According to Ruth Ungar, "I am a singer/songwriter who grew up in the folk music world, went to college for acting, and eventually became a touring musician. I play an Ithaca Stringed Instruments fiddle, an old Gibson guitar and five ukuleles, including a National resophonic uke. I love to sing blues, country, swing, and everything in between." Ruth is now married to Michael Merenda and they are touring with their one year old son, doing small venues and house concerts.
Ruth is now married to Michael Merenda and they are touring with their one year old son, doing small venues and house concerts.
Ruth is currently a member of four bands:
* The Mammals
Strongly grounded acoustic music that is beautiful, energized, and raw. A hearty mix of all-timey fiddle-pop and indie-folk ballads with a compelling and cohesive groove. Visit the site for info on their debut live CD Born Live (2001), the second, nationally distributed, studio release, Evolver (2002), and the third globally distributed CD on Signature Sounds, Rock That Babe (2004). The fourth CD, Departure, was just released in February of 2006.
* Sometimes Why
Ruth Ungar, Kristin Andreassen and Aoife O'Donovan form an exquisite vocal and instrumental trio. So far, this band has one self-titled CD, available on CD Baby and a website. Every once in a while they do a show, and it kicks ass.
* Mike & Ruthy
Michael Merenda & Ruth Ungar of The Mammals are touring and releasing a CD under the name "Mike & Ruthy." An acoustic duo from NY State with gentle, tight harmony singing on classic and original folk and pop songs, Mike & Ruthy accompany each other on guitar, fiddle, banjo, ukulele, and the occasional harmonica or glockenspiel. They are now married and have a child.
* The Jay Ungar & Molly Mason Family Band
From time to time Ruth and Mike get to join her dad and stepmom, Jay Ungar & Molly Mason in concert. She sings and plays fiddle and uke. Mike plays banjo and drums. Double fiddles, great songs, and sweet vocal harmonies abound.
For more about Ruth, please see her website at http://www.jayandmolly.com/ruth/Home.html