Mary Smith is a traditional singer from central Virginia.  Her father, Ronald Smith, was an avid collector of traditional American folk music, old time Country and Western, Bluegrass and Gospel.   It was a natural step for her to take up the guitar, and her interest in the ballads of the Appalachian Mountains led to her to explore the traditional songs of England, Ireland and Scotland.   She is a popular performer at festivals, coffeehouses and concert venues in Virginia and Washington, DC, and has toured in the UK as well.  She also gives educational presentations and workshops on traditional ballads.  She released her  CD “Of Rogues and Lovers” with the collaboration of the Irish traditional group KILLULTAGH,  from Ulster,in 2003.  Mary is an active member of the folk community in Richmond, Virginia, and is co-founder of Richmond Folk Music, a monthly concert series dedicated to traditional folk music.  She performs solo, or with the trio Turf Fire.