Jesse Milnes and Emily Miller perform country and old-time music, singing close harmony with Jesse's unique finger-picked guitar style and a healthy dose of old-time fiddling. Emily was raised playing and singing Louvin Brothers and Stanley Brothers songs with her parents while they traveled the world as journalists. Jesse grew up in the world of West Virginia old-time music, learning from masters like Melvin Wine and Ernie Carpenter. They now make their home in central West Virginia. In addition to their duo performing, Emily tours extensively with The Sweetback Sisters (a 6-piece country band fronted by Emily and her pseudo-sister Zara Bode), they both play for square dances with Jesse's parents Gerry and Mary Alice Milnes, and also frequently teach harmony singing with Emily's mother Val Mindel.
Mountain Stage is a recipient of the Vandalia Award, West Virginia’s highest folklife honor. It was presented during the 2022 Vandalia Gathering held May 27 in Charleston.
FAIRMONT — The Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center kicks off a series of events this Saturday, May 14 with Clarksburg native Anna Pishner Harsh.
FAIRMONT — The Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center’s Trunk of Traditional Tunes series continues Sunday at 2 p.m. with author and educator Sarah Sullivan.