Roots That Travel: The Journey of The Carolina Junebugs

Ellary Smith and her fellow band members, Emma Bishop and Booth Basset, perform at The Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro, North Carolina, on September 19, 2025. Photo cred: Ellary Smith. 

Anna Norris, Editor in Chief of The Powderhorn

Growing up in Watauga County offers a unique opportunity to experience kindergarten through 12th grade with the same classmates, explore the various outdoor activities, and excel academically. While the community in Boone is built on unwavering support and loving neighbors, some students in Watauga County struggle to find peers who share their passions due to the small town population. Ellary Smith, a class of 2024 Watauga High School alumni, discovered her community at UNC Chapel Hill as she formed The Carolina Junebugs with two fellow students and members of the Carolina Bluegrass Band. 

“Learning through the Jones House [in downtown Boone] is the reason I play old-time as opposed to bluegrass style banjo, which is what a lot of people think of when they think of the instrument,” said Smith. “I felt out of touch with other kids when I was younger due to the music I was listening to, but now I’m so grateful my childhood and exposure to musicians like Doc Watson and Ola Belle Reed put me on this path. I love that I can play music from the place I was born with my friends at a university hours away.”

Smith's passion and musical talent allowed her to blend her Appalachian old-timey music roots with traditional folk music when creating The Carolina Junebugs. The band's versatile style encourages each member to switch instruments and challenge themselves to master complex rhythms frequently.

“The folk music community at Chapel Hill is incredible,” said Smith. “Especially through the Carolina Bluegrass Band, [one of the ensembles in the music department], I’ve met so many passionate musicians. There are people interested in and so talented at playing old-time, bluegrass, and other traditional genres. I’ve also met many people working on creating and producing music, whether through their academic path or as a personal project.”

The Carolina Junebugs have played at numerous festivals, shows, and fiddler competitions, but their most special experience has been performing at The Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro, NC. The ecstatic energy, support, and pure appreciation for folk music at their show created a priceless memory for a newer band like The Carolina Junebugs. 

“I hope to keep playing with the band as long as possible,” said Smith. “Futures are so uncertain in college, and none of us know exactly where we’ll be in the next few years, but all of us want to keep music in our lives as long as possible. Hopefully, we can keep each other there too.”

The biggest inspirations to The Carolina Junebugs are bands like Watchhouse, Mipso, and Holler Choir, but the members most enjoy playing music from Gillian Welch, Sierra Ferrell, and Bob Dylan. 

“Being in the Junebugs has added so much joy to my college life,” said Smith. “On top of classes and academic work, I get to be part of something that’s a job, hobby, and passion project all at once. It provides an outlet and something I can always be excited about, plus people I can always call when I want to play or write some songs.”

As the band continues to grow and find its rhythm on and off campus, the most rewarding part has been the support and excitement the Carolina Junebugs have received. The Carolina Junebugs are not only shining in their traditional mountain music, but also in their passion and determination to succeed. 

“We are planning to drop an EP this December! It has 6 original songs, and we’d be honored to have folks check it out,” said Smith. “Plus, follow us on Instagram @CarolinaJunebugs for updates!”