TFAC presents Left Lane at PacJAM benefit concert

Published 10:00 pm Wednesday, July 15, 2015

FAC presents a benefit concert for PacJAM on the Veh Stage July 24 with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. and the concert beginning at 7 p.m. The event will feature performances from four groups, including Left Lane, Brooke and George Buckner, Blue Haze Bluegrass Band and hosts Phil and Gaye Johnson.

On Friday, July 24 at 7 p.m., Tryon Fine Arts Center hosts the Pacolet Junior Appalachian Musician (PacJAM) benefit concert on the Veh Stage. The concert will raise money for scholarships for students wishing to participate in the PacJAM program. The event will feature four traditional performances.

  Among the groups is Left Lane, a band made up of former members of Sweet Potato Pie Kids, who performed at last year’s PacJAM benefit concert. The band members have grown together in their musical abilities and passion for bluegrass music. Members are Mary Johnson on fiddle, Peyton Ellenburg on guitar, Ivy Bryan on mandolin, Logan Redding on banjo, and Ryan Wilson on bass.

  Josh Johnson, parent of fiddler Mary Johnson, continues to be impressed by each band member’s dedication to hone his own personal musical ability and also the group’s dedication to refining and unifying their sound as a band.

“This group isn’t just a ‘flare-up’ venture, but is the result of over three years of weekly practices and performances (over 150 in total), and many miles and hours on the road together,” said Johnson.

 In its second year of operation, TFAC’s PacJAM program is an affiliate of JAM (Junior Appalachian Musicians), a regional program based in Virginia that connects children with regional traditional music.
Fall PacJAM classes at TFAC begin on September 16, for 10 consecutive Wednesdays from 4-6 p.m. for children ages 8-13. The program, which brings professional instruction in traditional Appalachian culture and music to a new generation, is made possible by funding from d’Addario Foundation, Wayne Henderson Foundation, Turner-Tennant Foundation and Duke Energy.

  Doors for the program open at 6:30 p.m. Admission to the concert is by donation. Left Lane will be joined by performers Brooke and George Buckner, Blue Haze Bluegrass Band, and hosts Phil and Gaye Johnson. Refreshments will be available for purchase. There will also be a silent auction. Visit tryonarts.org or call 828-859-8322 for more information on the concert. For more information about the PacJAM program at TFAC or to enroll in fall classes, please contact pacjam@tryonarts.org. TFAC is located at 34 Melrose Ave. in Tryon.