Local Musician Gives Back to Conservancy & Community

The Conservancy sends our gratitude to local musician, Keith Earnshaw for his ongoing support of our organization.

Earnshaw has made a name for himself on the Island through performances at Jailhouse Provisions, “I love playing at the Jailhouse and feel very fortunate to be supported and encouraged by very friendly staff and customers there,” he says.

Though he started playing guitar about ten years ago, he only recently started performing in public as a folk singer/guitarist in the past year, mainly at farmers’ markets, coffee houses, and restaurants in North Carolina. “I’ve played about 23 gigs so far in spring and summer of 2023,” he reflects. Prior to pursuing music, Earnshaw operated an environmental consulting firm, Earnshaw Environmental, and taught at several universities over the course of twenty-four years. Now, “I’m starting to slow down a bit to play more music.”

Earnshaw has received recognition not only for his music, but for his support of the community. As seen on his sign, Earnshaw has made a commitment to donate all tips, and match those up-to $200, from each event to a local “Homeless Shelter, SPCA, or Environmental Conservancy.” The sign also features his Border Collie, Molly, who serves as his bandmate from time to time.

In addition to over $550 in donations to the Conservancy, Earnshaw has donated to Brunswick Habitat for Humanity, Wake County SPCA, Good Shepherd Ministry in Wilmington, Raleigh Rescue Mission, Dorcas Ministries, and the Old Baldy Foundation.

Earnshaw is a “no-frills” folk singer/guitarist whose song list includes familiar classics from the 70s, 80, and 90s, as well as modern folk and light rock favorites.  His acoustic guitar style ranges from strumming to delicate fingerpicking, and he occasionally adds harmonica to the mix.