It’s always a mystery how a conversation will go with an artist. Some are very focused, so don’t really do interviews, and then there are others where even an email exchange turns into a fun interlude. And so it is with Tinsmith. We asked Brooke Parkhurst and Rowan Corbett a few questions and got some interesting replies.
Tinsmith: l to r, Brooke Parkhurst, Henry Cross, Rowan Corbett
Q: Five/fun things we should about Tinsmith?
A: Rowan and I have been playing together for 14 years - longer than either of us have been in committed relationships! Our name comes from the traditional occupation of the Irish gypsies, also known as Tinkers. Irish gypsies are not Rom (ethnic Gypsies from Europe/Central Asia) but are a subset of the Irish people. We started out playing at Renaissance Fairs all over the country
Q: Something we’d be surprised to know about you.
A: Brooke is a professional baker and owns Triple Oak Bakery, a small gluten free bakery in Virginia’s Piedmont. Rowanis an art handler when he isn’t playing music with multiple bands
Q: How do you prepare for an event?
A: Well, occasionally we practice 
My former music partner, Jennifer, and I used to always make up a jar of “throat medicine”, also known as a hot toddy in a mason jar. Looks awful but tastes great and is nice on the throat!
My former music partner, Jennifer, and I used to always make up a jar of “throat medicine”, also known as a hot toddy in a mason jar. Looks awful but tastes great and is nice on the throat!Q: What keeps you going through rehearsals?
A: Actually, I love rehearsals. We have a lot of fun fooling around with the music and doing weird stuff to it. Happily there are only three of us and we’re all pretty laid back too!
Want to hear what they sound like? Here are three tracks -
Can’t wait for them to take the stage at Celtic Arts Festival! Do you have your tickets yet?
I think I know what I’ll be spending my pocket money on. . . . I hope Tinsmith will be selling CDs at the Festival!