When it comes to chemistry, Mike Merenda and Ruth Ungar have plenty to spare. Merenda is a prolific songwriter whose crowd-pleasing piece “Sunshiner” was nominated for an International Folk Music Award for Song of the Year. It is an ode to renewable energy that simultaneously honors the past and looks to the future with the sing-along lyric, “Yes, my Daddy was a miner, but I’m going to be a sunshiner.” Ungar’s unique vocal style ranges from a capella balladry to earthy soul and country. She was raised in a folk music family and learned the fiddle at a young age. Her father is fiddler/composter, Jay Ungar, best known for his compositions “Ashokan Farewell,” which she also enjoys performing.
Mike and Ruthy have recorded and performed their exquisite, original Americana music together for two decades, as the duo Mike and Ruthy and with their quintet, The Mammals. They make their home in the Hudson Valley in New York where they and friends host their own thriving community folk festival, The Hoot. A recent tour of the UK prompted this concert review from Celtic Music Radio: “Hailed by many as Americana trailblazers, Ruth Ungar and Mike Merenda, happily married and exuding togetherness on stage, are also gently-mannered activists with well-crafted songs that successfully ask potent questions of politicians and raise issues to probe how we can improve the planet. They deliver their material persuasively and in an eloquent manner with enjoyment of their music underpinning the approach overall. The music is the motivator throughout.”

Mike and Ruthy concerts blend artistry and authenticity with fiery fiddle and banjo, emotionally potent harmonies, and dynamic stories that deepen the experience. Tap your toes and sing along as Mike and Ruthy “roam effortlessly through the whole span that is Americana from alt-country to folk to bluegrass.” (The Bluegrass Situation)

The Mike and Ruthy virtual show presented by the Me&Thee takes place on Friday, December 11 at 8:00 pm. The suggested donation is $20 and payment can be made securely via PayPal. You do not need a PayPal account to donate.