Drums, Percussion

Montreal-born Cheryl Smith was exposed to music at an early age. Her father was a professional drummer with “The Beau Marks” throughout the '60's and '70's and both of her parents were DJ's for many years.

Cheryl began playing drums at age 12 and began her professional career at age 17, playing in an all-girl rock band which toured throughout Quebec and Ontario. Despite her rock experience, Cheryl's choice of music was the Irish music she was often exposed to at home. From listening and playing the Irish music, it was inevitable that the overlapping nature of Celtic music would soon lead her to the distinct style of Cape Breton music.

She moved to Cape Breton in 2000 to pursue her graphic design career and soon began playing drums with many of the island's popular musicians such as Natalie MacMaster, Shelly Campbell, Andrea Beaton, Troy MacGillivray, Glenn Graham and others. She appears on several recordings including Troy MacGillivray’s “Boomerang”, Andrea Beaton’s “Cuts”, Cape Breton Live “Take 01” and “Take 02”, Kendra MacGillivray “Love O’ The Islas” and in Jimmy Rankin’s “Morning Bound Train” video.

Cheryl continues to operate her graphic design company based in Creignish, Cape Breton and is producer for the Cape Breton Live radio shows and Tour.