Eclectic Mix of Russ Wilson, Coon Dogs, and ArtBomb13

My taste in the arts is eclectic. I spent my college days amid the burgeoning grunge-alternative-suddenly pop-music “scene” in Seattle. A sleepy town of garage musicians suddenly became the place guitar players flocked to looking to be discovered by a label. Now the glamour has faded, and musicians in the crowd continue to work their day jobs to allow them to practice and share their craft, and few have found that special niche that allows them the space to create, perform, and still call that city home. Artists like that fascinate me, because they express their unique love for the music when they perform.

Take Hendersonville musician Russ Wilson for instance. A few years ago he was playing drums for a jazz trio, gigging regularly with his Mighty Mighty Men playing jump blues, and talking about creating a 10 piece orchestra to play 1920’s dance music. I honestly thought he might be a little loopy planning to organize and rehearse that many musicians enough to make it sound beautiful with nothing but the joy of performance guaranteed as payment.

Not only did he manage to do it, but Russ Wilson’s Nouveau Passé Orchestra now has a second CD recorded live at the Eastern Balboa Dance Championship in Durham and is a seasoned orchestra performing at festivals in North Carolina and beyond. They’re coming back to Polk County this Friday night to kick off the Summer Tracks at Rogers Park. What a lovely way to spend a Friday evening with the family whether it’s watching the kids dance to a peppy number like “The Music Goes Around and Around,” or snuggling close to your sweetie while Russ croons a ballad like “Louisiana Fairytale.” If I’m lucky, maybe I’ll even find someone who can teach me the Balboa in time to try it out that night.

Speaking of trying something new, I still haven’t made it to Coon Dog Day in Saluda since moving to Polk County. I’m hoping to catch it this year. There is a generous variety of music to hear that is new to me as well. I listened to a couple samples of Green River Boys and the pickin’ I heard made me want to get up and dance for joy. I’ll be intrigued to hear solo classical guitarist Jhon Akers as he shares complicated melodies from the Spanish World. After that things turn down home country with the Johnny Cash tribute band The Folsom Prison Gang. At the end of the day, I wonder if my feet will be ready to take on square dancing with the Lonesome Road Band. Even if I’m tired, it would be great fun to listen to banjo pickin’ champion Charles Wood and watch the dancers swirl by me. Between the music I might even catch a glimpse of the runners, parade, and of course the coon dogs. Even my dog wants to go. She’s been practicing treeing coons outside the house.

If you are allergic to dogs, stroll down to Tryon for the opening reception of ArtBomb13 at the Upstairs Gallery Saturday evening. Using a variety of media this collection of young innovative artists from Greenville is bringing their first traveling show out of the city to Tryon. Looking at web samples, I must say that “eclectic” crossed my mind and I definitely want make time to see the works in person without having to drive to Greenville. Fortunately there is a Walk and Talk at the Gallery on July 15^th, so if I miss the reception I still have a chance to find out more about the collection and artists.