“The Week of the Horse” celebrated through the arts

Looking for a bit of literature and history about the Steeplechase? Don’t forget to visit your local merchants this week. The Book Shelf in Tryon and Pace’s Store in Saluda both offer new books by local authors relating to the foothills culture. If you prefer to search for old treasures Noah’s Ark Book Attic and The Village Book Shoppe offer a rich history of books.

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Today

Start your weekend early by stepping outside this afternoon at 4 p.m. Join the Tryon Garden Club for the official dedication of Barney Eiserloh’s sculpture “Bringing the World to Foothills” in the Depot Garden above the clock tower at the Train Depot in the center of Tryon.

Then stop in to The Coach House in Landrum for a “Week of the Horse” reception for equestrian artists Joan MacIntyre and Erik Olsen from 5-8 p.m. Sneak a peek at Joan’s piece “The Road to Appleby Fair” before the Draft and Carriage Horse Invitational at MacKinac Island, Michigan this July. Erik will be showing his equine sports photography in the Coffee Shoppe.

Afterward, continue your pre-race adventure with dinner at The Purple Onion with troubadour horse woman Beth Wood from Lubbock, Texas now residing in Colorado. This free spirited folk singer will inspire you with her songs of the west. Winner of the 2005 Kerrville New Folk Contest, she travels the country sharing her talents with music and storytelling.

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Friday

Upstairs Artspace welcomes new faces in town to join with local art lovers for a reception from 5-8 p.m. of “Sightings: New Faces from Asheville and Greenville.” This show features several artists from Asheville and Greenville who are new to the region and have never exhibited at Upstairs Artspace. The show will feature fresh and avant-garde work in painting, sculpture, mixed media, porcelain, and turned wood from artists Hillary Frye, Alan Hollar, Heather Knight, Mitchell Lonas, Tom Pazderka, Warren Perdue, Tom Schram, Katy Cassell, Tim Cassell, David Slone, Jacob Stephens, and Enid Williams. On the whimsical side, a separate installation “Feats” by Mills Spring artist Janet Orselli will also be available for viewing in preparation for a live performance later in May. Elaina Prevett will provide music and there will be refreshments available. Call 828-859-2828 for information.

After the art and refreshments, stroll on down the sidewalk to find John Tyndal at the keys at Lilac Wine & Piano Bar and enjoy a light delicious meal. Hearty eaters will enjoy the grill at Elmo’s, but be prepared for a fun and wacky night of Karaoke.

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Saturday

The Purple Onion invites you to a relaxing dinner with Nikki Talley. This Asheville sweetheart songwriter’s husky voice and lyrical guitar playing will calm your nerves after a hot day at the races. If you want to dance the night away in Saluda then head on over to the Saluda Mountain Jamboree for country and rock favorites from Southern Pointe from 8-11 p.m.

Lake Lanier Tea House of Landrum invites you to enjoy dinner at sunset over the lake with the rousing gospel, blues and country piano and vocals of Polk County’s own Jennifer Prince who is back from Nashville this week to join the festivities. Call 864-457-5423 for reservations.

In Tryon, the “sweet spot” to sit back relax will be at the Lilac Wine & Piano Bar with Fred “the jazz man” Whiskin starting early at 6 p.m. Dr. Whiskin is a local favorite who you can also find on Wednesday evenings in Tryon as well as Fridays at the Purple Onion in Saluda. To ensure seating for your party please call 828-859-5205. Enjoy the fine selection of wines, but to keep the evening sweet consider walking down to grab a cup of coffee at the Gallery Coffeehouse and dancing down to Weird Mojo at Elmo’s. Featuring music from equestrian dynamo Susie Kocher, Weird Mojo mixes Susie’s beautiful voice with the tight trio of Steve Whiteside, Tom Hearn, and Mikey Van Dusen. They’ll keep your weekend rockin’ and rollin’ at as the night goes on.

On the other side of the county you’ll find a blues jam session with RiYeN RoOtS at the Ultimate Basement in Sunnyview starting at 7 p.m. This Asheville guitarist will be hosting an open jam friendly to all ages and skill levels. For more information about this event please visit www.hightechheaven.net.

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Sunday

Once you’re rested up from Steeplechase, F.E.N.C.E. invites you to return with the whole family for a concert of Irish music in the Great Room from 4-5:30 p.m. Coloratura soprano Donna Gallagher from Dublin accompanied by harpist Anna Bennett will be sharing a variety of selections from Irish musicals, operas, and operettas. Already an award winner in Ireland, Donna currently is studying with Rebecca Turner for a Masters in Vocal Performance from The Petrie School of Music. For more information about this free concert please call 828-859-9021 or email info@fence.org.

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Tuesday

Lanier Library invites you to join them for the first annual Sidney Lanier Poetry Award reading and reception at noon. Tryon poet Cathy Smith Bowers head of the Queens University MFA Writing Program who judged the competition will read from her work. There are seven adult finalists and three high school finalists from among 143 entries received from across the Carolinas. The winners will be awarded followed by a reception with refreshments. The event is free and open to the public.

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Wednesday

Stone Soup in Landrum offers a wine and cheese reception for artists Charlotte Morris Costa and Beverly Kies. Charlotte will be sharing her new line of fun, functional and whimsical earthenware. Beverly is presenting colorful animal and landscape paintings.