Isaac Shelem Fadiga, known by his mononym Shelem (pronounced shuh-lem) is a 26-year-old hip-hop artist andproducer who strives to bring levity to the world through his bubbly personality and colorful creations. Born in SilverSpring, MD to parents from the Ivory Coast, he began producing, writing, and recording at age 14. After graduating fromMarshall University in Huntington, WV with a degree in Civil Engineering in 2018, he began his engineering career as hedeveloped a plan to launch his mus...

Justin Puett is the proprietor of Folklore Music Exchange, a guitar shop he owns. Additionally, he is involved in the Indie Rock band named The Parachute Brigade, where he showcases his guitar skills and vocal prowess. Originally hailing from the quaint town of Coal Mountain, Justin later relocated to Beckley at the age of 21. During his time there, he managed a local music store while residing in a band house, actively participating in an emo rock band known as Motion Theatre. Concurrently,...

Proudly from Charleston, WV, the award-winning Better From Here is the latest pioneer in Appalachian emo. In the fall of 2022, five friends got together to make music in a church auditorium after hours. After too much time had been spent picking a name, the band agreed the name options would get “Better From Here.” The team then released their debut EP, “All of My Nights.” The EP propelled the band to win the Born & Bred Reader's Poll "Best Punk Artist of 2023," telling of the band’s prom...

Corduroy Brown: Feel good, indie music from Huntington, West Virginia. The Corduroy sound has been described as: "A sound that makes you feel like everything is going to be ok." Corduroy crafts tunes that evoke a sense of warmth, nostalgia, and genuine joy. Corduroy Brown danced with death in Morgantown West Virginia ICU due to a rare reaction to Covid. After being revived and placed on life support, he made a full recovery. Now themes of mental wellness and a willingness to live life to the ...

Kate Boytek is many things; she's a mother, a daughter, a granddaughter, a singer, a songwriter, and a storyteller born and bred deep in the rolling hills and hollers of southern West Virginia. The emerging country music artist’s heartfelt lyrics and melodies, warm and genuine personality, and soulful vocal performances have captivated audiences nationwide. Kate recently landed a CMT premiere and regional radio airplay for her single "Anywhere" (a gentle, uplifting anthem of empowerment co-w...

John “JB” McCuskey is West Virginia’s 21st State Auditor. He is currently in his second term, first elected in 2016. Previously, he served two terms in the House of Delegates and practiced law in Charleston. As Auditor, McCuskey has made it his mission to ensure an efficient, effective, and transparent government. On his watch, McCuskey has turned West Virginia into the most transparent state in the country by allowing citizens to access real-time data about how their tax dollars are spent t...

In late 2015 four friends got together to track what was to be Matt Mullins’ solo record, they quickly took notice that this was something different that they wanted to continue doing together. Matt’s solo album became a group project and since then the band has been writing new material and booking supporting of their debut album Family.Music.Beer., which was released in August 2016. With an eclectic mix of genres that have influenced the group, it’s hard to classify them as just an alt-coun...

Josh Pantry is a touring country musician who spends his time between Charleston, WV and Nashville, TN. Last year, Josh Pantry played a total of 96 shows spanning over 7 states! Their tour included some pretty serious stages and festivals. From Bowery for Carolina Country Music Fest to the Down & Dirty Music Festival and many other fairs and festivals within the tri state area. Josh is a seasoned pro who has shared the stage with heavy hitters like, Chris Cagle, Love & Theft, M...

Michael Ervin is the founder of Coal River Coffee Company. Mike started Coal River Coffee Company with is wife Rachel. Mike's passion is to serve the best and freshest roasted coffees from around the world to everyone who walks in the doors. Rachel loves to bake beautiful and delicious food to share with all who visit the coffee shop. Both growing up in Saint Albans, WV and are grateful to base Coal River Coffee Company in their hometown. Located at 64 Olde Main Plaza in the heart of Saint Al...

Colonel Eric Buer is a retired Marine Corps aviator. Specializing in the Bell AH-1 Cobra. Col. Buer lived to fly the Cobra, delivering incredible firepower and devastating America’s enemies in the aircraft that would become both his home and office. Wherever Marines fought and whenever their commanders needed support, he and his fellow Cobra aircrew were there. Col. Buer is the author of Ghosts of Baghdad. In Ghosts of Baghdad, you can be there too. Feel these pilots’ frustrations, experien...