Saro

Saro Lynch-Thomason is an award-winning singer, song leader, folklorist, and documentarian based in Asheville, North Carolina. With a deep passion for traditional songs and balladry from Appalachia, the American South, and the British Isles, she explores how old songs reflect the struggles and beliefs shaping human history. Through various projects—including her YouTube series *Songs that Speak* and the multimedia work *Blair Mountain: A Musical Exploration of America’s Largest Labor Uprising*—Saro uses music, storytelling, and illustration to connect the past with contemporary issues like social justice and environmental activism. She holds an M.A. in Appalachian Studies and a Certificate in Documentary Studies, underpinning her work with academic rigor and heartfelt artistry.

Saro’s background is rooted in a lifelong fascination with stories, nurtured from childhood in Nashville, Tennessee. She blends scholarly study with creative expression, making her a unique voice in the folk music community. Her song “There Are More Waters Rising” has gained international recognition as an anthem for climate activism. Beyond performing, she creates documentaries and educational content that bring traditional music and its history to life, encouraging a compassionate and just future through the power of song.