Event

An Evening With Emi Sunshine

Its impossible to explain the exceptional talents of EmiSunshine, an 11-year-old East Tennessee prodigy who has captured the nations attention as a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Steeped in Appalachian music, she is a true vocal stylist, one who instinctively knows how to interpret the nuances of a song with her impressive range, even though she has yet to gain the life experience and empathy seemingly necessary to fully comprehend the words she sings. Despite a given name that reflects optimism, she is drawn to darker themes of pain, anguish and even murder, like that of The Louvin Brothers, whom she loves.

The Tennessean is just the latest to describe her as an old soul, noting, Onstage, this souls presence is commanding and her singing voice authentic and folksy. While her youth might remind many of Taylor Swift, a more apt comparison would be to artists such as Dolly Parton, Alison Krauss or members of the Carter Family.

Whether shes performing on the Today show or the Grand Ole Opry or taking the stage at Nashvilles historic Ryman Auditorium, she is fearless, confident and firm in her musical direction. As she says, she sings old-time music, but its her own unique blend of roots music that is equal parts Americana, bluegrass, gospel, and country, with a little bit of blues thrown in for good measure. Her talent is indescribable and inexplicable, but fortunately, it doesnt have to be understood to be appreciated.

What makes me want to do this is I just love it, she says. I just really, really love it. I wouldnt trade anything not to do this.

I love how I get to sing to people and make them happy, she says. Im really blessed that I get to do this. It makes me feel amazing, like Im touching somebodys life.

Emi performs about 150 shows a year and touring is a family affair. Her mother took a leap of faith and gave up her nursing career to travel. Father Randall Hamilton plays upright bass, her brother is on mandolin, Uncle Bobby is on drums and Aunt Kristal sells merchandise. Its fun, like how I get to be with my family all the time.