Growing up in North Carolina, Gena was captured by bluegrass as a youngster, an ongoing passion that led her to becoming one of the most respected performers in the genre. In addition to being a first-call collaborator and session musician, her musical path has included membership in Petticoat Junction, New Vintage, Lou Reid & Carolina, Alan Bibey & Grasstowne, and the Daughters of Bluegrass.  

As a founding member of Sister Sadie, Gena has used her years of experience and talent to help form one of the most entertaining bands in bluegrass.  Since their inaugural show in 2012 at the Station Inn, the group has received multiple awards from the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA), including Entertainer of the Year and Vocal Group of the Year, and also scored a Grammy nomination in 2019.  Sister Sadie has become regular guests on the Grand Ole Opry and were featured in the “American Currents: State of the Music” exhibition at the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum.