CARTHAGE -New England Celtic Arts will host Scottish singer-songwriter Emily Smith at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 26, at Skye Theater. As 2005 USA Song Writing Competition winner, Scots Singer of the Year 2005 nominee and BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year (2002), Smith has established herself as one of Scotland’s finest young singers.

A respected interpreter of traditional song, with a passion for those sourced in her home region of Dumfries & Galloway, she gives a refreshing and modern slant to ancient songs, which blend easily with her own compositions.

She is Scotland’s first winner in the USA Songwriting Competition, capturing the folk category with her song “Edward of Morton.” She has released two solo albums to date: “A Day Like Today,” 2002; and “A Different Life,” 2005. She has also collaborated with artists Karine Polwart, John McCusker, Davy Scott and Nick Keir.

Smith has a relaxed and informative presence on stage; and though only in her mid-20s, she has toured worldwide with her band. Happy to sing unaccompanied or to back herself on piano or accordion, her voice has a delicate intensity that soars over the subtle arrangements of her band.

Tickets are $10 at the door. Skye Theater is at 2 Highland Drive off Winter Hill Road and US Route 2. For reservations or directions, call New England Celtic Arts at (207) 562-4445. More information is available at http://www.necelticarts.com.