The 18th season of Tryon’s most popular summer event – Summer Tracks – continues on Friday, July 21 with Even Cowgirls Get The Blues. The show begins at 7 p.m. in Rogers Park.

Even Cowgirls Get The Blues – a Tribute to Emmylou Harris, Rosanne Cash and Lucinda Williams features Peggy Ratusz, Mare Carmody and Ellen Trnka plus an amazing six-piece backing band made of some of the region’s finest musicians.

Mare Carmody is a songwriter, and one half of the WNC duo Carver & Carmody. She has been part of the music scene in southeastern Virginia, Memphis, Tenn., Little Rock, Ark., opening for folks like David Crosby, Jesse Winchester, and The Seldom Scene. Singing a mixture of blues and country, as well as declarations and observations on life, she can now be found performing at the clubs and breweries in the greater Asheville area.

Ellen Trnka is a vocal musician from the NYC area residing in WNC since 2002. She’s been singing professionally for over 30 years in blues and jazz bands, trios, duos and as a solo singer songwriter. Trnka’s extensive experience has landed her dates in prestigious venues from NYC all the way down the Eastern seaboard. Ellen has opened for international acts Phoebe Snow, Saffire -The Uppitty Blues Women, The Marshall Tucker Band and John Pizzarelli.

Austin, Texas transplant Peggy Ratusz has been pulling from the cream of the Asheville music crop since moving here in 2002. This “ruby-throated chanteuse” has been a finalist in the International Blues Challenge in 2008, 2010 and 2016. She’s opened for Tedeschi-Trucks Band, Geoff Achison, Denise LaSalle and the Beach Boys. As evidenced by her electric stage presence at festivals, concerts, clubs and showcases, she’s a willing servant to the music. Peggy’s known to Summer Tracks fans as the leader of two concert tributes to the music of Linda Ronstadt and Bonnie Raitt in previous concert seasons.

As with all Summer Tracks concerts, the show is free, though a voluntary donation at the gate is encouraged. Audience donations along with the generous sponsorships of local businesses and individuals make these shows possible. Manna Cabana’s delicious fresh food and home made ice cream, water and soft drinks will be for sale. 

Summer Tracks is produced by the Town of Tryon in affiliation with Peter Eisenbrown of Blockparty Productions. For more information about Summer Tracks and the performers visit www.summertracks.com.

– article submitted by Peter Eisenbrown