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TRYON–The Tryon Fine Arts Center’s spring amphitheater concert series kicks off Thursday, April 27, with a performance by Smilo and the Ghost, a band based in Erie Pennsylvania that’s playing its first concert in North Carolina. The band plays a blend of rock and folk.

 

“I think we’re a very unique modern twist on the very classic Americana sound,” says Tyler Smilo, who founded the band in 2017 and is the lead singer, songwriter and guitar player. “None of us by any means are traditional bluegrass players but we’ve been heavily inspired by that kind of music.”

 

Smilo and another band member are in recovery for drug and alcohol addiction which inspires some of the band’s music. 

 

“A lot of the music comes from there, not knowing how to deal with feelings and trying to grow as a person,” says Smilo.

 

While that experience provided some inspiration Smilo and the Ghost is known for its hard-driving, foot-stomping sound. Smilo says the band was playing a Fourth of July gig in Pennsylvania a couple of years ago when a Tryon Fine Arts Center board member heard them and invited them to come play here.

 

“If we could come down and win some people over down there that would be fantastic for us,” says Smilo who wants the band to draw more fans in the southeast. “I want the songs to resonate with them and strike a feeling that they can relate to and connect with.”

 

In addition to Smilo, the band includes singer and mandolin player Adam McKillip, bass guitarist Jassen Wilber and singer and banjo player Dominick DeCecco.

 

The concert begins at 6:30 p.m. with food being offered by Mountain View BBQ and Deli. Beer, wine and other beverages will also be available.