Erik Balkey & Jessica Smucker are veterans of the national folk music scene, with a combined discography of more than a dozen albums, and a couple hundred songs. Combined, they have earned over a dozen national songwriting competition honors including Kerrville (TX) New Folk Winner recognition for Erik and Solarfest (VT) Songwriter Competition Winner honors for Jessica. As a duo, formed in 2024, Jessica and Erik had success releasing songs to the international folk radio community. They had the No. 1 song for airplay last March on the Folk Alliance International Radio Charts with "If God Is An Apple." Their cover of the Dave Carter classic "Gentle Arms of Eden" charted at and No. 2 last August. As performing singer-songwriters, Erik and Jessica desire to create and perform songs that connect deeply with people and call attention to our shared humanity. In that spirit, their live performances are grounded and honest, delighting in the simple magic of human connection. Jessica lives in Lancaster, Pennsylvania where she is raising two sons. Raised in the Mennonite faith tradition by a family full of storytellers, activists, adventurers, and pranksters, Jessica believes that the best way to change the world is to channel our pain into connection. A couple hundred miles away, Erik lives in Morris County, New Jersey where he is raising a boy of his own. Having grown up near Philadelphia, his music is a deep and soulful. His songs are direct and will grab you the first time you hear them. The layered messages become more apparent with each listen. Jessica and Erik collaborate remotely, and in person, when the opportunity presents. They have showcased at conferences and festivals in the Northeast and beyond, and have played shows together from Lancaster and Bethlehem PA to the Hudson Valley of New York and Connecticut.

Our Acoustic Friday series features amazing singer-songwriters showcasing their original as well as amazing renditions of some of your favorites! Every Friday - no cover charge.