Ongoing Exhibits & Music from Blackley, Derangers, & Brucksch

The best thing about art exhibits is they last more than one evening. so even if you miss the opening, you can always make the adventure to look at something new during a time that fits your schedule. Next time you’re in Landrum, make a point to wander into the Red Clover Gallery to see Greg McPherson’s “Pastorals” exhibit of colorful abstract landscapes. I was drawn to a little blue one in the corner that kept catching my eye. Gallery hours are Tues through Sat 11am – 5pm. For a dose of whimsy with vivid color and light, visit the Bonnie Bardos exhibit “Out of the Blue” presented by Tryon Painters & Sculptors at Gallery 1 in the Tryon Fine Arts Center between 10am – 4pm Tues through Sat.

Sculptors should take note that this is also the location for delivery of entries in the Sculpturama 2008 Juried Show. Saluda’s own Stoney Lamar, a nationally know sculptor, will preside as juror for this exhibit that anticipates entries from all over the region including Greenville, Asheville and Charlotte. Contact for entry information: Gene Apple, 828-859-5998, Email: mgapple@alltel.net.

As for the live performances in the area, some are recurring, but there are a few special “one night only” engagements you won’t want to miss. If the weather is kind, tonight you can catch the country blues of Laura Blackley at the Purple Onion in Saluda for dinner at 7:30pm. Down in Tryon you can relax over at the Melrose Inn with this evening’s Bargain Buffet at 6:30pm and enjoy the variety of talented individuals who gather to share music, jokes, poetry, and even some polite politics at Talent Night. This event occurs every other Thursday throughout the year.

Friday evening enjoy the monthly open mic event “Listening to Coffee” at the Gallery Coffeehouse. They turn on the sound at 8pm and invite all ages to participate. I just learned that on Saturdays from 3 – 5pm you can catch live jazz with Fred Whiskin at The Hare and the Hound.

Saturday evening you’ll have to make a choice between the folk singer - songwriter Chuck Brodsky performing at 8pm at The Purple Onion or getting out your dancing shoes and strutting your stuff to Freeway South at Saluda Mountain Jamboree from 8 – 11pm. Later that evening, head up to Flat Rock to catch Polk County’s own Americana style band The Lone Derangers featuring Doug Dacey and Jay Lichty. They’ll start getting the crowd moving at 10pm in the Backroom at the Flat Rock Wine Shoppe.

Sunday begins FENCE’s winter season of free family concerts. Starting at 4pm, classical guitarist Amy Brucksch & Friends will share a variety of music from classical Baroque chamber music to samba. Storyteller Joada Hiatt will compliment the music with traditional tales from different cultures.

Buy tickets now for one of the special events occurring next weekend. PCHS Fellowship of Christian Athletes invites area teens and Christian music lovers to come hear the testimony and lively gospel hip hop/R&B of former Color Me Badd member Kevin Thornton on Sat Jan 26th at 7pm in the PCHS gym. Tickets are on sale now at various outlets including the Columbus and Tryon branches of Tryon Federal Bank.

Broadway lovers will be thrilled with the line up of local talent offering theatre and song at Tryon Fine Arts Center next Sat, Jan 26th. In support of Tryon Little Theatre this Broadway Review will open with a wine & cheese party in the lobby at 7pm and the performance will follow at 8pm. Tickets go on sale tomorrow at the TLT Box Office on South Trade Street.