Excitement is building over the 11th annual Saluda Arts Festival with anticipation of a record number of artists entering before the deadline of March 15.
Applications can be downloaded at saluda.com or by contacting Susie Welsh at 828-749-3900 or sswelsh@tds.net.
Stoney Lamar, the festival’s music coordinator, has lined up performing artists that guarantee to keep McCreery Park Pavilion jazzed up and hopping throughout the afternoon. The festival is pleased to announce its headliners:
The Deluge
The Deluge is a whirling dervish of a band with a kinetic energy that leaves audiences swooning long afterwards. Blending roots rock and soul, the Deluge’s unique sound captures the essence of many musical styles.
Their debut record “Cryin’ on the Vine” features the song “Strange World,” which won best R&B song of 2010 from the international John Lennon Songwriting Contest.
The band also will play at the Purple Onion on March 15.
The Danberrys
The festival welcomes back The Danberrys, whose folk/bluegrass/Americana musicianship had attendees at the 2012 arts festival spell bound and wanting more. Drawing deep from the blues, folk, bluegrass and soul/funk traditions, the Danberry’s deliver inspired original tunes featuring strong harmonies and dynamic musicianship.
Their new full-length album offers 11 diverse and relevant tracks.
Sweet Claudette
Sweet Claudette’s captivating sound is powered by four and six part harmonies, Motown-inspired backup vocals, and an unusual combo of acoustic instruments: cello, banjo, melodica and guitar. Multicolored kazoos sometimes make a brief appearance.  The buzz about the band centers on its live shows. Every performance is a collaborative, energetic and hugely entertaining event. Band members pass the instruments around and switch leads, cracking up the crowd and one another.
Gorgeous harmonies, outstanding musicianship and world-class songwriting are the qualities that set Sweet Claudette apart. What’s more, they are very proud to be the only country/Motown band they’ve ever heard of. With humor, warmth and consummate musicality, the ladies of Sweet Claudette hope to continue charming the pants off audiences for many years to come.
Music for the Saluda Arts Festival is funded by the Polk County Community Foundation’s Saluda Fund Grant. This grant is a major reason why the Saluda Arts Festival can bring high-caliber, talented musicians to the festival each year.
Deadline for artist entries is March 15. The festival will be held May 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year’s artists and craftspeople will make a strong showing of fine art and crafts representing a diversity of media; paintings, pottery, woodworking, sculpting, pottery, fiber, jewelry, metal and much more. There is plenty of public parking and public restrooms. A special highlight is the Children’s Art Tent where kids can explore and create their own works of art.  Volunteers are needed and sponsorships are available. Contact Patty Martin at 828-817-9518 to volunteer and Beth Carson at bethcarson@tds.net to be a sponsor.
“We expect this year’s event to have more artists than ever before because artists and craftspeople love coming to Saluda,” siad one of the event’s organizers, Cathy Jackson. “It has become a regular show for many regional artists and some have been with us every year since 2003.
“We listen to feedback from the artists exhibiting and also guests who come each and every year. After 11 years, we continue to improve the event for all. One of the most common remarks by exhibitors is how friendly and helpful the volunteers are, and they love getting our gift bags filled with goodies from local businesses.
Visitors to the arts festival have commented on the variety and quality of art that is represented in the arts festival. The music is a great draw and is performed throughout the day.  There may even be some surprises this year, Jackson said.
“Saluda abounds with natural assets.  It’s our duty to the heritage of Saluda to celebrate and promote its artistic culture, historic buildings, and the natural beauty of our mountains and waterfalls,” Jackson said.

-article submitted
by Cathy Jackson