Meghan Carey and Aaron Nathans
Meghan Cary didn’t mean to be a musician. But when her fiancé unexpectedly died, she picked up his guitar, figured out how to play it, and wrote her debut record, earning her Billboard Magazine’s esteemed Critic’s Choice Award. “I wrote my grief into music and sang my way out of the abyss. I keep making music to help others connect with their own stories and find their joy.”
Her album, Sing Louder, debuted in the top 10 on the US/International Folk DJ Chart, and John Platt of WFUV extols, “These times require songs of compassion and commitment. Meghan has several which inspire us to reach our higher selves, and she sings them with such infectious joy you can’t resist joining in.”
With masterful storytelling and award-winning songs, Cary creates a live music experience that is healing, inspiring, and outrageously joyful. Her message of unity and the power of raising our voices together infuses every show, and her song, Sing Louder, has become an anthem for the music-loving community.
Cary is a favorite on festival stages including Philadelphia Folk Festival, Falcon Ridge, and Black Bear Americana, and has shared the stage with folk and Americana luminaries such as Joan Osborne, Lucinda Williams, Christine Lavin, and Little Feat. Her smoky voice, emotional singing, and vulnerable writing garner favorable comparisons to Melissa Etheridge, Brandi Carlisle, and even Bruce Springsteen.
As the producer of Philly Songwriters in the Round, Cary curates intimate, collaborative performances that spotlight the diverse voices of the Philadelphia music scene. As a performance coach, songwriting teacher, and keynote speaker, she empowers artists and audiences alike to embrace their authentic stories with humor, heart, and courage.
A professional actor and playwright with a successful career in theater, television and radio, Meghan has written and preforms a one-woman show, On the Way to the Waterfall, and is currently collaborating on a Broadway-bound musical. Raised in Hershey, PA, Cary studied math and chemistry at Duke University, with plans of becoming a doctor. She made an about-face at school, ultimately earning her B.A. in drama before going on to obtain her M.F.A. in acting at FSU’s Asolo Conservatory for Acting. She is a founding member of the NYC-based Actor’s Shakespeare Company, and has performed in more than 100 plays throughout the United States and Europe. Cary has supported her creative habit as an on-camera commercial and voice over artist.
Musician/actor/coach/motivational speaker and the mother of two, Meghan speaks with humor and grace about navigating life’s constant rewrites. Her mantra: “If you don’t know the words… sing louder.”
Aaron Nathans is a Philadelphia-based alternative folk music singer, songwriter and recording artist with a distinct sound, due in large part to a combination of rhythmic acoustic guitar, wide-ranging baritone vocals and beautiful melodies that you won’t soon forget. When pairing that with talented songwriting that touches on everyday life and easily connects with audiences, you’ll see why Aaron is someone you won’t want to miss.
Aaron, a 2024 Kerrville New Folk finalist, has a unique brand of storytelling. He writes about things no one else has written about before—like a song about male bonding between a guy and his barber. Or the onslaught of the outside world upon a new parent. Surely somebody’s written that song, right? Ok, find it.
Aaron describes his songs as, “wild-mind, bittersweet acoustic music.” This doesn’t mean somber. It means you’re in for a treat whether you’re watching Aaron at a live show. He creates an unforgettable listening experience that keeps audiences on the edge of their seat.
Aaron is a prolific presence in the Philadelphia folk music scene, with both solo and collaborative performances and recordings. He runs both the Philly Songwriters In-the-RoundSeries and the Philly Songwriters Circle critique group with Avi Wisnia and Meghan Cary.
Aaron also performs and records as one-half of the guitar-cello duo Aaron Nathans & Michael G. Ronstadt. His shows with Michael are high-energy events, full of musical combustion as Aaron plays off Michael’s brilliant cello work, as well as Michael’s own wildly creative songs.
Their latest album is Hello World, which was the 7th most played album on folk radio in March 2023. Their single Rebuild was the 3rd most played song on folk radio in December 2022. Their album Hang On for the Ride includes Aaron’s tribute to Jackie Robinson and the power of nonviolence, The Strength to Not Fight Back. John Platt of WFUV radio in New York City said, “You need to hear this song!’ There are serious songs, there are political songs, there are funny songs, choice cover songs… Wonderful album.”
Aaron has opened for Lucy Kaplansky, Tracy Grammer, Vance Gilbert and other folk luminaries. He has written with Craig Bickhardt, Phil Henry and, of course, Michael Ronstadt.
Aaron was born in the mill town of Paterson, New Jersey, and grew up in Bexley, Ohio.