Tryon’s Live Theatre with Visual Art and Saluda’s Music

Last weekend Melrose Avenue in Tryon was buzzing with a film crew and Harry Potter fans. This weekend it’s swarming with enthusiastic youth who have been working hard to bring Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s The Little Prince to the Tryon Fine Arts Center stage. Whether you know a child in the production or not, it’s worth a trip to the theatre to see what a beautiful show they have created. This amazing little story requires no magic tricks to transport you to a world of imagination that ultimately leads you to rediscover your own heart. Join the adventure with the Prince and meet such interesting characters as a flirtatious Rose, a King of Everything, a Businessman of the Stars, an entertaining Conceited Man, a dedicated Lamplighter, a studious Geographer, a Snake, a Fox, a Desert Flower, and a large ensemble of children that become everything from annoying weeds to sand dunes and sunsets. Tickets are available in advance from the TFAC box office or at the door for the four performances Thursday through Saturday at 8pm and Sunday afternoon at 3pm.

Whatever you decided to do for your evening entertainment on Friday, be sure to stop by the Essence Day Spa and catch Barbara McComb Thomas’ artist reception from 5-7pm for her North Carolina debut show of dye painting on silk. Take a moment to delight your eyes with her work that is the product of her experience with textile dyes and oriental brush painting. Her interior and exterior design experience is also captured in her collage pieces that used rice paper, graphic metal and wood. It is sure to be a feast of texture and color for the eyes.

Up the hill in Saluda they are keeping the live music scene thriving with a lively line-up of musicians all weekend long. If you missed the Jay Lichty Band last weekend for the Summer Tracks series, you can catch them Friday night at Tosh’s Whistlestop Café. Enjoy a fun loving evening of original Americana “bluejazzgrassrock” music while sipping a glass of wine or espresso and enjoying their homemade ice cream. The band will be playing from 7-9pm at the courtyard by the café located in the historic Standard Oil building.

At the other end of town at the Caboose behind the Station Building on Saturday night you’ll have a chance to get educated in the “Biology of Blues” at Frank & Amy’s Front Porch with Marjorie Thompson and Greg Franklin. Marjorie not only is an accomplished finger-style guitarist and songwriter of country blues, but she has filled the rest of her waking hours donning the role of Biology Professor Dr. Thompson at Brown University. Needless to say, you’re sure to find yourself learning a little something as you sit back and enjoy a summer evening of warm and clever tunes. The music starts at 8pm, but arrive early to get settled into a good seat.

Sunday, Gigi Dover and the Big Love will be making their way down out of the heat from Bele Chere in Asheville to celebrate at the Purple Onion the release of their latest CD “Nouveau.” Gigi’s soulful blues vocals mesmerized audience members back in June at the BBQ Festival. A powerful singer with an amazing stage presence, Gigi puts on a wonderful heartfelt show. The music starts at 7pm, but be sure to arrive early because the dining room fills up fast. However, the lovely patio area allows you to enjoy a pleasant dinner where you still benefit from the musical ambience.
Enjoy the cool summer evenings and treat yourself to some live entertainment this weekend!

Marianne Carruth Bringing the Little Prince to Life

I was walking my dog down Trade Street running errands back in May when a car pulled up in the parking lot of St. Luke's Thrift shop, stopped in my path, and a blond head popped out the window and said, "Will you do the make up for The Little Prince?" How could I say anything but "Sure. Um, can I see the script?" I followed her over to the Tryon Little Theatre workshop and entered a swarm of excitement as children arrived to audition with their parents in tow. Summer break had barely started and here were kids ready to dive into a world of theatre that meant memorizing lines, following a rehearsal schedule, and spending most of their summer learning while they played.

Now as they enter production week it's obvious that work has paid off. The kids perform on stage in an amazing team effort as they transform the stage to the colorful, fanciful world of The Little Prince. I was amazed at how professional this group of youngsters appears even at the end of a long evening as they listen to detailed notes from the director to put the final polish on the show. I managed to sit down with Marianne Carruth between technical notes to lighting designer Jimm Brink and a myriad of questions from parents to ask her about working on this production.

