Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

SALUDA–The Sufi Brothers will kick off this year’s Top of the Grade Concert series on the Ella Grace Mintz Stage in McCreery Park Friday, June 16. Each evening of great fun and music with neighbors starts at 7 p.m. and wraps up as the sun sets over the railroad tracks at 9 p.m.

The Sufi Brothers are Aaron “Woody” Wood on vocals and guitar and Jason Krekel on vocals, mandolin, guitar and fiddle. These Asheville musicians play an improvised set that starts with a tribute to country roots, blues, gospel and folk, then travels a path unknown guided by an openness and sensitivity to each other and the universe. They let their incredible talent and a higher power determine the course the music takes. 

Remember to bring a lawn chair. You may bring wine and beer to the concert but please limit your consumption to the seating area. No alcohol is allowed on the playground or in the parking lot. Remember to place a to-go order at one of Saluda’s fine restaurants so you can enjoy a picnic and live music in the park.

Organizers of the event thank the concerts’ platinum sponsors: Allen Tate/Beverly-Hanks Realty, Autumn Care of Saluda, Fishtop Cabin, Heartwood Gallery, Pam and Clark Thompson and RiverStreet Networks; gold sponsors: Don Mintz Builders, Green River Construction, The Orchard Inn, The Purple Onion, and www.VisitSaludaNC.com; and silver sponsors: Green River Adventures, Hall House Vacation Rental, and Looking Glass Realty.

The series continues on July 21 with Dulci Ellenberger and Friends. Ellenberger never disappoints with her fun stage presence and terrific vocals. The series wraps up on August 18 with Tryon cover band The Trophy Husbands. Get ready for an evening of ‘70s music and some great guitar licks. 

The Top of the Grade Concert series is overseen by the Saluda Downtown Foundation, Inc. with support from the City of Saluda. The Saluda Downtown Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the arts, beautification, historic preservation, cultural development and economic development in downtown Saluda.

Submitted by Lynn Casey