To the editor:

As many of you know, Tryon is extremely fortunate to have the Tryon Fine Arts Center (TFAC) in our community. TFAC will celebrate its 50^thanniversary next year, and continues to fulfill its mission by offering a wide range of live performances, arts education, cultural experiences and entertainment events for all ages and tastes.

The TFAC Main Stage Series, brings truly world class musicians and entertainment to our community. The upcoming April 23 Franc D’Ambrosio concert is an example – he is best known for performing the role of the Phantom in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Phantom of the Opera” more than 2,200 times. The Tryon Concert Series also brings in top-flight musicians from around the world. In addition, TFAC’s outdoor Amphitheater (adjacent to TFAC) has begun offering wonderful free concerts during the spring and fall seasons.

Beyond these musical and theatrical offerings, TFAC is also taking music and the arts into our schools – to teach and enrich our students in the arts. In March, TFAC sponsored a juried art competition, which allowed area students to create art (which is currently displayed in the TFAC gallery). The student art will be auctioned off on April 8 to interested patrons. TFAC’s PacJAM (Junior Appalachian Musicians) is an amazing program, with the goal of preserving our historic mountain music by making traditional music instruction and instruments available to area students.

These are just a summary of the many activities that occur at our very own Tryon Fine Arts Center every week. I urge you to check out the upcoming events on the TFAC website, tryonarts.org.

On a personal note: TFAC was a key reason my parents moved to Tryon 30 years ago. They were both active artisans, and loved the support TFAC offered. This was also a factor in our own decision to relocate to the Foothills. TFAC improves the quality of life in our area.

TFAC’s Annual Fund Drive is now underway. If you are able to donate or support TFAC in any way, please contact Susan Brady, development director, at 828-859-8322 ext. 213.

 

Scott Pleune
Mill Spring, N.C.