Pickin’, Jammin’, and Rockin’ on the Porch

For as long as there have been porches on houses in the Carolina foothills, there have been musicians gathering on them to pick out some tunes while enjoying the cooling breeze of a summer evening. Perhaps it’s how the wood picks up the hum of the music, or maybe it just looks like a stage set up above the yard inviting listeners. I wonder how many porches are filled with music as part of a family or community gathering anymore. In this age of cell phones, games systems, television, and air conditioning it’s easy to stay inside and hide from the heat. But, if you step outside this weekend you just might find that the evening breeze is refreshing and there is music playing on a porch nearby.

Tonight you can take a stroll down Melrose Avenue at dinner time and find friendly faces welcoming you to join the fun on the front porch of the Historic Melrose Inn. There you will discover for just a few dollars you can help yourself to the buffet and plop yourself down on the porch to enjoy a variety of music, stories, and conversation. It’s Talent Night so feel free to dust off that instrument or other talent you’ve been hiding in the closet and bring it to join in the fun.

Up the hill in Saluda, a walk in the evening breeze will tantalize your senses with the savory smells from the Purple Onion and the beautiful sounds of acoustic Appalachian music drifting out the door to the patio. Aaron Burdett will be sharing his love of the traditional sounds of the region with his own unique fresh twist. Nurtured by pickin’ with some of Carolina’s finest old time and traditional musicians, his songs contain a strong roots based sound mixed with modern zest.

Friday night you’ll find even more porch music drifting down the streets of Saluda. Tosh’s Whistlestop is hosting John Frye on their porch, while at the other end of town you’ll hear the acoustic guitar sounds of George Simmons drifting from Frank & Amy’s Front Porch on the Caboose.

Back down in Tryon on Friday, the music will crank up in the outdoor amphitheatre at Rogers Park as the Summer Tracks series welcomes Jef Chandler Band and The Work. Pack yourself a picnic or bring a few dollars for hot dogs and ice cream as The Work gets your toes tapping with their “horn-driven funk.” Okay, so it’s a bit bigger than a porch, but you’ll need the room for dancing as their eclectic blend of bluegrass, jazz, blues, and funk lifts your spirits and gets you moving. Afterwards, slip on down to the Gallery Coffeehouse to grab a coffee and lend a voice, instrument, or ear to the Pickin’ Parlor. Often you’ll find the music and fun spilling out onto the sidewalk as the evening cools and folks gather there in the spirit of community.

Saturday night Saluda turns up the volume and offers everything from porch music to what might look like a modern day barn dance as folks “Dance to the Beat” with Legacy at the Saluda Mountain Jamboree. Shane Pruitt Band will be pouring out electrified blues from Frank & Amy’s Front Porch. Plus the patio at Purple Onion will be lively as Bob Sinclair brings back the sounds of old country, western swing, and jazz with his original take on traditional American song forms.

So turn off the electronics this weekend and find a porch that suits your style to sit back and enjoy a lovely summer evening with music, family and friends.