Them Girls

Stephanie May Rose

Kris Bailey Preston

Kris Preston grew up in Johnson County in Eastern Kentucky, influenced by the many musicians who were from the nearby Country Music Highway, spinning their records on the turntables at WSIP radio as a 16 year old disc jockey.  Later she would join the first wave of DJs behind the mic on WRFL’s “Blue Yodel #9,” at that time one of the only bluegrass shows on the air in Central Kentucky.  

Deejaying led to emcee work at bluegrass festivals throughout Kentucky during her college years, but it would be some time before Kris would pick up an instrument and be introduced in a band of her own, as a founding member of Coaltown Dixie.  Kris plays mandolin and guitar and a tiny bit of banjo and dobro. For the past few years, Kris has also enjoyed playing as a “side man” with the Waylon Nelson Band.

A gig as a Professor at Appalachian College of Pharmacy in Oakwood, Virginia is the day job that allows Kris to buy more strings and picks.  One of the things she is most proud of accomplishing there thus far, is the establishment of a campus organization at ACP called Pro Me’ (pronounced ‘Pro-may’), where students share their time and artistic talents to bring healing and joy to others.  This group visits nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals etc, providing performances in music and dance and hands-on assistance with arts and crafts.  

In 2021, Kris helped found the first Mountain Grrl Experience, a charitable all-female music and arts event celebrating the artistry and creativity of Appalachian women. 

In her spare time (what little there is!) Kris enjoys camping, hiking and fishing with her husband and sharing their home with Merle, Levon, Sturgill and Irene---Dogs and cats...not a band. Yet. :-)

Melanie Turner

As a singer, songwriter, musician, and certified elementary teacher with over 27 years of experience, Melanie Turner extends her love for music to communities through hands-on workshops, residencies, and performances. Her sessions cater to individuals of all ages, creating an inclusive space where the joy of music becomes a shared experience.

Melanie takes pride in being an instructor for the Pick and Bow music program, contributing to the development of aspiring musicians.

Recognizing the importance of arts and education in rural communities, Melanie is a Partners for Rural Impact Appalachian Teaching Artist Fellow as well as a teaching artist for Arts for All Kentucky.

Click to view Melanie’s Dulcimer Construction Video.

Sarah Kate Morgan started her musical journey at 7 years old when she was introduced to old-time music through a dulcimer that her grandfather built. From there, she has gone on to develop a uniquely intricate and virtuosic style inspired by the traditional Appalachian music she grew up with in rural East Tennessee.

At 18, Sarah placed 1st at the 2012 National Mountain Dulcimer Championships held in Winfield, KS. She recently graduated from Morehead State University in eastern Kentucky with degrees in Traditional Music, Appalachian Studies, and Arts Administration. Sarah Kate also performs as a regular member of the Michelle Canning Band , calls square dances, attempts to quilt and grow things in her garden garden, and works at the Hindman Settlement School in eastern Kentucky as the Traditional Arts Education Director.

Kalyn Bradford Bowen

https://natalietomlinsonmusic.com/home