Smilo & the Ghost: Erie’s Americana Sensation on the Rise
At Erie Arts and Culture, we love celebrating the incredible talent in our community. One such story that has been music to our ears is the recent success of Smilo & the Ghost, an Erie-based Americana and bluegrass band that’s making waves both locally and beyond.
Smilo & the Ghost
This June, Smilo & the Ghost took the stage at the Laurel Cove Festival in Pineville, Kentucky, a festival known for spotlighting emerging talent in folk, country, and Americana music. The band returned home with more than just memories of their performance—they were awarded a prize that will fully fund their next EP. The recognition was especially sweet as it was voted on by the crowd, proving that Smilo & the Ghost's soulful, foot-stomping sound resonates far beyond Erie.
But this isn’t the first time Smilo & the Ghost have made headlines. They’ve been capturing the hearts of audiences since 2016, with a style that blends old-timey folk-rock with a modern twist. Their albums have been voted among Erie Reader’s top albums, and they’ve shared the stage with major acts like Dan + Shay and 10,000 Maniacs.
What makes this story even more special is that Smilo & the Ghost’s journey has been supported in part by Erie Arts and Culture. Through our Lydia McCain Grant, the band has been able to take their music to new heights, producing music videos and promotional content for their latest album, Twang and Fire. This kind of support is exactly what Erie Arts and Culture is all about—empowering local artists to pursue their passions and share their talents with the world.
Tyler Smilo
Smilo & the Ghost’s success is a testament to what happens when creative talent is paired with the right support. And it’s not just about the music—it’s about the vibrant community we’re all building together. When you support Erie Arts and Culture, you’re not just backing an organization—you’re nurturing the arts and artists that make our region unique.
So, what’s next for Smilo & the Ghost? They’ll be performing locally at Celebrate Erie in August, sharing the stage with country star Gabby Barrett, and continuing to bring their hard-driving, emotionally charged sound to audiences near and far.
If their story inspires you, why not explore the opportunities Erie Arts and Culture offers? We’re committed to elevating artists across all disciplines—whether it’s music, visual arts, literature, or performance. Check out our Grants and Funding page to learn how you or someone you know could be the next success story. Who knows? Maybe you’ll be the one we’re writing about next.