Saro was born and raised in Nashville, TN. From a young age she had a fascination for stories of all sorts- from history books to graphic novels and folk songs. Raised in the Unitarian Universalist faith, Saro was encouraged to work towards social and environmental justice in her day-to-day life. This philosophy, combined with the influence of several amazing music and history mentors, led Saro to have a passion for song as a tool for transformation.
As a high schooler, Saro made the decision to leave school and educate herself as an “unschooler” through a combination of self-taught study and university courses. In 2009 she received a B.A. in Studio Arts from Bard College, NY, with plans to become an illustrator. Soon after, Saro’s passion for folk songs led her to settle in Asheville, NC where she could study from traditional singers of the region. In 2015, she received her Certificate in Documentary Studies from Duke University, and in 2018 she received her M.A. in Appalachian Studies from ETSU. Her thesis, “‘I’ve Always Identified with the Women:” How Appalachian Women Ballad Singers’ Repertoire Choices Reflect Their Gendered Concerns,” examines the ways in which female ballad singers chose to express their gendered experiences and politics through song.
Saro has produced several albums of traditional song and balladry, as well as numerous documentaries, books and podcasts on historical and musical topics. Her current project, “Songs that Speak,” is a YouTube series exploring the history and folklore behind old songs. You can patronize her series here, and watch it here.
Saro continues to live in Asheville, NC, making videos about old songs, performing with her Celtic band Émigré, and swimming in mountain streams whenever possible.