Charleston’s own Sol Driven Train takes the stage at Roger’s Park for the fourth concert of the 2014 Summer Tracks Series. All concert goers are encouraged
to wear their best tie-dye to add to the fun Sol Driven is well known and well loved for creating.
Sponsored by The Gorge and Green River Adventures, the show begins at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 25.
Sol Driven Train (www.soldriventrian.com) opens the evening with their award-winning children’s show, which is just as entertaining for the adults in the crowd as the children. Their first children’s CD, Tajar Tracks, was voted Best Children’s Album of 2005 in S.C. “We have a lot of kids at our community and festival performances,” says Joel Timmons, singer, guitarist and songwriter with the group. “It is the coolest thing to see kids and parents sharing our music. The music business can be sort of soulless at times, so seeing families rocking and dancing to our tunes is heartwarming.”
After the children’s set, Sol Driven Train performs a somewhat more mature, but still fun big-band blend of world-beat, southern-fried funk and beach-boy (if not Beach Boys) style harmony with a punchy horn section adding extra dimension. Relix Magazine describes the band’s sounds as “Port town sound – a blend of Southern roots music, New Orleans brass and Afro-Caribbean rhythm.” Believe, the band’s eighth independent release, is currently getting national airplay.
Celebrating 14 years together, Sol Driven’s original three members – Russell Clarke on saxophone and vocals; Ward Buckheister on trombone, guitar and vocals; and Joel Timmons on guitar and vocals – all grew up in Wando, S.C. They are joined by Rusty Cole on bass and vocals and Wes Powers on drums.
As with all Summer Tracks concerts, the show is free, though a voluntary donation at the gate is encouraged. Audience donations along with the generous sponsorships of local businesses and individuals make these shows possible. JR’s wood-fired pizzas, ice cream, water and soft drinks will be for sale.
Summer Tracks is produced by the Town of Tryon in affiliation with Peter Eisenbrown of Blockparty Productions. The popular and well-attended series attracts people from all over the region.  Last year, the concerts drew an estimated 2,000 people to downtown Tryon. For more information about Summer Tracks and the performers, contact the Town Of Tryon at 828-859-6655 and visit www.summertracks.com or www.firstpeaknc.com.
Remaining schedule for 2014 Summer Tracks
July 25    Sol Driven Train (World Beat-Southern-Funk-Rock. The evening opens with their children’s show) Sponsored by Green River Adventures and The Gorge of Saluda, N.C.
Aug 8 Gigi Dover & The Big Love (Soulful Americana) Sponsored by Mr. Jerry Steele
Aug 22     Bob Sinclair Duo opens for The Lazy Birds (Americana, Swing) Sponsored by Tryon Fine Arts Center
– article submitted by Peter Eisenbrown