Photography and Music to Move You & A Look Ahead

If you’ve been working hard, there’s nothing like an art break to spice up your weekend and recharge your heart. Simply Irresistible Gallery is now open Wed. - Sat. 10-5pm and is featuring the photography of Carolyn Ashburn, Elaine Pearsons and Mara Smith from their “Focus on the Foothills.” Take time to explore the Polk County area without leaving town. Simply Irresistible Gallery is located on the hill above Century 21 in downtown Tryon. Be sure to head up to Saluda to catch the wonderful variety of local artists at Your Arts Desire Gallery before they close their doors at the end of the month.

Tonight get yourself up to hear the gypsy jazz joy of One Leg Up at Purple Onion. You’ll feel you’ve been transported to a bustling little European café with the Django inspired guitar work and fresh menu options. The music starts at 7:30pm.

Friday, catch an early dinner with the rousing gospel bluegrass of the Green River Boys at 6pm over at Shaeffer’s Grill on Ozone drive in Saluda.

Saturday, get your groove on with the sweet rhythm and blues of Gigi Dover & Big Love at 8pm at Purple Onion. Been sitting at the computer all week? Get out you dancing shoes and kick up your heels to the dance grooves of Legacy from 8-11pm at Saluda Mountain Jamboree.

Sunday, take a trip back in time to the big band era with the lovely full sound of the Glenn Miller Orchestra presented by Tryon Fine Arts Center at 8pm over at the Polk County High School Auditorium.

Looking for something different? Don’t fret, Talent Night returns to the Melrose Inn next Thursday night Feb. 28 with poetry, music and great food.

Also, the Upstairs Artspace finally reopens with a major show of illustrator Maxfield Parrish “Of Make Believe and Luminosity.” From the private collection of Harriet and J. Alan Peoples, this beautiful collection offers a trip back to the American Golden Age. At the turn of the century Parrish got his start illustrating for children’s books written by such notable authors as Frank Baum and Eugene Field. By the early 1900s he was a favorite of advertising agencies until he broke away to create his own fantastical visions on canvas in the roaring 20s. The show opens Friday Feb. 29, and there will be a reception Saturday March 1 from 5-8pm.

Don’t forget to get your tickets early for the Annual Clogging Competition later Saturday evening March 1 at the Saluda Mountain Jamboree.