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.