The third summer season of Top of the Grade concerts in McCreery Park finishes on Sept. 11 with 6 String Drag.

After 16 years in hibernation, 6 String Drag is back and is as potent as ever. In the late ‘90s, the Carolinas quartet stood out as pioneers of the nascent alt-country movement. Their Steve Earle-produced LP, High Hat, remains an undisputed classic of its era.

In 2015, founding members Kenny Roby, Rob Keller, Ray Duffey and Scotty Miller reunite for Roots Rock ‘N’ Roll, the band’s first studio album in over 17 years. The 11 new songs are a celebration of the long lost art of old school rock ‘n’ roll. But while rooted in things we all know and love, it’s freshly non-retro, retaining the uncompromising vision and energy that first put 6 String Drag on the map.

“Tight. Crisp, horned-rimmed glasses kinda rock ‘n roll. And every note is glorious. It ranges from Buddy Holly-esque anthems, to slick film noir crooners, to sad sad blues all done up with that early rock ‘n’ roll vibe. Somewhere in heaven Roy Orbison is smilin’ and sayin’, ‘yeah man, good music doesn’t have an expiration date.'” – Americana Music Show

Come join in the fun in Saluda for this high energy final Top of the Grade concert and don’t forget to bring your dancin’ shoes!

All concerts take place in the heart of Saluda on the Ella Grace Mintz Stage in McCreery Park. They begin at 7 p.m., rain or shine. (In case of heavy rain, bands will move to the pavilion in McCreery Park.)

Concertgoers are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets. Coolers are welcome, and local restaurants are open.

The Top of the Grade concerts are made possible through a community grant from Polk County Community Foundation. All concerts are free to the public through a Free Community Events grant. Top of the Grade concerts are coordinated by the Saluda Downtown Foundation and produced this year by Peter Eisenbrown of Block Party Productions.

For more information, contact Peter Eisenbrown at 828-290-4316 or www.saluda.com.

– Submitted by Peter Eisenbrown