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EmiSunshine Returning to Ludlow Garage with Wonky Tonk

Photo Cred: Steven Brummette

Acclaimed country and Americana singer/songwriter EmiSunshine will return to The Ludlow Garage for the second time in as many years on Thursday, May 11th, previewing songs from a soon-to-be-released bluegrass album, as well as many favorites from previous albums.

The East Tennessee teen has been writing songs since she was 5 and has attracted national attention since the age of 9. Rolling Stone once named her among “10 new country artists you need to know.” Her 2019 album, “Family Wars,” (produced by4-time Grammy winner Tony Brown), received critical acclaim for its thought-provoking songs about abusive relationships, mass violence, political corruption, and freedom in America. In a review, American Songwriter described EmiSunshine “wise beyond her years.” No Depressionsaid the album proves EmiSunshine is “bold and talented enough to tackle today’s issues while honoring yesterday’s folk traditions.” Country Standard Time called the album “superb.”

“The album is about working through different types of conflicts,” Emi said. “I’m just voicing my opinion about what I see going on in the world, looking at problems and trying to make something beautiful out of them.”

Known for her powerful voice, insightful lyrics and masterful ukulele-playing, EmiSunshine has been compared by some critics to a young Dolly Parton. She has appeared on “The Today Show,” NBC’s “Little Big Shots,” the Grand Ole Opry (14 times) and elsewhere. In 2018, she was featured in the Grammy-nominated Elvis Presley documentary “The King,” alongside Alec Baldwin, Ashton Kutcher and other stars, for which she wrote and performed two original songs while riding in the backseat of Elvis’ 1963 Rolls Royce. In 2020, Emi collaborated with funk music legend Bootsy Collins on the single “Stars,” which benefited the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund. The song was later remixed and retitled “Stargate” for Collins’ album “The Power of The One.”

In 2019, Emi received The ASCAP Foundation Desmond Child Anthem Award in New York City. The award, which was established by ASCAP Board member and Grammy award-winning songwriter-producer Desmond Child, recognizes a young musician each year.

Opening EmiSunshine’s show at The Ludlow Garage will be Northern Kentucky-based singer/songwriter Wonky Tonk, whose eclectic musical style ranges from country to rockabilly, rock and more. Wonky Tonk has shared stages with the likes of Marc Cohn, Langhorne Slim, Jessica Lea Mayfield, Billy Prine, and others.

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