How did you get involved directing for Tryon Little Theatre's Tryon Youth Center summer productions?

I home-schooled my kids and got involved with the home-school group teaching classes. Then Eric Kerchner came to town and started using me as a resource for classes at the Tryon Fine Arts Center. I started teaching a lot of classes and when Tryon Youth Center wanted to separate the age groups for the summer production they approached me to direct and I finally acquiesced. This is my second show here I've directed, but really I am an actor. My desire to teach acting led to being a director.

Why did you choose Little Prince for this age group?

I've just always loved that book and was intrigued with the idea of staging it. I like the script and how the drawings from the book were incorporated. It was an important book to me when I was growing up. I enjoy sharing important pieces from my childhood with the kids, like last year with Debussy and Alice. I wanted a script that allowed me to share Debussy with the kids and thought the music would work with Alice in Wonderland. Luckily I found a great pianist to pull it off.

What are some of the challenges of directing this production and how did you overcome them so far?

The book has so many levels and on the surface it's such a simple children's story. But, the emotions that these characters go through are adult and it's very hard to communicate that with the children. So it's been challenging to keep it simple yet impact the adults in the audience. Even kids have been through huge emotional things whether it be with their parents or pets, but to get them to open up with them has been very challenging. Another challenge is the abstract nature of the script and helping the kids to understand that. Their imaginations are there, but they're very literal and have a hard time thinking abstractly.

It's also a very technical show and handling that has been challenging. It's been difficult too getting the ensemble to understand what they need to do and why. Also, we had to find space backstage for two planets, a wall of roses, a flying machine and an airplane as well as 31 kids. The set takes up the entire stage.

I didn't know how I was going to handle the music. I had a 9 year old girl come in to take care of the music and she is marvelous. She takes direction very well and is on stage the whole time.

There are probably 200 tech cues on a 60 page script. So, Jimm Brink has worked very hard to build the light and sound for this show.

How did you prepare the kids for this show?

Mostly what I focus on with the kids is the childhood innocence and playfulness. We played lots of theatre games, especially trust exercises to get the kids used to each other and encourage them to play with each other.

How have the kids surprised you?

In so many ways. Mostly, just their willingness to try something completely new. It's a whole new concept to work as an ensemble. They've been very willing and enthusiastic. I think what I'm asking the ensemble to do is especially difficult. They are running the whole show, moving props and creating imagery and they've been great in getting there.

What do you hope the kids remember from the process?

I really want them to remember this book with not just fondness, but the lessons from it. That what is essential is not visible to the eye.

What do you hope the parents remember?

I don't know. I really hope that the message of the play is about connection and love.

What do you hope the community will get?

I hope they'll be moved and they'll be touched by this strange little man.

What have you learned?

Many things…many many things. For me fitting the technical with the emotional has been tricky. Then fitting the ensemble in around the technical and finally focusing on the relationship with between the aviator and prince. I really appreciate all the parents and all the support from the community to make this happen and say "Yes, let's do this." It's been difficult because I care so much about this story.

What do feel the kids have learned?

It has been very demanding on the kids in terms of discipline. There is not a lot of room for fudging. It's been confusing because we started very creative and didn't start blocking until we had the set. The kids are safest and most disciplined at the moment when one character has to fall into the arms of the cast. They are all very serious about it. We're still making detailed blocking changes and at the same time adding light and sound. The characters go through fear, loneliness, desperation, anger, love, loss, and friendship. It's really teaching them to be vulnerable. Any of these roles would be hard for an adult. It's not a language play, it's about feeling. (laughing) Next year I'll do something simple like Winnie the Pooh or Secret Garden which are very realistic.

I'm not sure when Marianne sleeps this week. She called back early in the morning after a late night of the first technical dress rehearsal to add this to the interview.

It was a very different rehearsal last night. I realized that I'd like for the kids when they are older to think to themselves, "I can't believe we did that!" I'd love for the community to see the show and think "I can't believe these are kids doing this show."

Marianne Carruth lives with her husband, three kids, a dog, and a cat in Pacolet Valley. The Little Prince opens Thursday night and runs through Sunday afternoon at the Tryon Fine Arts Center. Tickets are available by calling the Box Office.

