spotlight on the arts

My introduction to Tryon was through live music. I was dragged down the mountain from Asheville by a friend who wanted me to hear a piano player at the Trade Street Gallery Coffeehouse. Having traveled the country and grown up in the Seattle “music scene” of the 1990’s I wasn’t expecting to be impressed by small town music. Imagine my surprise when I walked in and heard a Polk County High senior ripping out a Louis Armstrong solo accompanied on piano by a former member of the Squirrel Nut Zippers. That was when I realized that I’d just stumbled upon something special. Here was a community that could both nurture a young musician and revive a travel weary artist like myself. My only problem this Friday is figuring out how to be in two places at once. Fortunately, both events are happening right on Trade Street in downtown Tryon.

Frank & Amy’s Front Porch is Saluda has switched venues to the Tryon Movie Theatre this Friday night to bring in five time W.C. Handy Blues Music Award winner Rory Block with the Straightway Ministries Choir from Utica, Mississippi for “Down at the Crossroads - Blues Meets Gospel.” The choir features descendants of Delta Blues legend Robert Johnson whose life and work are revived by the traditional acoustic blues guitar playing of Rory Block. The folklore surrounding Johnson’s life has left a legend that he sold his soul to the devil at a crossroads in the delta to play the guitar, but this concert promises to reconnect his music to the early American Gospel music. This soul-stirring, toe-tapping music will remind you why it's good to be alive. This high quality performance is a “must see” in my book.

Meanwhile, down the street at the Trade Street Gallery Coffeehouse is the monthly open mic night “Listening to Coffee” with house band Cantankerous. They will be welcoming musicians (as well as poets, storytellers, and comedians) of all ages to come share their talents in a family friendly atmosphere. This is an excellent opportunity for young performers to find support for their talents and seasoned professionals to try something new. Four years after that first visit to the Coffeehouse, I’m still impressed with the community here that encourages fledgling artists and seems to magically draw quality musicians that travel through sharing their work.

Saturday night Saluda offers up a couple of different live music performances to suit a variety of tastes. If you enjoy electrified, high energy, original, rockin’ blues, venture up to the Purple Onion for the Shane Pruitt Band. This 27 year old guitar player from Spartanburg is attracting attention from both musicians and music critics as one of the rising stars of the blues tradition. His music has a danceable groove while maintaining the wailing lines of the blues. However, if you prefer a good family friendly variety pack of rock and roll, country, blues, and contemporary favorites (or have a group that is divided on their tastes) check out Southern Pointe at the Saluda Mountain Jamboree on Friendship Road in Saluda. These talented musicians offer up a diverse set of songs they call “real music and real fun for all.” If the samples on their myspace page are any indication, they have found a harmonious blend that is pleasant and fun live entertainment for all ages.

Why drive to the city for entertainment when you can save that gas money and visit these local businesses who are working hard to keep the live music scene alive right here in Polk County? So, get out there and enjoy the music.