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The 24th season of Summer Tracks kick off on June 7

​​Firecracker Jazz Band

Maya de Vitry Band

Hustle Souls

Peggy Ratusz

Hearts Gone South

The Dancing Fleas

Series kicks off June 7 with Firecracker Jazz Band

TRYON—Tryon’s most popular summer music series—Summer Tracks—is bringing the party back to Rogers Park for its 24th season. With New View Reality as the presenting sponsor, this six-concert series runs from June through August.

Regional favorite Firecracker Jazz Band kicks off the series on June 7. For more than two decades, this string and horn ensemble—including Tryon’s own Andrew J. Fletcher—has delighted audiences with the sounds of Dixieland, New Orleans, and early 20th-century Jazz. It promises an explosive, fun-soaked evening. 

On June 21, Maya de Vitry Band takes the stage. With a voice that transcends genre, Maya’s work has been described by NPR as “the perfect soundtrack for uncorking that emotion and (defiantly) loving life again.” With her band—featuring Joel Timmons (acoustic and electric guitar, vocals) and Ethan Jodziewicz (upright bass, fretless electric bass)—Maya performs original songs that reflect her joy of storytelling as well as her extraordinary musicianship.   

Two weeks later, on July 5, with a sound best described as a Retro-Soul, New Orleans Brass Music, and Americana blend, Hustle Souls brings energy and spontaneity to the Summer Tracks stage. Bluestown Music described this five-piece, Asheville-based band as “intimate soul…with a Curtis Mayfield-like warmth.”

On July 18, concertgoers will be treated to the “Sweet Summer of Rock & Soul Revue.” Asheville’s and Summer Tracks’ favorite chanteuse, Peggy Ratusz, along with the area’s finest vocalists and musicians—including Reggie Headen and Jonathan Pearlman—come together to perform a night of classic Rock & Roll.

On August 2, Hearts Gone South will deliver honky-tonk and classic country full of heart and laced with wit and woe. Based in Asheville, this five-piece band—with saucy vocals and a wicked pedal steel—plays original tunes along with well-loved standards. 

The series final concert, August 16, will feature The Dancing Fleas, America’s premier ukulele band. With six ukuleles, as well as an assortment of vocals, strings, percussion, flute, and tap dancing, this high-energy band plays originals and covers ranging from classic country to sassy funk. Their show is unlike any other. Expect dueling ukuleles, dancing, and big harmonies from the band’s six vocalists.

A full schedule, including performers’ bios and photos, can be found at www.summertracks.com. All shows begin at 7 p.m. In case of rain, concerts will move across the street inside Tryon Fire Dept. Manzolina’s will be selling hotdogs, wraps, ice cream, desserts, water, and soft drinks. Alcohol consumption is allowed in the park but is not for sale.  

Audience donations, along with many local business and individual sponsors, make these shows possible. 

Submitted by Peter Eisenbrown

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