Have you ever wondered what happened to real country music?

Sister Wilene will take you back to the days when country music was a pocketful of heartfelt ballads and great swing songs you could dance to. From the traditions of Patsy Cline to Bob Wills, from the honky-tonks to the dance halls to the front porches, this band will take you down memory lane or perhaps introduce you to some of the greatest American music ever played.

Sister Wilene’s sound is built around lead singer and rhythm guitar player Mary Sue Wilkinson. Mary Sue comes from the “old wave, new time” bands Iowa Rose and The Pets, bands that have enjoyed local, regional and national attention. Sister Wilene puts Mary Sue out front with her crystal clear voice that can pull at your heart strings or lead you to the dance floor.

Drummer Dave Collini and bassist Kevin Gills lay down the driving rhythm section. Add to that the lightening quick virtuosity of Joe Wilson on steel guitar, the tasty licks of Don Julin on guitar and mandolin and the melodious playing of Lauran Bittinger on accordion and you’ve got a true hoe down of inspired American music.

The diverse backgrounds of the members of this “super band” allow them to approach the genre with an attitude that stays true to the music while bringing fresh energy. All have extensive performance and touring credits with other bands including, among many others, Steppin' In It, Rusty Blaides, The Neptune Quartet, The Milroys and Dublin Station. All are in high demand as soloists and session players.

Named for the only female member of Bill Monroe’s Bluegrass Boys - accordion player Wilene Forrester - Sister Wilene gives a nod to the country/bluegrass/Americana tradition with a repertoire of country songs that have survived the decades, most written by someone named Hank.