Introducing Singer Ema Wilbanks at AutumnFest 2024

Talented Young Performer Kicks off Big Creek Winery AutumnFest 2024 Oct. 12 at 11 a.m. 

We’re thrilled to kick off Big Creek Winery’s AutumnFest 2024 with a special performance by a young and talented musician who has a deep passion for folk, country and bluegrass music.

Growing up in a musical family, this young lady’s love for music began early. With a grandmother who served as the choir director and organist at the Church of the Messiah and a father who played guitar, she was surrounded by melodies and harmonies from the start. About six years ago, she picked up her brother’s old guitar, downloaded a free tuning app, and began to teach herself the basics. The very first song she learned to play was Dolly Parton’s “Jolene,” marking the start of her journey into the world of music.

Three years ago, she began taking guitar lessons from the late Jim Rutledge, who inspired her to further develop her skills. Since then, she has been actively performing, volunteering, and honing her craft as a musician and singer. As a member of the musical group Harwell, Stone, and the Extra Credits – a band consisting of professors and students from UT Southern – she continues to explore her love for folk, country and bluegrass music, which have been a staple in her life since childhood.

This talented young artist not only plays the acoustic guitar but also aspires to learn more instruments as she grows and evolves in her musical journey. Although she occasionally writes her own songs, she’s still perfecting them and looks forward to sharing her original work in the future.

Currently a senior at Richland High School, she balances her musical pursuits with being a cheer team member. She dreams of continuing her education and cheering at Tennessee Tech University.

Join us at Big Creek Winery’s AutumnFest 2024 to enjoy her set, which begins at 11 a.m. and runs until 12:30 p.m. Her performance will be the perfect start to a day filled with great music, delicious wine tastings, local vendors, food trucks, bouncy houses and more. Following her will be The Sins Country at 1 p.m. and Rock and Repeat at 5 p.m. All these activities and open-air concerts are free to attend, making it a perfect day for relaxation, community and celebration.

Come unwind, sip some delicious wine and enjoy a day full of music and fun at Big Creek Winery’s AutumnFest 2024. We can’t wait to see you there!