"It's a Wonderful Life" and Angels in Polk County

As the days grow shorter and the cold nights longer, it’s nice to snuggle close with someone special. If you know who that person is, why not surprise them with a romantic evening out? Tonight, try a cozy dinner at the Purple Onion while enjoying the Piedmont blues guitar and folk of Jon Shain. Or, if you’re looking for variety and maybe the chance to meet someone new, stop in the Melrose Inn for Talent Night and the Bargain Buffet. The friendly folks there get started around 6:30pm with food and then around 7pm the relaxed circle of entertainment allows you to join in and share or just sit back and listen.
Looking for a heart- warming evening for the whole family? Head on over to the Tryon Fine Arts Center tonight or Friday night at 8pm and catch the North Carolina Stage Company and immediate theatre project’s “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.” If you happened to catch the NC Stage production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream earlier this year at TFAC you’ll recognized the talented duo of Willie Repoley (who played Bottom) and Lauren Fortuna (who was Helena) as they bring their own special charm and charisma to the roles of George and Mary Bailey. Last year the immediate theatre project sold out their Asheville run of Joe Landry’s adaptation the famous heart warming movie set in a 1946 Radio Station on Christmas Eve. So, this year they’ve taken the show on the road. Save yourself a drive to Charlotte or Asheville and catch this theatrical gem right here at home. This evening of theatre is a great way to recover from the mall and tap into beauty of the season.

If you’re hearing bells ringing, it just may be the angels winging their way up to Saluda Fine Arts for the Hark the Herald Angels Singing reception Saturday evening from 5-7pm. This special evening with music and refreshments features the work of Philip Powell and Kris Neeley who both started painting angels as a way to delight and uplift others in times of trouble. Sales of Philip’s angels will benefit Aldersgate Special Needs Ministry. Aldersgate focuses on helping to enrich the lives of developmentally disabled adults buy building homes that offer professional care and life-skills training to meet their special needs. Take a moment to peruse this lovely show before heading out to enjoy an evening of live music in Polk County.

If you want to woo your sweetie with legendary R&B vocals, buy your tickets early for Saluda Mountain Jamboree’s special holiday presentation of The Tams this Saturday night from 8-11pm. This special evening will start with a pre-show at 7pm from home-town band Sound Investment and then kick into high gear as the high energy Tams and their 14-Karat Gold Band bring you Carolina Beach Music and Holiday Carols. If R&B isn’t for you, cuddle up to some bluegrass, folk, and roots music from Ron & Minnie Powell with the Lucky Streak Band at the Purple Onion at 8pm or catch the rockin’ blues of On the Road Again down in Tryon at Elmo’s.

Are you or is someone dear to you new to the area? Bring a friend and take some time after church on Sunday to visit the Upstairs Artspace for their Walk & Talk tour at 2pm. The 3 Women/3 Cameras exhibit is sure to be a lively tour of Polk County and the surrounding area through the photography and witty narrative of Carolyn Ashburn, Mara Smith, and Elaine Pearsons.