Richie Stearns is a masterful old-time banjo player and singer-songwriter rooted in the rich folk traditions of the American Northeast. Hailing from Ithaca, New York, Stearns has spent decades honing a sound that feels both ancient and urgently alive, blending Appalachian string band music with his own irreverent wit and deeply personal storytelling.
A fixture of the vibrant Ithaca music scene, Stearns is perhaps best known as the longtime banjoist for the celebrated folk group Horseflies, whose innovative fusion of old-time music with contemporary influences earned them a devoted following across the United States and Europe. As a solo artist, he brings an infectious energy and raw authenticity to the stage, commanding audiences with his virtuosic playing and a voice that carries the dust and soul of American roots music.
Whether performing intimate acoustic sets or collaborating with fellow musicians, Richie Stearns delivers an experience that feels like a genuine connection to a living musical heritage — honest, playful, and deeply human.