Open Mics, Summer Tracks, Harry Potter, & Silver Travis

They say the best things in life are free, but donations are always appreciated. Still, if you are struggling with a tight budget this weekend there are plenty of ways to get out and enjoy the arts without doling out the dough. Tonight is Talent Night at the Historic Melrose Inn. This is a relaxed evening of porch entertainment with a “cheap eats” buffet and drink specials. Everyone is invited to come and bring a talent to share. Past evenings on the porch have included 50’s a cappella tunes, Irish ballads sung with guitar, clarinet and bass funk jams, storytelling, bad jokes, looking beautiful, and drinking beer. It’s an early evening starting at 6:30pm so if you’re tired of reality TV during dinner, stop by on your way home from work for a bit of live fun.

However, if you prefer to wait until Friday night to step out downtown, there is even more fun to be had on a budget with the whole family. Save your gas and park downtown, then walk up the hill to Rogers Park and enjoy the second evening of Summer Tracks with The Jay Lichty Band’s Americana and some rocking rhythm and blues from the Shane Pruitt Trio. This concert is sure to be worth whatever donation you can afford to sit in the cooling evening air dining on hot dogs or a picnic dinner. You may even feel refreshed enough that your feet start dancing as the music carries you away.

After the concert, bring the kids down the hill to the Trade Street Gallery Coffeehouse for a little energy lift after dinner. Poets and musicians of all ages are welcome to come and share at the open mic night Listening to Coffee. This supportive atmosphere welcomes everything from a youngster’s tentative Chopsticks on the piano, to improvisational bluegrass/jazz/classic rock jam sessions. Besides, once you’ve had some coffee you’ll be ready to walk up to the Tryon Fine Arts Center at 10:30pm for the Harry Potter Book Release Party. Adults can enter to watch the fun for free with young muggles and wizards who for only $5 dive into a lively hands-on night of adventure. Experience Rowling inspired crafts and refreshments in Diagon Alley, a Tri-Wizard tournament, and a costume contest. If you buy your copy of the book in advance from The Book Shelf, one of your favorite young fans will get a free ticket. When the evening finally wraps up, even the brightest and liveliest young wizards will be ready for bedtime and let you sleep in peace knowing you didn’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy a night on the town.

If you are looking for something different, step into Elmo’s on Saturday night for the Silver Travis Band. Dance the night away with your sweetie to the beautiful sounds of this original Southern Rock band from Spartanburg. While the band formed back in 1981, they waited until 2005 to release their first album. Perhaps these talented musicians were distracted from solidifying their own sound until after having played on stage over the years in or with such notable groups as The Marshall Tucker Band, The Charlie Daniels Band, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Now they have regrouped and are using one of my favorite words, “eclectic,” to describe their catalog of tunes that mix their original songs with choice cover hits to show off their individual musical strengths. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the quality of music you’ll hear for a small town cover price and the money you’ll save on gas could buy you a tasty dinner as well.

Chris Riddle Filming in 48 Hours

I recently attended the MiracleMax production meeting in preparation for the 48 Hour Film Project in Asheville. After meeting and greeting with the local talent that had gathered together I found myself amazed. Here was a diversely skilled crew of designers, technicians, and actors that had assembled to spend one weekend of their lives, to work for free, to make a film that won’t be written until the genre, prop, and one line of dialogue are drawn Friday night.

I realized that we all have one thing in common, we believe in Chris Riddle’s ability to direct us through the process effectively and efficiently enough to capture the best of our abilities on film. Maybe part of it has to do with his professional yet friendly demeanor, but I was most impressed by his detail oriented approach to creating a schedule and structure to lead us safely through the weekend.
Curious why someone would take on a project this stressful for no pay, I asked him to take a moment at the end of the meeting to allow me to interview him about filmmaking and he graciously agreed. This is what he had to say.

How did you get started with film?

I’ve always been interested in stories, ever since I was a kid I would write stories out of my head. When I was in High School I started writing scripts for film. I didn’t know about the production aspects until I started taking classes at Isothermal in the Broadcast Production Department. There, I started learning how films were made and working on them. So I found that I could marry my love for story writing with film.

