Emily Julia Kresky is a multifaceted songwriter, singer, guitarist and performer who blends styles of blues and American roots. Born and raised in northern New Jersey, she relocated to Charlottesville, Virginia in the winter of 2014 and quickly immersed herself in the local music scene. Performing both as a solo act and with her rhythm section, The Polaroids, she has since performed on many stages throughout Virginia and along the east coast, including Jammin' Java in Vienna, VA and Rockwood Music Hall in NYC. She released her debut solo EP, “No Place to Be”, in March, 2018, celebrating its release in New Orleans during the 2018 Jazz & Heritage Festival with two shows at The Howlin’ Wolf Den.

An early affinity for the written word combined with an abundance of music in the home drove Emily to pick up the guitar in 2009. Subsequently, her wanderlust led to a series of excursions, with guitar strapped to her back, from coast to coast as well as in France, England and Ireland. She spent time busking on the streets, performing in pubs, and working on farms while scribbling it all down into journals. Her experiences have evolved into songs that draw from various genres and decades such as rockabilly, swing and Gypsy Jazz, to shape her authentic and recognizable sound. Said to have a retro vibe, her songs embody a whimsical storyteller quality and are rich with luscious layers of bluesy/soulful vocals, catchy melodies and hauntingly alluring lyrics. With the addition of the rhythm section (Niko Cvetanovich on bass and Sean Bracken on drums) as well as a rotating cast of talented lead musicians on fiddle, saxophone, flute, keyboard and lead guitar, Emily’s songs take on a new enriched embodiment with lively elements of funk and jazz. She delivers a captivating and infectious performance and continues to engage crowds and gather avid followers.

Also dedicated to being an active participant in the local Charlottesville music scene, she organized and hosted Jam Fish Music Festival for three consecutive years, is a teaching artist for MIMA music, and books music acts for The Shebeen Pub and Braai and for The Front Porch, a roots music school and listening room in downtown Charlottesville, Virginia.