Banjo Pickin' Ambassador

Abigail Washburn is one of my biggest heroes. I first saw her several years ago as part of the Sparrow Quartet with Bela Fleck, Casey Driessen and Ben Sollee in 2006 at the 40th Annual Kent State Folk Festival, the group's first U.S appearance after returning from touring as musical ambassadors in China and Tibet. What I treat, I tell you. I was blown away then, and I continue to be blown away every time I see or hear her speak or perform. 

If I could be anyone else in this world, I'd most likely be her. I love her energy, her heart, her drive, her spirt, and, of course, her incredible voice, thoughtful lyrics and lively banjo pickin'.

Check out Abigail's TED talk and then be sure to get your hands on some of her recordings, like City of Refuge, Song of the Traveling Daughter, or Abigail Washburn and the Sparrow Quartet.