What was the first film you shot?

It was for the 48 Film Project. It was called “Making Lemonade” about two homeless guys and was about how one got a job and the other felt he was being left behind and trying to get him fired from the job.

How did you find out about the film festival?

My friend Rebecca told me about the project and was wishing that someone in Asheville would start the project. The next year they did, and I found out about it and signed up.

What was that first year like?

Going into it we didn’t know what to expect. It went surprisingly smoothly. There were some kinks we had to work out with interpersonal issues among the crew. But the production went smoothly and we even had time to take naps during the day. It was intense of course and there was a lot of work to get done, but we managed our time well.

What do you think is the most important thing a novice filmmaker needs to know about?

Be prepared! If you haven’t done all your homework ahead of time, finding reliable locations, equipment, and a good competent crew and cast ahead of time, then you’re going to start off at a disadvantage and find yourself in a corner.

Where do you get your equipment from?

Most of the equipment is provided by Isothermal. They also provide us students looking for extra-curricular work to expand their education into a different medium.

Who are the key crew members needed for a film?

First and foremost you have to have good writers. If you don’t have a good script, you don’t have a good movie. Second, you need reliable people who know how to use the equipment. And also, you need someone who can coach the actors into a good performance. There are also designers needed for make-up, lighting, location set up and other areas to support the director.

How do you spend most of your time during the weekend?

Awake. I spend most of my time facilitating other people, whether it be answering questions for writers, actors, or technical people. I don’t quite tell people what to do, but answer questions as to how things go. Mainly, my job is being the final word on what other people do. But I also wrap cables and move lights and whatever is needed to get the job done.

This year what do you hope incorporate that you haven’t done yet?

That’s a really good question. My personal goal I guess is to remain really focused on the performance of the actors and try to make a more cinematic product all the way around. The first two we’ve done I’m really proud of, but I’d like to make something more technically and stylistic precise executing the idea.

Do you plan to create a full length film in the near future?

Kind of, I’m working on a feature length script I’d like to produce in the next few years. I think it’s a script that would be interesting to producers I just need the time and the money to make it happen.

What projects have you been working between festivals?

I’ve been working on my short film show Video Bot that runs on URTV public access in Asheville. I’ve been trying to keep that updated and running consistently. I’m trying to keep that fresh and new every few months without too much repeat. That’s the only project I’ve worked on of my own, but as a crew member I’ve worked on Leatherheads, and a pilot episode for Studio South show hosted by WNCW’s Kim Clark interviewing local bands. I’ve also done TV commercials and promotional videos of my own. I’m trying to do more promotional work with my company MiracleMax productions in the local area. I’m still involved in doing theatre in the area as well.

Do you see yourself as a Hollywood director someday?

I’ve never been much for conventionality in any way. So I’d rather have Hollywood come to me. I’ve grown up here and like to keep my roots here in Western North Carolina because there are lots of resources here that are not being used to their full potential. If Hollywood had something to offer me I’d consider it, but until that happens I’m not interested in making the jump.

Who are your biggest influences in filmmaking?

Terry Gilliam of course because he’s completely uncompromising in everything he does, and Wes Anderson because none of his characters are just good guys or bad guys. The Cohen Brothers because they can bring a unique look to any kind of subject. I hate to say it, but Larry Clark because he is so unafraid to show things the way they are.

What does your family think about your film aspirations?

They have always been supported of me and my desire to do this. They have helped any way they can and never discouraged me. They’ve been real supportive. That goes for my group of friends too. I probably have the most helpful group of friends any human being could ask for who come and do what ever they can to make these productions happen and I’m really thankful for that.

What genre of film do you hope to draw this year?

I’d like to do a science fiction film or detective cop. Something more exciting and action oriented this year than romance last year or dark comedy the first year.

What is best possible outcome from this project?

To win best 48 Hour Film of the year and have my film screen at festivals around the world and get someone interested in my feature film script. I could win the lottery too, but only if I play and I don’t play.

