Bankesters, The

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THE BANKESTERS

  • From Carbondale, Illinois.
  • Began performing as a family band in 2004.
  • The original band featured mom and dad Dorene (guitar) and Phil (guitar) Bankester with daughters Melissa (bass), Alysha (mandolin & fiddle) and Emily (fiddle). Kyle Triplett (married to Melissa) is also a member of the band (banjo/guitar/Dobro™).
  • 2009, released first video.
  • 2011, released third CD on Blue Circle Records, featuring a guest appearance by Jamie Johnson of The Grascals.
  • 2012, Emily Bankester won IBMA’s “Momentum Award” for Vocalist of the Year.
  • 2013, released Love Has Wheels album (Alliance Records).
  • 2013, released Looking Forward album (Compass Records).
  • 2017, released Nightbird album (Compass Records.)
  • 2017, decided to call it quits as a band.
  • Emily married Mo Pitney and often performs with him in churches and other gospel music shows.