Meredith Elsie collects songs from the roots of folk, country and bluegrass - she loves to play a soulful tune for dancers and listeners alike. She collects songs as a way of digging back - to simpler times often but also reclaiming her younger spirit and authentic self. She weaves together country roots, folk melodies, and original compositions with vibrant world styles.

Lucky to call Montana home, she has lived far and wide, a longtime rambler of a different sort with stories to sing to just about anyone with the mind and heart to listen. Meredith grew up in Cleveland and spent over a decade in New York City before making her way out West.  For years alongside a career in urban development, music moments were found while visiting family in Nashville where bluegrass jams were common. As a member of a co-living community during her last years in NYC she searched for meaningful ways to contribute to the space, and music rose to the top. She brought her guitar out on the town to explore bluegrass circles which led her to wonderful music communities and connections with some extraordinary teachers. And during her last year at Lightning Society, she regularly hosted intimate rooftop bluegrass jams (nachos included), and lively flamenco house concerts.

Her latest chapter in Montana has encouraged further discovery of her artistic voice through songwriting, but also performing for the first time in many years. A lifelong dancer she discovered the great joy in playing for dancers, and so you can catch her at Sunday country dances at the American Legion Post #87 every so often with her Used Boots Band. Her twist on folk traditions comes from exposure to a diversity of cultures and environments, but also honors the current influence of the Montana landscape - its culture, the wild and wide open spaces, and the slower pace of life all inspire as she carves a unique musical path all her own. Although squarely planted within the Americana realm she might veer off and sing a Spanish or Irish tune on occasion as a true love of folk music knows no boundaries.

She is also a vocal instructor who has developed a curriculum based on the flamenco teaching style which she credits with empowering and liberating her voice in recent years. Dynamic vocal techniques and exercises help singers and non-singers alike regain the vitality and strength in their voice, and to engage the supportive structure necessary to sing safely with ease, power and stamina. She believes that empowering people to sing in their authentic voices in their natural speaking range offers a healing and connective experience that can be a true gift.