The Tryon Downtown Development Association announces the first ever Tryon Rhythm and Wine Festival, presented by New View Realty, on Saturday, May 6 from 3-7 p.m. at the Tryon Depot Plaza.

“Rhythm” is the key word, with two great bands, Blair Crimmins and The Hookers and the Snopes Family Band, set to play. 

Headliner, Blair Crimmins and the Hookers, is a Dixieland jazz group that is making waves in the music scene. Blair Crimmins began his current music career in Atlanta, Ga. with a determination to bring ragtime and 1920s style Dixieland jazz to new audiences.

While playing small rock clubs around the Southeast, he developed a sound that is at once modern while being deeply rooted in the past. Now four years, and 500 shows later, he has toured the country playing large venues and has opened for acts such as Mumford and Sons and Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

A multi-instrumentalist and music academic, Crimmins writes songs and arrangements for a classic New Orleans style horn section consisting of trumpet, clarinet and trombone. His debut 2010 release “The Musical Stylings Of” became a college radio sensation on WRAS Atlanta making him the most requested band on the air.

In 2012, Crimmins showed his musical diversity by writing and recording the full score for the independent short film “Old Man Cabbage.” The following year, Crimmins was the critic’s pick for best songwriter of 2013 in Creative Loafing’s Best of ATL issue.

His last album entitled “Sing-a-longs!” went to #21 on the EuroAmerican radio chart and earned him a nomination at The Georgia Music Awards for Best Jazz Artist. Blair Crimmins has now released his anticipated fourth studio album, “You Gotta Sell Something.” The band will be touring through 2017 performing their newest songs from the record as well as old favorites from his past recordings. Find out more at blaircrimminsandthehookers.com.

Kicking off the Rhythm and Wine Fest, The Snopes Family Band brings its raucous Dixie-tonk blues wherever and whenever they play.

From Greenville, S.C., the Snopes cook up a steamy south cacklacky stew combining the gritty Mississippi hill-country blues guitar, and snarling lyrics of Neil Conway, the spicy New Orleans jazz flavored cornet and husky crooning of Tim Cassell, and the unstoppable locomotive power of John Pursley’s rock and roll beat. Served over Chris Murphy’s churning tuba and funky bass, topped off with the soulful wailing of Dayton’s “Captain” Jack Bergman on harp and percussion, and occasionally joined by the trombone of multi-instrumentalist Cornelius Logan, the Snopes Family Band is sure to satisfy.

The Snopes have been playing since 2010 in the upstate area. They have played Fall for Greenville, the Reedy River Concert Series, the Clemson Blues Festival, as well as other breweries, parties and crawfish boils.

Tryon Rhythm and Wine Fest tickets can be purchased online at tryonrhythmwinefest.com. If you prefer to purchase in person, you can find tickets at La Bouteille in downtown Tryon. Tickets include a tasting glass and wine/beer samples, with the opportunity to purchase a full pour. Go online to learn more about sponsorship and vending for this event.

This event is produced by the Tryon Downtown Development Association, and proceeds will benefit downtown improvement projects. This is a rain or shine event and a 21 and over event. ID must be presented at the gate. No pets will be permitted at festival. No guns are allowed on festival grounds either.

Article submitted by Jamie Carpenter