Upshur County’s Key to Adam shares insights into the West Virginia music scene and folk/indie group The Parachute Brigade.
WRITTEN BY ADAM MOYER AND KIARA WILLIAMS
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PARACHUTE BRIGADE
Keeping the music scene alive for all while spreading their music across the state, the award-winning band The Parachute Brigade is a standout community asset in Charleston. Hailing from the Beckley area, the band formed in 2013, and the five talented musicians—Justin Puett, Jodie Cox-Puett, Eric Robbins, Brittany McGuire, and Jeremiah Hatfield—had very different musical backgrounds and came together to create music they love. The members’ differences work together in harmony to create a unique and diverse sound that always brings a smile to our faces. Their style can be described as indie rock meets folk meets pop rock, with influences from all across the spectrum of genres.
The Parachute Brigade has had a number of notable achievements and awards throughout its career, performing at Mountain Stage and winning Best Band in WV Living’s Best of West Virginia competition in 2018. Their live performances are always memorable, filled with heart and soul, and, of course, beautiful music.
Beyond the band, Justin Puett and his wife, Jodie Cox-Puett, started Folklore Music Exchange in 2019, a small shop on Tennessee Avenue in Charleston offering instruments and accessories to help others find their way in the music world. Over the years, they moved to Quarrier Street and then to their current location on Summers Street, each time increasing their size and their benefits to the community. They are a wonderful resource and give so many musicians and artists a chance to show off their passion and hone their skills—including music lessons and a recital program for the students to perform what they have learned.
Folklore Music Exchange hosts multiple shows per month and does a monthly Mountain State Music series. Puett and Cox-Puett also host a variety of other shows, including a popular favorite, Open Sky Open Mic with Arts Amplified at City Center Slack Plaza. Their most recent project at the shop has been Folklore: Frights & Sounds, a fun paranormal podcast that features West Virginia musicians sharing scary stories and original music.
We say “thanks” to The Parachute Brigade and Folklore Music Exchange for all you do for West Virginia and beyond—helping musicians and creating amazing music. Be sure to follow The Parachute Brigade’s music journey, check out upcoming shows, and learn more about the Folklore Music Exchange store and shows on its social media and website.
theparachutebrigade.com, @theparachutebrigade on FB;
folkloremusicexchange.com, @folkloremusicexchange on FB
READ MORE STORIES FROM OUR FALL 2026 ISSUE
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