Summer Tracks welcomes The Lazybirds, with the Bob Sinclair Duo opening for the sixth and final concert of the 2014 summer series. Sponsored by Tryon Fine Arts Center, the show takes place at Roger’s Park and begins at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 22.
Hickory singer-songwriter Bob Sinclair, a Summer Tracks’ favorite, is joined by Asheville multi-instrumentalist Ryan Furstenberg to begin the evening with ballads, swing tunes and delightful romps that bring together the sounds of jazz, country and folk. Sinclair’s smooth voice, bright lyrics and skillful guitar have been described as creating a space where porch swings, poetry and American music all find common footing.
Sinclair has released one full-length record, “Always,” available on CDBaby. His songs have been selected for inclusion on the Fresh Faces of Merlefest compilation disc and the Colorado-based Blue Sky Songwriters and Wild Women compilation disc, among others. He has been played on syndicated radio programs around the globe.
In addition to playing with Sinclair, Furstenberg is well known as half of the popular Asheville duo The Moon and You. A popular figure among professional musicians, he is sought after by many bands to lend his considerable talent on the drums, bass, guitar and backing vocals to a wide variety of musical projects.
The Lazybirds is a classic American roots band from the mountains of North Carolina. The ‘Birds cover a lot of musical ground from early American stringband music to Dylan classics, as well as classic sounding originals. According to the legendary Doc Watson, “Lazybirds play a good variety of blues, jazz and that good old ragtime sound, and you will hear the flavor of that in anything they play.”
The band began nearly 20 years ago when Jay Brown and James T. Browne, who had played acoustic blues and folk together in high school, moved to Boone. Immediately, the two met Mitch Johnston, the hard driving bass man who perfectly compliments James’ jazz drumming and Jay’s finger-style blues-swing guitar and jazzy harmonica. Shortly afterward, they met Andy Christopher whose rhythmic style opened doors for the band. And within a few years, German-born fiddler and blues guitarist Alfred Michels joined the group.
The Lazybirds’ latest release, Broken Wing, is a tribute to band member Andy Christopher. Christopher recently left the band due to illness, though he contributed to the release and will forever be heard in the sound of the band’s live performances.
Together, the Lazybirds have played top festivals across the Southeast, including Merle Fest, Bristol Rhythm and Roots, LEAF and Bele Chere. They have shared the stage with their friends The Old Crow Medicine Show and Doc Watson, as well as The Avett Brothers.
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
Aug 22- Bob Sinclair Duo opens for The Lazybirds (Americana, Swing) Sponsored by: Tryon Fine Arts Center

– article submitted
by Peter Eisenbrown