Food isn’t necessarily the first thing that comes to mind when you think about TEDxTryon, but an inspiring lunch is definitely one of the main components. Our food coordinator, Cinda Austin of Twisted Fork, welcomes the challenge to create an exciting menu that will get people talking almost as much as eating. Cinda’s love of heirloom produce and heritage recipes is providing the basis for this year’s culinary adventure.

Cinda’s influences are David Shields and TED Fellow Michael Twitty. “Michael is a culinary historian specializing in the Afrocentric origins of Southern cooking. I had the pleasure of attending a community meal that he prepared in Charlotte a couple of weeks ago, and was amazed at the creativity and taste complexity of early Carolina recipes,” said Austin. “Michael is sharing a recipe with me for the TEDx lunch and it will be wonderful! Between that direction and David’s work with Slow Food’s Ark of Taste, I knew I could come up with something really special!”

Count on plenty of ear candy at TEDxTryon. Our speakers include educators, a film maker, a doctor, therapists and a futurist—all with great ideas worth spreading. Certainly our performers will get the house rocking. But also take note of the more subtle sounds. Three local composers have provided original compositions that will play during breaks, each celebrating a unique musical perspective.

“There is such a wealth of talent here in the Foothills, and I wanted to showcase it in as many ways as possible,” said organizer Arlene Cassidy, “even down to the house music.” Jay Lichty performed at the inaugural TEDxTryon and is contributing two of his signature ukelele-driven pieces. One entitled “Hope” has been selected as the theme song for the event. Singer/composer Michael Doerfler of Flat Rock will be recognizable for his complex arrangements and soulful baritone. Asher Leigh who will close the event performing with Jessica Chilton, has contributed her blend of folk, world, blues and jazz.

For a visual treat, William Scott and Nichola Montt of Ballet Spartanburg will perform a breathtaking contemporary dance set to music by Philip Glass.

Experience everything TEDxTryon has to offer on Sept. 10. Tickets are available at Tryonarts.org or at the Tryon Fine Arts Center box office. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. The program begins at 9 a.m. For more information about 2016 TEDxTryon speakers and performers visit TEDxTryon.com.

TED is a platform for ideas worth spreading. Independently licensed TEDx events help share ideas in communities around the world. TEDxTryon is a locally organized event and is especially supported by the Arts and Education committee of Tryon Fine Arts Center.