Sundilla will present EmiSunshine in an outdoor concert (weather permitting) at Pebble Hill on Thursday, November 4, at 7:30. Advance tickets are $20 and can be found at Spicer’s Music, Ross House Coffee, and online at sundillamusic.com; admission at the door will be $25. If we are able to be outdoors you might want to bring your own chair, but in the case of wet or cold weather the show will move indoors.
Emi has been attracting national attention since a video of her stage show went viral on YouTube; that led to appearances on “The Today Show,” NBC’s “Little Big Shots,” “Pickler & Ben,” the Grand Ole Opry and elsewhere. In 2018, she was featured in the Grammy-nominated Elvis Presley documentary film “The King,” alongside Rosanne Cash, Emmylou Harris, Ashton Kutcher, Alec Baldwin and other stars. Rolling Stone once named Emi among “10 new country artists you need to know.” All of that is even more impressive when you take into consideration that she turned 17 not that long ago.
It’s nearly impossible to explain the exceptional talents of EmiSunshine. Born Emilie Sunshine Hamilton, the singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has been surrounded by family members who possess a genuine love for “salt-of-the-earth,” mountain melodies and lyrics. Emi embraced the classic country, blues and folk music that echoed throughout her Madisonville, TN home.
Steeped in Appalachian music, Emi is a true vocal stylist. Influenced by legends (Loretta Lynn/Tanya Tucker/ TheLouvin Brothers), she is a throwback to earlier eras of country music when trendsetters like Bessie Smith, June Carter, Loretta Lynn and Hank Williams made history. The sassy, strikingly powerful, ultra-entertainer is bound and determined to follow in their footsteps, and while she has some pretty big shoes to fill, this little lady fits the bill.
Emi’s indescribable and inexplicable talents have taken the world by surprise. The witty songwriter self-produces all of her music (live and in the studio). Emi plays a wailing guitar; she can make the mandolin cry and the ukulele sing. Her ability to combine her youthful, bubbly disposition with deep, meaningful and rather dark song content brings her imagination to life. While her music has been described as “old-timey,” she adds her own unique, contemporary blend of roots music that is equal parts Americana, Bluegrass, Gospel and Country, with a sprinkle of Blues and a whole lot of “shock factor.” Described as a “modern-day Janis Joplin,” she delivers vivid emotion with every spine-chilling, spirited yet haunting note.
The EmiSunshine bandwagon is loaded with adoring fans numbered in the millions from all over the globe. Personal musical heroes have been captivated by her commanding stage presence; Loretta Lynn, Emmylou Harris, Tim McGraw, Ricky Skaggs, Marty Stuart and The Grateful Dead (to name just a few) have stepped forward to sing the praises of EmiSunshine as her biggest applauders.
Come see her when Sundilla presents EmiSunshine at Pebble Hill, and you’re sure to become one of those adoring fans. Mark your calendars now to be at Pebble Hill on November 4.