The Historic Saluda Committee is pleased to announce the release of “Going Home: Saluda’s Music Traditions,” an oral history film documentary celebrating Saluda’s musical heritage, at a premiere scheduled for Saturday, June 4, 2016, at 7 p.m. at the Party Place and Event Center in Saluda.

Doors will open shortly before 7 p.m. with music performed by James Metcalf and The Colt Creek Band.

After the film is shown, Metcalf and his band will share tunes from the film, joined by other musicians. Refreshments will be served and admission is free. DVDs will be available for sale the night of the premiere and after at local retail outlets in historic downtown Saluda. All proceeds benefit future projects.

The old saying is, “You can’t go home again.” But, maybe you can. The Historic Saluda Committee has been collecting oral histories through audio and video since 2010, primarily from its senior citizens. A common theme relayed during the gathering of these stories is a deep nostalgia for the rich and diverse musical traditions that were once common in Saluda.

The Historic Saluda Committee has enlisted the help of the Polk County Film Initiative to take these histories, collect a few new ones, and then roll them into a fascinating oral history film documentary that portrays Saluda’s rich musical heritage, where the past meets the present.

Sure to delight, these recollections include tales of the old time square dances, shape note singing, legendary fiddle makers and players, the influence of the railroad, a ragtime pianist, gospel greats, ballad singers, musical miracles, African-American history, Coon Dog Day, a famous baritone crooner and more.

Rolling into the present day, featured is contemporary gospel, old-time and Americana acts and some of today’s great music venues, including a visit to Studio B at Western North Carolina’s famed radio station WNCW. This film will not only appeal to Saluda’s people, but to folks from all walks of life who appreciate good stories, good music and history, especially from a small mountain town in Western North Carolina. By the way, who says you can’t go home again!

Over 60 individuals from the past and present day are highlighted in the film along with a smorgasbord of musicians, such as the Aaron Burdett Band, Tellico, Changed, James Metcalf and The Colt Creek Band, and many more.

Involved in the making of the film include the creator and producer, Cindy Stephenson Tuttle; cinematographer, writer and editor, Kirk Gollwitzer; associate producer, writer and narrator, Martin Anderson; creative consultant, Carolyn Ashburn; location director, first assistant camera and still photography, Lavin Cuddihee.

Funding was provided by the Polk County Community Foundation’s Saluda Fund, City of Saluda, Historic Saluda Committee, Heartwood Contemporary Crafts Gallery, WNCW a Media Sponsor, The Purple Onion, Betsy and Allen Burdett, Rhonda Corley, Anita Ogden Moore, Historic Thompson’s Store, Martin Anderson and Brad and Cindy Stephenson Tuttle.

The Historic Saluda Committee was formed by a group of concerned citizens who wished to preserve the historical integrity of the town. The grassroots effort spawned interest from Saluda City officials and in June 2010 the Saluda City Commissioners voted to make the committee an advisory committee to the city and committee members were appointed. The HSC meets on the second Friday of each month at 2 p.m. at the Saluda Public Library. The public is welcome.

For more information go to www.historicsaluda.org or email historicsaluda@gmail.com.

– Submitted by Cindy Stephenson Tuttle