Emily Jamerson accompanied by the Jenkins Twins

This is the third show that I have organized at the Monroe County History Center in Bloomington, Indiana. So far, it has been the perfect partnership. The venue has its own musical history and continues to have events that represent many different genres of music. It is also a unique space to partner art and music and celebrate the music community that I have found in recent years.
I am honored that Emily Jamerson will be performing. Some of you have heard her perform at Duke's Indy, where she hushed the room with her singing and the neon PSTFU sign was not necessary. Of all the shows I attended there, Emily was the only artist that the crowd just fell quiet when she began to sing.
For the history and art connection, I am focusing on the humble crocheted Granny square. My reasons are twofold: Emily crochets as well as writing and singing songs. The top she is wearing in this photo was designed and made by Emily herself. When I first saw it, it brought back such pleasant memories of my mother and grandmother. It's a characteristic of Emily's voice as well, she sounds like she is from another time and place.
The second reason has to do with originality. When researching the history of Granny squares, I read that they must be handmade as they are not able to be created by machines. In the worlds of art and music, the topic of AI has been prevelant and scary as their work is being used to teach the computers how to fake art and music. But in my opinion, they will never be able to recreate what happens at live music events because it is not just about the musician, it is about the communication that happens between them and the audience. That communication can never be replicated from one event to the next. Since Emily comes "from Prestonsburg, Kentucky, her music beautifully blends Appalachian tradition with a fresh, heartfelt voice. Influenced by country and folk and artists like Loretta Lynn, Kacey Musgraves and John Prine, her songs tell deeply personal stories wrapped in warmth and honesty. Whether performing originals like “Run, Run Baby” or “Love Song,” Jamerson captures audiences with her soulful vocals and intimate stagepresence. She’s appeared at standout venues and festivals such as Laurel Cove Music Festival, Manchester Music Festival, Master Musicians Festival, The Burl, Manchester Music Hall and Duke’s Indy, steadily growing a dedicated fanbase. She was named one of two ambassadors of the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame for 2026. With a style rooted in the mountains but reaching far beyond, Emily Jamerson delivers performances that feel both timeless and deeply personal."
Because of that biography, I can guarantee that no AI will ever be able to capture the essence of Emily and the other independent touring musicians that she both reveres and that revere her.
She will be accompanied by the Jenkins Twins and together the music they make is definitely evocative of another time and place. If I am being honest, I have heard them sing with Emily but am looking forward to learning more about them, including their names as I have only heard them referred to as "The Twins".
There will be an exhibit about the history of Granny squares as well as some available to purchase to help Emily fund the recording of an album with her catalog of incredible songs.
There is no alcohol at the History Center but drinks and snacks are available both before and between the two 45-minute sets of music. The food will be handmade by me, not AI.