Russkie Musikanti

Tryon Fine Arts Center announces the spring line-up for the Peterson Amphitheater, opening Thursday, April 28. The season, generously sponsored by The Plume Family Foundation, North Carolina Arts Council, Lichty Guitars and the Polk County Community Foundation, will feature diverse offerings from Australia’s blues master Geoff Achison to Washington D.C.’s Russkie Musikanti.

Thursday, April 28, 7 p.m.: Geoff Achison returns to the US bringing his gutsy, jaw dropping style to open the Spring Sunset Series. Called by critics “simply a phenomenal guitarist, great singer, and riveting live performer,” this highly regarded performer thrills with his dynamic blues playing, catchy originals and gutsy solo arrangements featuring songs by James Brown, The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Ben Harper and more. Geoff treats his acoustic guitar like an orchestra laying down a mix of earthy blues, heartfelt soul and irresistibly funky grooves.  Sponsored by Lichty Guitars.

Thursday, May 5, 7 p.m.: Singer/songwriter Jackie Marston has performed on stages throughout the United States and Canada and has opened for some of the biggest names in show business, including Frank Sinatra, George Carlin, Paul Anka, Bill Cosby and Kenny Rogers. Her original material has been heard on movie soundtracks and documentaries. She also has worked as a voice over artist and can be heard on national commercials.  She is a great talent who happens to live right here in Tryon! Jackie will be accompanied by the Dale Burke Quartet from Spartanburg.

Thursday, May 12, 7:00 p.m.: Wofford professor and classical guitarist Jhon Akers will be performing “Carl Sandburg and the Spanish Guitar.” Come hear the music that Sandburg loved to listen to, what he wrote about the guitar and how the guitar inspired him. An avid classical guitarist, Akers has performed at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Notre Dame University, Piccolo Spoleto Festival in Charleston, S.C., and the Free Library of Philadelphia. He also has been a featured performer at the Carl Sandburg Home, Connemara, in Flat Rock, during the annual poetry celebration. It will be a delightful evening about one of America’s most endearing poets.

Thursday, May 19, 7 p.m.: Asheville singer/songwriter Noah Proudfoot will perform music from his upcoming debut CD, “Sing Sweet World.” He has been performing around the Carolinas for the past five years and has steadily been gaining attention in the eco/spiritually conscious music scene. While his songs have an audience-pleasing familiarity to them, the guitar and vocals are flavorful and rich, conveying unexpected wisdom. To label him “folk” would be misleading because there is a definitive rhythm and punch that is more akin to the “alternative” sound in his style.  Some may have seen his engaging performance last fall in Tryon at TEDxTryon. He’s a storyteller that will wake you up to listen.

Thursday, May 26, 7 p.m.: Welcome R&B/blues legend, Mac Arnold and A Plate Full O’ Blues, Mac, Max Hightower and Austin Bashier. At age 24, Max had the opportunity of a lifetime to join the Muddy Waters Band and help shape the electric blues sound that inspired the rock and roll movement of the late 60s and early 70s. Regular guests of the band included Eric Clapton, Paul Butterfield, Mike Bloomfield, and Elvin Bishop. The Muddy Waters Band (as a unit) shared the stage with the likes of Howlin’ Wolfe, Elmore James, Jimmy Reed, Junior Wells, Big Joe Williams and Big Mama Thornton just to name a few. Expect to be entertained!

Thursday, June 2, 7 p.m.: Back again! Noah Guthrie, sensational young singer and solo guitarist from Greer, S.C. is famous across the USA for his original and cover tunes and his recurring role on GLEE. Throughout his young career, Noah has opened for a variety of artists as his powerful soulful voice and beautifully written songs appeal to a wide range of audiences. He has opened concerts for Ed Sheeran, Neon Trees, Ben Rector, Cobra Starship, Matisyahu, Matt Nathanson and Selena Gomez. Noah Guthrie has been taking the U.S. and Europe by storm on the heels of his debut album, “Among The Wildest Things.”  Sponsored by Lichty Guitars.

For the Thursday Night Amphitheater performances, donations are greatly appreciated and refreshments will be available for purchase.

The season continues with Amphitheater Free Sundays, sponsored by the Polk County Community Foundation and its Free Community Events Grants Program.   Donations are not accepted and food is always free.

Sunday, June 5, 7 p.m.: Gather round for an evening of storytelling, s’mores and the music of local treasures Phil and Gaye Johnson, who represent the very best of the new tradition in today’s “Acoustic Americana” Country Music. With over 30 years of dedicated artistry, Phil and Gaye offer a unique blend of traditional and contemporary folk, bluegrass and country music along with generous portions of western swing, cowboy, blues, and old-time traditions. Prolific songwriters and storytellers, they travel from their home here in the Foothills to perform throughout the United States. Enjoy the fire and make your own s’mores.

Sunday, June 26, 7 p.m.: Russkie Musikanti features eight musicians presenting arrangements of light classics and folk music of Russia, Ukraine and other Eastern European countries. Exotic yet familiar music played on authentic Russian and Ukrainian instruments, plus a surprise Russian delectable treat.

For more information on the spring 2016 Peterson Amphitheater Series, call 828-859-8322 or tryonarts.org .

-Submitted by Susan Brady