Biography
Meet The Band
Having received her first guitar at four years old, Coal City golden-girl Krista Hughes has spent her life making music. Encouraged by the grandparents who raised her, Krista has written songs and performed throughout the southeastern United States, including at the famed Tootsie’s Orchard Lounge in Nashville, Tennessee. She turned four chairs on the hit NBC show, The Voice, turning down coaching offers from Adam Levine, Gwen Stefani, and Pharrell Williams in favor of working with country star, Blake Shelton. This West Virginia Colgate Country Showdown winner is known for her soulful vocals, and her sound has been compared to that of Janis Joplin.
Jay “Birdman” Milam is a familiar face on the southern WV music scene. He has spent decades playing in numerous bands around the area as a singer, harmonica player, and lead guitarist. Jay has also worked as a band manager and booking agent for many other bands, working with clubs and performers around the mid-Atlantic area.
Keeping everyone perfectly in time is drummer Steve Sparks. Performing for over 30 years throughout West Virginia, Steve has also worked as a studio and stage musician for some of the most renowned names in Nashville. He is also a talented sound technician. His solid reputation makes him welcome on any stage.
Rounding out the band is bass player and music-veteran, Keith Fain. He has spent over 40 years performing around the country, from Atlantic City to Reno, Nevada, as well as throughout southern West Virginia. A man of many talents, Keith is also an electronics engineer, computer technician, recording engineer, and owner of Fain’s Electronics in Beckley, WV.
