Blues giant Keb’ Mo’, the King of Telluride Sam Bush and Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Drifters are a few of the highlights of the new season scheduled at The Foundation Performing Arts Center on the campus of Isothermal Community College in Spindale, N.C.

The season kicks off September 10 with “An Evening with Sam Bush.” The co-founder of the genre-bending New Grass Revival blends bluegrass with jazz, rock, blues, funk and more to create his own unique sound.

The Keb’ Mo’ Band comes to Spindale October 15 for an evening of award winning blues. Since 1994 Keb’ Mo’ has produced 11 albums, garnering three Grammy, 11 Blues Foundation and six BMI awards.

For Veterans Day, The Foundation presents The Gibson Brothers with their brand of bluegrass and bluegrass gospel. The night begins with Ol’ 74 Jazz Band and a salute to our armed forces with the music they took with them to war over the decades. Tickets are free for veterans through the generous support of several sponsors.

If the winter-time blues try to set in, there will be three shows to help shake it off. January 13, WNCW 88.7FM will present “Goin’ Across the Mountain Live! featuring Balsam Range, followed closely by Beginnings: The Ultimate Chicago Tribute on January 27. If that’s not enough to warm your soul, you can experience Resurrection: A Journey Tribute on February 11. Resurrection provides an all-age, family-friendly show fused into a powerful rock-n-roll concert experience.

Two shows close out the season: The Drifters take the stage to share 20 years of hits, with such favorites as “Up On the Roof,” “Under the Boardwalk” and “Spanish Harlem.” The final offering is a one-man show called Six Guitars, which is part stand-up comedy, part musical improvisation and part heart.

The Foundation also produces a Theatre for Young Audiences (TFYA) series for grades K-6. This year’s titles include “The Wright Brothers,” “Pete the Cat,” “Jackie Robinson: A Game Apart” and “The House at Pooh Corner.”

Individual ticket sales begin August 2 at 11 a.m. Tickets for the TFYA series go on sale September 6. Patrons can purchase online, by phone or at the door. Season ticket packages are available at a savings. For more information and tickets, please visit www.FoundationsShows.org or call 828-286-9990.

– article submitted

by Russell J. Wicker