A Melodic Journey Through Time
What did people sing before there were radios, recordings, or playlists? The songs of everyday life traveled through kitchens, fields, pubs, parlors, and family gatherings, carrying stories of love, loss, work, mischief, and the occasional bit of nonsense.
Cheryl Costello explores the folk music of England, Ireland, Scotland, and America through singing, guitar, and traditional instruments. Some songs have been passed down for generations, others are more recent, telling stories of people and events from times gone by. Each offers a glimpse into the lives, hopes, and troubles of the people behind the music.
Live Performances
Songs have stories to tell.
Cheryl brings together folk songs, the stories behind them, and the sounds of the instruments that carry them. Her repertoire ranges from English and Celtic ballads to American folk and bluegrass traditions, with Irish flute, whistle, and fife adding their own voices to the mix.
Her musical travels have taken her across nearly 40 states with a family folk and bluegrass band. Along the way, she has worked in early childhood arts education and hospice music therapy, experiences that have deepened her appreciation for music’s ability to connect people across time and circumstance.
A performance might offer gentle musical ambiance, familiar songs to sing along with, or a closer look at the music and stories of another time. And the musical journey continues: harp is beginning to find its place among Cheryl’s instruments, too.
From intimate gatherings to libraries, community events, and historical programs, Cheryl invites listeners to discover the stories in folk music, sometimes centuries old, sometimes closer to home, and still capable of surprising us, moving us, and bringing us together.
Music Demos
May Morning Dew (Irish)
Barbara Allen (based on an Appalachian variation)
Bring the Music to Your Setting
Have a setting or occasion that could use a little musical magic? Get in touch to talk about the possibilities, from relaxed live music to programs exploring the songs and stories carried through generations.