live music in Saluda/Tryon

Ever missed knowing about music, art, or theatre in this area until the event was over and you had no chance to enjoy it for yourself? If you’re like me this happens often because, while you may see an event listed in the Tryon Daily Bulletin, you know of no reason why it might be worth spending your precious time and money to see it. I heard on Sunday that David Childers & the Modern Don Juans played Saturday at the Purple Onion in Saluda. From all accounts after the fact, it was a marvelous show, but I still had no idea what it sounded like until I took the time to listen to their myspace page. My first thought was that Johnny Cash’s band met up with Chuck Berry and they found a punk poet to sing lyrics. It is foot stomping, knee slapping music with a bit of grit to it, pulled off with a polished finesse. Due to today’s gas prices, I couldn’t travel to see them in Greenville or Charlotte, but I’ve put them on my calendar when they return to the Purple Onion on November 17^th.

But enough about the past, let’s look at what is coming up this weekend. First on my list is Thursday night at the Purple Onion to hear Firecracker Jazz Band. Former Tryon resident Reese Gray will be presiding “Fats Waller style” on piano with the tight horn section of Je Widenhouse on trumpet, Earl Sachais on trombone, and Henry Westmoreland on Tuba. They’ll be featuring Russ Wilson on drums (last seen at the Saluda Arts Festival with his Nouveau-Passe Orchestra) and Asheville’s Rib Tips guitar player John Corbin. This high energy show will take you back to the days of New Orleans Hot Jazz while throwing in new original tunes that fit the band’s zany zest for life. You’ll probably never hear a faster version of Sweet Georgia Brown which remains technically brilliant, and I imagine Jelly Roll Morton is smiling down on them when they play his Black Bottom Stomp. This band is a joy to dance to and I’m in heaven every time I see one of their shows.

If you can’t make it out Thursday, there are two free music events Friday night. If you play, come join the Pickin’ Parlor at the Trade Street Gallery Coffeehouse in Tryon. In a nice relaxed atmosphere that is family friendly, you can listen, or sit in the circle and trade songs with other local musicians. If you want something more electric, Frank and Amy’s Front Porch Coffee Bar in Saluda is featuring Australian guitar wizard Geoff Achison. Curious what they meant by “guitar wizard” I gave his myspace a listen. He labels himself “Jam Band/Blues/Rock” and his songs sound like Muddy Waters, Jimi Hendrix, and Dave Matthews formed a band. Blues fans will be thrilled by this man’s virtuosity.

Saturday night offers a wider variety of events from Laura Kemp’s acoustic Americana “with a twist of bluegrass and folk” at the Purple Onion, to down-home southern blues with Mac Arnold & Plate Full O’ Blues at Frank and Amy’s Front Porch, to Tryon Fine Arts Center’s Magnolia Ball Fundraiser based around the movie “Top Hat” with cocktails, dinner, and dancing “cheek to cheek.” Depending on your taste, any of the three offer top notch entertainment. Who needs to drive to the city when there is quality live entertainment right here in Polk County?

Next weekend is the Blue Ridge BBQ Festival, so stick around for a weekend packed with great music, a splendid craft show, and of course BBQ.