Sunday, Nov 1, 2026 at 7:30pm

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Hannah Shira Naiman and Nathan Smith are award-winning Ontario folk musicians known for their authentic songwriting and pristine vocal harmonies.

 

Hannah (CFMA Traditional Singer of the Year) and Nathan (CFMA Composer of the Year with Vinta) are acclaimed songwriters and multi-instrumentalists who have each built strong national reputations over more than a decade in Canadian folk music.

Their collaboration began with double-bill performances in 2022, where Hannah’s clawhammer banjo seamlessly intertwined with Nathan’s fiddle and guitar work. What quickly became undeniable was the power of their vocal blend — precise, expressive, and deeply rooted in tradition.

 

While their sound is often described as Appalachian old-time, each brings a distinct musical lineage. Nathan draws from extensive bluegrass and old-time experience, as well as his upbringing in Celtic and traditional Canadian fiddle music. He performs regularly with touring bluegrass band The Barrel Boys and acoustic trad quartet Vinta. Hannah’s songwriting is grounded in old-time Appalachian and English traditional music, crafting songs that retell personal stories through timeless themes and tropes — so convincingly traditional that they are often mistaken for century-old ballads.

 

Together, they create original music that is heartfelt, poignant, and occasionally raucous — rooted in deep respect for tradition while speaking through a contemporary lens. Within the folk community, their pairing has been met with palpable excitement, with presenters and fellow artists alike noting the rare chemistry and musical precision they bring to the stage.

 

“Hannah and Nathan are two of the finest acoustic musicians on the scene. Tight harmonies, inspired playing. Their deep love of traditional music shines in their original compositions. Truly worth a listen.” - James Keelaghan (Artistic Director, Summerfolk)

 

https://hannahandnathanmusic.com/