The Firecracker Jazz Band (www.firecrackerjazz.com) performs at Rogers Park on September 3 for the final concert in the Summer Tracks six-concert summer series.

This concert will be a festive kickoff to the communitys celebration of Tryons 125th birthday. This birthday party will include a parade on Saturday, events throughout the town and live music Saturday afternoon near the new Nina Simone Plaza.

The Firecracker Jazz Band revitalizes the energy of the roots of jazz. In paying homage to the pioneers of early 20th century jazz, including that of Dixieland and New Orleans, the Firecracker Jazz Band carries the torch that was once lit by such greats as Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong and Bix Beiderbeck.

The six band members are Je Widenhouse (trumpet and cornet), Earl Sachais (trombone), Reese Gray (piano, banjo, ukelele and saw), Jon Corbin (guitar), Michael Gray (drums) and Henry Westmoreland (tuba). Widenhouse and Reese Gray both did time in the 90s with the retro blues and jazz outfit the Squirrel Nut Zippers. Sachais has performed with the Tommy Dorsey Band and has backed Barbara Streisand and Sammy Davis Jr. Corbins former projects include The Rib Tips and the Eliza Lynn Band. Michael Gray drives the bands energy in the style of Buddy Rich. Westmorelands tuba brings a funk, zydeco and boogie-woogie rock & roll influence to the rhythm section.

As with all Summer Tracks concerts, the show starts at 7 p.m. and is free, though a voluntary donation at the gate is encouraged. The sponsorships provided by local businesses also make these shows possible. Again, Giardinis wood-fired pizzas, homemade ice cream, water and soft drinks will be for sale.

The Summer Tracks series offers a mix of musical styles. Concerts run from 7 to 10 p.m. Scheduled to perform are:

Sept. 3 – The Firecracker Jazz Band (jazz, Dixieland, big band, music from 1890-1940)

Summer Tracks is produced by the Town of Tryon in affiliation with Peter Eisenbrown of Blockparty Productions. The popular and well attended series attracts people from all over the region. Last year, the concerts drew an estimated 2,000 people to downtown Tryon.

For more information about Summer Tracks and the performers, contact Polk County Travel and Tourism at 800-440-7848 or 828-894-2324 and visit www.firstpeaknc.com or the new Tryon events website www.tryonevents.org.

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