porches of many of the musical legends who passed on much of the material and stylistic qualities she presents today. Her endearing performances spring from time spent with such legendary performers as John Cephas, Ginny Hawker, Etta Baker, Carl Rutherford and Howard Armstrong.
    Lauren's music is definitely her own, but it is also unmistakably stamped with the authority of those who have gone before.