The 48 Hour Film Project is an international film competition. Information about the project is at www.48hourfilm.com and you can see the past 48 hour films from around the world at www.48.tv. Chris Riddle’s film will be screened at the Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company July 24th at 4pm, July 25th at 10pm, and July 26th at 7pm.

Southern Crafts, 48 Hour Films, & Bele Chere

Living in Polk County we have access to a variety of cultural centers in the region. Summer festivals and events are filling the streets. If you’re looking for an excuse to get out of town and explore, this week Asheville has plenty to offer.

This weekend marks the 60th season of the Bi-Annual Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands at the Asheville Civic Center. Since 1930 the Southern Highland Craft Guild has brought together artists who reside in the mountain counties of Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and the Virginias to share and sell their work. Exhibitors like fiber artist Billie Ruth Sudduth must go through a rigorous jury process in order to participate in the Craft Fair. This weekend over 200 craftspeople will be exhibiting their work in the specific media categories of clay, fiber, glass, leather, manmade materials, metal, mixed media, natural materials, paper, wood and jewelry while live musicians play on the arena stage. Take this opportunity to connect to the traditional arts and invest in regional culture. Go ahead and bring the family because kids under 12 are free and will have the chance to try hands-on projects with the craft educators at the event.

This weekend also kicks off the 3rd Annual International 48 Hour Film Project stop in Asheville. Local filmmakers will draw a genre, a character, a prop, and a line of dialogue on Friday night at 7pm and then must write, shoot, edit and create music for an original four to seven minute film by 7pm Sunday. Polk County will be represented by Chris Riddle with MiracleMax Productions in the competition. Friends, fans, and film buffs will then be able to view the films at the Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co. July 24-26th to vote on their favorites. The winning film from Asheville will go on to be screened at the end of the year 48HFP Awards Weekend with other city winners and have a chance at this year’s International Grand Prize of $7,500.

July 27-29th marks the 29th Annual Bele Chere Festival in downtown Asheville. Dubbed the “largest free, outdoor street festival in the Southeast,” Asheville will close Patton Ave from Ashland Ave to Charlotte St and showcase 80 entertainment acts on 6 stages, 150 visual artists, and 50 restaurateurs. Headline music acts include Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Marty Stuart, Gin Blossoms, Shemekia Copeland, and Lovin’ Spoonful. There will also be appearances by the Purina Ultimate Air Dogs and the Budweiser Clydesdales.More information is available online at www.belecherefestival.com.

See you out and about.

~w

Exploring “Fuel Injected Folk”, Natural Beauty, & The Tams

Ever taken an exploratory trip in your own backyard? Sometimes we get so used to our daily routines that we fail to notice what’s going on close to home. I know that I’ve been prone to drag myself out for music only when I know exactly what to expect. Where’s the fun in that? So, I took a chance on Coon Dog Day last weekend. My dog thought it was a wonderful field trip with lots of love from friendly people and dogs, treats from Duck Alley and street vendors, water provided by the Polk County Democrats, and a nice spot of shade to lay in while I stopped to listen to the Green River Boys. I discovered these fellows were even more fun live than the samples I’d heard. My dog seemed to agree and wagged her tail in applause as each song finished. If you missed the lovely gospel bluegrass of this group, take a moment to explore the City Club Grill Family Restaurant on Ozone Drive in Saluda for a free concert with the Green River Boys Friday.

But don’t wait until Friday to get out 0r you’ll miss what might be the freshest Americana “roots” music in town. Start the weekend early at The Purple Onion with the “fuel injected folk” of Doug and Telisha Williams tonight. This husband and wife duo from Virginia met in high school and have been playing music together ever since. Their 2006 release Rope Around My Heart launched them into the national music scene and granted them a Top 10 slot on the Roots Music Association Folk Radio chart. The songs blend gritty country vocals with sweet harmonies that range from slow heart-breaking ballads to jumpin’ gypsy mountain bluegrass jazz. Their infectious love of music and high energy is sure to have toes tapping under the tables during dinner.

