The 19th season of Tryon’s Summer Tracks will kick off on Friday, June 1.

New View Realty of Tryon — this season’s presenting sponsor — the town of Tryon and series producer Peter Eisenbrown will present an expanded schedule of seven concerts this season, featuring a mix of musical styles at the town’s amphitheater in Roger’s Park. All shows begin at 7 p.m.

In case of rain, the concerts will move across the street inside the Tryon Fire Department. A full schedule, including performers bios and photos can be found at www.summertracks.com.

This first show, “Love Is A Rose,” celebrates the music of Linda Ronstadt. Asheville’s Peggy Ratusz and Paula Hanke, along with some of the area’s musicians, will bring Linda’s beloved music to life.

Big Sound Harbor follows on June 15, making a big sound with horns, keys, and rippin’ electric guitars. Band leader and lead singer Dulci Ellenberger adds to the mix with a voice that combines elements of Motown, folk and soul.

On July 6, The Get Right Band will perform their “hip-shaking, earth-quaking, pure funk fun” (The Alternate Root).

The Aaron Burdett Band takes the stage July 20. Polk County’s own Aaron’s music style is a seamless blend of Americana, country, blues, bluegrass, and folk-rock that cohesively creates a story. WNC Magazine lists Aaron as one of the top 10 most important musicians of Western North Carolina, alongside such greats as Doc Watson, Steep Canyon Rangers and The Avett Brothers.

One of Summer Tracks’ favorite performers, Gigi Dover & The Big Love, will appear on Aug. 3. Incorporating the sounds and vibes of world instruments, Gigi Dover & The Big Love deliver a blend of gypsy, jazzy, bluesy, funky Southern soul and world music. Their music has been described as “World Music thru the eyes and ears of Southerners.”

Aug. 17 brings the deep roots music of Delta Moon. The whisky-flavored voice of lead vocalist and slide guitarist Tom Gray delivers 21st century lyrics that wind around the groove of slide guitarist Mark Johnson. Winners of the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in 2003, the band’s music has been featured on Showtime, Lifetime and the Food Network.

The season wraps up Aug. 31 with The Fireside Collective. Winners of the 2016 Merle Fest Band Competition, Fireside Collective is blazing a name for themselves as a progressive acoustic ensemble. Formed in 2014, Fireside is a group of folk music enthusiasts who blend elements of traditional bluegrass and American roots music with modern acoustic arrangements.

All Summer Tracks concerts are free, though a voluntary donation at the gate is encouraged. Audience donations along with the sponsorships of local businesses and individuals make these shows possible. 

Katie D’s N.Y. Bagels & Deli will be offering a variety of slider sandwiches, pimento cheese and crackers, plus a variety of desserts including brownies, cookies and ice cream. Water and soft drinks will be for sale plus alcohol consumption is allowed in the park but is not 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.

– Submitted by Peter Eisenbrown

Summer Tracks 2018 Season

June 1 “Love Is A Rose”: Celebrating the music of Linda Ronstadt

June 15 Big Sound Harbor

July 6 Get Right Band

July 20 Aaron Burdett Band

Aug. 3 Gigi Dover & The Big Love

Aug. 17 Delta Moon

Aug. 31 Fireside Collective