The Top of the Grade concerts in McCreery Park open their fourth summer season on May 13 with Dogwhistle. Bringing their considerable talents and musical experience to songs by artists like Hank Snow, The Louvin Brothers, Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, and Johnny Cash, Dogwhistle plays real country music, the kind you heard when you were growing up.

This band has the bones of a road hardened honky-tonk band and the soul of country legends. In their music, audiences can hear the landscape of Appalachia, the dust of Texas, and the streets of Nashville. Haling from Western North Carolina, Dogwhistle includes Scott Allen, guitar; Mike Bagwell, pedal steel; Stan Halbkat, doghouse bass; and Lee Holroyd, percussion.

All Top of the Grade concerts take place in the heart of town 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 Business Association and produced this year by Peter Eisenbrown of Blockparty Productions.

For more information, contact Peter Eisenbrown at 828-290-4316 or petereisenbrown@me.com.

 

– Submitted by Peter Eisenbrown

 

SIDEBAR

Top of the Grade 2016 Schedule:

May 13—Dogwhistle

June 10—The Secret Band

July 8—Scoot Pittman

August 12—Bob Sinclair & The Big Deals

September 2—Aaron Burdett