From the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, The Steel Wheels take the Summer Tracks’ stage at Roger’s Park in Tryon on July 1 at 7 p.m.
Since its 2010 release, “Red Wing,” the group has performed from the Appalachians to the Rockies to the plains of Texas and all points in between.
Ranked in the Americana Music Association’s Top 100 Albums for 2010, “Red Wing” received five nominations from the Independent Music Awards and was named “one of the best albums of the year” by “Maverick Magazine.”
The quartet has also been featured on internationally recognized broadcasts, such as West Virginia Public Radio’s “Mountain Stage” and Chicago WFMT’s “Folkstage.”
“Imagine a blend of the passion of the Avett Brothers, the instrumentals of Old Crow Medicine Show, and then sprinkle in the backwoods feel of The Legendary Shack Shakers,“ wrote John Walker of “Americana Roots.”
This group’s authenticity, inspired lyricisms, alchemic musicianship and powerhouse harmonies, organizer Peter Eisenbrown said, are the magical result of the collaboration of lead vocalist Trent Wagler, who also plays guitar and banjo; fiddler Eric Brubaker; multi-instrumentalist Jay Lapp and bass player Brian Dickel.
As with all Summer Tracks concerts, The Steel Wheels begin playing at 7 p.m. The concert is free; however, a voluntary donation at the gate is encouraged. Those donations, combined with the sponsorships provided by local businesses, make these shows possible. As usual, Giardinis wood-fired pizzas, water and soft drinks will be for sale.
Summer Tracks series of six concerts offers a mix of musical styles. Concerts run from 7-10 p.m. Still to come this summer are:
July 1 – The Steel Wheels (Americana, blues and bluegrass)
July 15 – The Nouveaux Honkies (blues, rock, swing)
July 29 – The Carburetors (rockabilly, country) and Tom Fisch (folk standards)
Aug. 12 – Gigi Dover & The Big Love (Americana) and Bob Sinclair (new standards)
Sept. 2 – The Firecracker Jazz Band (music from 1890-1940)
Summer Tracks is produced by the Town of Tryon in affiliation with Peter Eisenbrown of Blockparty Productions. The 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 Polk County Travel and Tourism at 800-440-7848 or 828-894-2324. You can also visit www.firstpeaknc.com or the Tryon events website, www.tryonevents.org.
More information on The Steel Wheels can be found at the group’s website, www.thesteelwheels.com.