If you’d rather explore with your eyes than your ears, take a trip over to Tryon Fine Arts Center Friday evening to visit the Tryon Painters & Sculptors artist reception for Barbara Plass Enders. The event marks the opening of Enders’ show of oil paintings in Gallery I at TFAC. You may have seen her mural work at the Double Olive in Hendersonville, but take the time to let your eyes wander over this collection of oil paintings that offer a playful glimpse of the natural world in joyful color.

While you’re visiting, wander into Gallery Too to explore the mixed media botanical wonders of the Two Sisters Show. Sisters Edith McBee Hardaway and Ella McBee Cart share a love for the coastal wildlife and landscapes of the Carolinas and Georgia. Allow yourself to rediscover the natural world through the artistic vision of these talented women. The reception for their work will be from 11am-2pm on Saturday at TFAC.

If you haven’t made it up to the Saluda Mountain Jamboree yet, Saturday is a perfect evening to make the expedition. Save a few dollars and support the Polk County Marching Band by purchasing your tickets in advance because this is sure to be a big night at the Jamboree. For 37 years the legendary R&B group The Tams has been putting on high energy shows that have the audience shagging the night away. With a platinum album and two gold records, as well as four songs that reached the top on national and international charts, these polished performers know how to energize a crowd and get them dancing.

Take a chance to try something new this weekend; it just might put a smile on your face and a song in your heart.

Eclectic Mix of Russ Wilson, Coon Dogs, and ArtBomb13

My taste in the arts is eclectic. I spent my college days amid the burgeoning grunge-alternative-suddenly pop-music “scene” in Seattle. A sleepy town of garage musicians suddenly became the place guitar players flocked to looking to be discovered by a label. Now the glamour has faded, and musicians in the crowd continue to work their day jobs to allow them to practice and share their craft, and few have found that special niche that allows them the space to create, perform, and still call that city home. Artists like that fascinate me, because they express their unique love for the music when they perform.

Take Hendersonville musician Russ Wilson for instance. A few years ago he was playing drums for a jazz trio, gigging regularly with his Mighty Mighty Men playing jump blues, and talking about creating a 10 piece orchestra to play 1920’s dance music. I honestly thought he might be a little loopy planning to organize and rehearse that many musicians enough to make it sound beautiful with nothing but the joy of performance guaranteed as payment.

Not only did he manage to do it, but Russ Wilson’s Nouveau Passé Orchestra now has a second CD recorded live at the Eastern Balboa Dance Championship in Durham and is a seasoned orchestra performing at festivals in North Carolina and beyond. They’re coming back to Polk County this Friday night to kick off the Summer Tracks at Rogers Park. What a lovely way to spend a Friday evening with the family whether it’s watching the kids dance to a peppy number like “The Music Goes Around and Around,” or snuggling close to your sweetie while Russ croons a ballad like “Louisiana Fairytale.” If I’m lucky, maybe I’ll even find someone who can teach me the Balboa in time to try it out that night.

Speaking of trying something new, I still haven’t made it to Coon Dog Day in Saluda since moving to Polk County. I’m hoping to catch it this year. There is a generous variety of music to hear that is new to me as well. I listened to a couple samples of Green River Boys and the pickin’ I heard made me want to get up and dance for joy. I’ll be intrigued to hear solo classical guitarist Jhon Akers as he shares complicated melodies from the Spanish World. After that things turn down home country with the Johnny Cash tribute band The Folsom Prison Gang. At the end of the day, I wonder if my feet will be ready to take on square dancing with the Lonesome Road Band. Even if I’m tired, it would be great fun to listen to banjo pickin’ champion Charles Wood and watch the dancers swirl by me. Between the music I might even catch a glimpse of the runners, parade, and of course the coon dogs. Even my dog wants to go. She’s been practicing treeing coons outside the house.

If you are allergic to dogs, stroll down to Tryon for the opening reception of ArtBomb13 at the Upstairs Gallery Saturday evening. Using a variety of media this collection of young innovative artists from Greenville is bringing their first traveling show out of the city to Tryon. Looking at web samples, I must say that “eclectic” crossed my mind and I definitely want make time to see the works in person without having to drive to Greenville. Fortunately there is a Walk and Talk at the Gallery on July 15^th, so if I miss the reception I still have a chance to find out more about the collection and artists.