By Sara StrongTwo musicians, who first learned their scales in Luverne, will perform at the Palace Theatre Sunday. Brother and sister, Jim Emery and Jyl (Emery) Dunavan, are a part of Selah Porter, a group featuring eclectic music — ranging from roots folk and bluegrass to gospel and country-fused rock.Jim, Bloomington, is a 1986 graduate of Luverne and says people can expect a "good variety" from the show. He said, "We have our leanings toward traditional country, but that’s not where we stay."The performance will include original music and some favorites, including a Beatles cover. There will be some a cappella numbers, and even a reggae song.Jyl said, "Our defining point is really our harmonies."Jyl, a 1983 Luverne grad, learned much of her love of music from then teacher, Dolly Talbert. She also took piano lessons from Janice Fick."I actually had to ask for the piano lessons because my sisters never practiced and my parents weren’t sure if I should take them," Jyl said.She now gives private voice and piano lessons, as she home schools her own children. In the band she plays keyboards, fiddle, and whatever else may suit her fancy. She has recorded two projects, her most recent of which is "On My Heart," released this summer.Jim and Jyl have sung together since they were old enough to speak. "Jyl and I were both putting a lot of our energy into music from the time we were in junior high," Jim said. "Jyl was at the piano singing most of the time, and I was in my room with an electric guitar and a stack of records. It took us another decade or so to understand how much common ground we have." Jim plays acoustic and electric guitar and is a contributing songwriter to Selah Porter.Jyl said, "It is a joy to be able to perform in my hometown where my roots grow deep. My interest in music was first born and fostered as a child. … I remember Dad singing while he was just doing his chores, and we always kept busy singing on car rides."Jim’s wife, Kathy Emery, plays bass guitar and saxophone and does lead and harmonizing vocals.Jyl’s husband, Dean Dunavan, is a percussionist/drummer and vocalist.Local people may remember the Emery’s parents, Buster and Ardella, who now live in Arkansas.Tickets for Selah Porter can be purchased by calling the Council for Arts and Humanities in Rock County at 283-8294, or by stopping by the Carnegie. Tickets will also be available the day of show at the Palace Theatre Box Office beginning at 1 p.m. The show starts at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 in advance and $7 at the door. Child and senior tickets are available at a price of $4 in advance and $6 at the door.
