INTERVIEW: Hannah Sage From is an ‘Appalachian Songcatcher’ at NY Fringe
Photo: Appalachian Songcatcher features the original songs of Hannah Sage From. Photo courtesy of the artist / Provided by official site.
The New York City Fringe Festival kicked off this week, with performances scheduled until April 20. One of the unique offerings of this celebration of theater and song is Appalachian Songcatcher, the new show from queer artist Hannah Sage From. The one-hour solo piece finds From recounting her life growing up queer in rural Appalachia, specifically northern Georgia. Audience members can expect original songs and banjo playing, according to press notes.
From is a performer who combines the old with the new, often making the old feeling new again. She includes traditional ballads in her repertory, but she also offers original tunes about identity, resiliency and belonging, according to an official news release.
Recently Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with From about Appalachian Songcatcher, which plays April 5-13 at the Chain Studio Theater in Midtown Manhattan. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
How did the opportunity to perform at the New York City Fringe come about?
I first learned about fringe festivals from my mom. When I was 16, she took her solo show to several festivals, and I tagged along as her technical support. It was so much fun getting to travel around with her, and during that time I fell in love with the energy, creativity and community of the fringe world. Even back then, I knew these festivals were something special!
When I heard about Frigid Fringe, I knew it was the perfect chance to share my music and stories with a whole new audience. It’s a little scary being this far from home, but I’m thrilled to be part of the magic of the fringe in a city so rich in art and music!
I also have family in New York City and on Long Island, so while I haven’t spent a ton of time in New York, knowing I’ll have familiar faces in the audience makes this experience even more meaningful. New York feels so different from my mountain home, yet there’s always something strangely familiar about it.
How long have you been listening to and playing traditional folk music?
Growing up where I did, traditional music was just a part of everyday life. My parents made a point of exposing my siblings and me to a wide range of cultures, including the one we were surrounded by in the mountains.
They also encouraged each of us to find our passion. I tried everything — gymnastics, dance, theater, art, soccer — but none of them really stuck. Then, when I was 10, my mom signed me up for an after-school program called Pick-n-Bow Traditional Music School, and that’s when I found the banjo. And it was love at first sight. That was nearly 15 years ago, and I haven’t put it down since!
Do the original songs in your show touch on your own experiences growing up and being queer in North Georgia?
Yes, I write from my own experiences, but I also try to tell stories that reflect the experiences of others. One song in particular, “Lovely,” explores the pain that so many queer folks have faced, touching on issues like conversion therapy and religion. The stories I share are woven between the songs and offer glimpses into what it was like for me growing up and realizing I’m queer. I don’t shy away from the hard parts, but I also try to show the beauty — the moments of love and joy.
Is it difficult to share personal stories and insights on stage in such a public setting?
It can be, but I know how important it is to share stories. In March of this year, I performed this show in the North Georgia community where I grew up. It was the first time I stood in front of many of those people and said, “I’m queer.” That was terrifying. I knew there would be supportive folks, but I also feared people walking out or getting angry. But instead of rejection, I found a room full of love. It is my favorite performance to date, and that’s saying something because I’ve done so many. I think sharing this show with the folks back home gave me the courage to perform here in New York.
What do you hope the audience takes away from the show?
More than anything, I want people to walk away feeling seen. For folks who have had similar experiences, I hope they find a sense of recognition — whether it’s joy, struggle or the messy in-between. For those who haven’t had these experiences, I hope the show gives them a glimpse into a world they might not know, one that’s both deeply personal and universal.
But beyond that, I just want people to enjoy themselves. I want them to laugh, to cry, to feel something real. At its core, this show is about connection — through music, through storytelling, through shared emotion. If people walk away having had a good time, then I’ve done my job.
In your mind, what does it mean to be a songcatcher?
I was first called a songcatcher when I was about 12 or 13 years old. I had been sharing some of my original songs with a group of older songwriters when they asked me about my writing process. As I explained how I wrote — how the words, images and melodies seemed to come to me as if carried on the breeze — one of them said, “Well, you aren’t a songwriter then; you’re a songcatcher.”
To me, a songcatcher is someone who listens for the music that’s already out there — floating in the air, woven into the land, hidden in people’s stories. It’s not just about writing songs but about being open to them, letting them take shape rather than forcing them into existence. Being a songcatcher also means keeping old songs alive, passing them down and honoring the voices that came before. A songcatcher doesn’t just create — they collect, preserve and share music in a way that keeps it moving through time. For me, it’s about staying open to inspiration and always being ready to catch the next song that comes along.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Appalachian Songcatcher, created and performed by Hannah Sage From, will play the Chain Studio Theater in Midtown Manhattan as part of the New York City Fringe Festival. Performances run April 5-13. Click here for more information and tickets.
