Linda’s latest album and 2nd multi-media experience, “Mearra ~ Selkie From the Sea”, a Celtic fairy-tale fantasy, filmed by Emmy award winning Chris Olsen (Kai-Harding Productions), debuted in Chicago in 2015. It began airing on PBS television stations nationally in 2016.
“With a genre-crossing vocal style that encompasses a folk/rock sensibility, Smith’s music is romantic, soulful, earthy, and mystical, with lyrics and melodies that weave colorful stories of curious places and intriguing people.” Hedy Weiss, Theater and Dance Critic of the Chicago Sun-Times
Smith appeals to a wide audience having been compared to Lucinda Williams, Natalie Merchant, Jewel, Sarah McLachlan and Loreena McKennitt.
Her third release and first multi-media show, “The Triumph of Artemisia”, continues to exceed presenter’s expectations. It explores the life of Artemisia Gentileschi, a revolutionary 17th century painter and the first female artist to achieve recognition in the world of post-Renaissance art.
Her second album, “Blame It On The Moon”, features renowned song writer/guitarist Michael Smith and is more country folk/rock band oriented.
"Her strong, self-assured vocals and lyrical style that examines the usual romantic turf without resorting to clichés....Smith's voice is well worth hearing." Jim DeRogatis, Music Critic Chicago Sun-Times, Rolling Stone, PBS “Sound Opinions” when speaking with regard to Linda’s first CD, “Linda M. Smith”
Ms. Smith co-produced and performed with Barbara Barrow in "THE GRAPES OF WRATH - A FOLK OPERA", music by Michael Smith.
She was delighted to be in the first season of Michael Smith's "SNOWQUEEN" at the Victory Gardens Theater where she worked with renowned director Frank Galati and puppetry master Blair Thomas. Robert Arendt performed in the 3rd and 4th seasons of “SNOWQUEEN”
Smith has been honored by Billboard Magazine. The Illinois Arts Council in conjunction with the National Endowment for the Arts has recognized her. In addition to recording and performing, she teaches privately and at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago as well as conducting seminars and master classes at schools and colleges.
Linda and her band have enjoyed reoccurring performances at the St. Michael Old Town Art Fair, Naperville Rib Fest, Long Grove Fine Art Fest, and Lincoln Square Summer Concert Series as well as shows at The Art Institute, Lincoln Park Zoo and, more recently, The University of Chicago. Smith performs a variety of music drawing from her tenure at the Old Town School of Folk Music and incorporates a sublime balance of her own original music.