Exploring “Fuel Injected Folk”, Natural Beauty, & The Tams

Ever taken an exploratory trip in your own backyard? Sometimes we get so used to our daily routines that we fail to notice what’s going on close to home. I know that I’ve been prone to drag myself out for music only when I know exactly what to expect. Where’s the fun in that? So, I took a chance on Coon Dog Day last weekend. My dog thought it was a wonderful field trip with lots of love from friendly people and dogs, treats from Duck Alley and street vendors, water provided by the Polk County Democrats, and a nice spot of shade to lay in while I stopped to listen to the Green River Boys. I discovered these fellows were even more fun live than the samples I’d heard. My dog seemed to agree and wagged her tail in applause as each song finished. If you missed the lovely gospel bluegrass of this group, take a moment to explore the City Club Grill Family Restaurant on Ozone Drive in Saluda for a free concert with the Green River Boys Friday.

But don’t wait until Friday to get out 0r you’ll miss what might be the freshest Americana “roots” music in town. Start the weekend early at The Purple Onion with the “fuel injected folk” of Doug and Telisha Williams tonight. This husband and wife duo from Virginia met in high school and have been playing music together ever since. Their 2006 release Rope Around My Heart launched them into the national music scene and granted them a Top 10 slot on the Roots Music Association Folk Radio chart. The songs blend gritty country vocals with sweet harmonies that range from slow heart-breaking ballads to jumpin’ gypsy mountain bluegrass jazz. Their infectious love of music and high energy is sure to have toes tapping under the tables during dinner.

If you’d rather explore with your eyes than your ears, take a trip over to Tryon Fine Arts Center Friday evening to visit the Tryon Painters & Sculptors artist reception for Barbara Plass Enders. The event marks the opening of Enders’ show of oil paintings in Gallery I at TFAC. You may have seen her mural work at the Double Olive in Hendersonville, but take the time to let your eyes wander over this collection of oil paintings that offer a playful glimpse of the natural world in joyful color.

While you’re visiting, wander into Gallery Too to explore the mixed media botanical wonders of the Two Sisters Show. Sisters Edith McBee Hardaway and Ella McBee Cart share a love for the coastal wildlife and landscapes of the Carolinas and Georgia. Allow yourself to rediscover the natural world through the artistic vision of these talented women. The reception for their work will be from 11am-2pm on Saturday at TFAC.

If you haven’t made it up to the Saluda Mountain Jamboree yet, Saturday is a perfect evening to make the expedition. Save a few dollars and support the Polk County Marching Band by purchasing your tickets in advance because this is sure to be a big night at the Jamboree. For 37 years the legendary R&B group The Tams has been putting on high energy shows that have the audience shagging the night away. With a platinum album and two gold records, as well as four songs that reached the top on national and international charts, these polished performers know how to energize a crowd and get them dancing.

Take a chance to try something new this weekend; it just might put a smile on your face and a song in your heart.