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Memorable tribute held on Saturday

TRYON—A heartfelt celebration of the life and accomplishments of beloved musician and Tryon councilmember Dr. Joseph Crystal “Crys” Armbrust took place Saturday evening at the home of local businessman Allan Casavant. Friends, acquaintances, and fellow musicians came together for a poignant memorial on his birthday, April 12, that featured stirring musical performances by Jasme Kelly, Kirk Gollwitzer, and Dr. Sam Waymon.

The memorial was organized by close friends Robert Lange, Carri Bass, Patti D’Arbanville, and Dean Trakas. Attendees also took part in a touching sunset prayer led by Father Robert Ard from Holy Cross Church in Tryon, where Armbrust had served as music director.

“After Crys passed, there really wasn’t a proper celebration for his life,” Lange shared. “As the New Year approached, a group of his friends decided that his 68th birthday would be the perfect time to hold such a memorial.”

Dr. Armbrust, who held two PhDs in literature from the University of South Carolina, had a remarkable career as both a musician and educator. He served as a professor and assistant principal at the prestigious Preston College, where he left an indelible mark on his students. Armbrust’s musical prowess resulted in numerous choral compositions, including works commissioned for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Vatican. Upon settling in Tryon, he dedicated himself to preserving the legacy of local legend Nina Simone while advocating for significant business development in the area.

The evening’s musical tributes began with Kelly, a singer-songwriter and guitarist from Durham, who performed three songs in honor of her dear friend. Following her set, Gollwitzer paid homage to Armbrust with a moving cover of Eric Clapton’s “Tears in Heaven.” The night culminated in an electric performance by Waymon, who captivated the audience with his original songs along with renditions of his sister Nina Simone’s classic “Sinnerman” and the Everly Brothers’ “Let It Be Me,” which he famously performed at Carnegie Hall with his sister.

In addition to the performances, the event also served as a platform to announce a GoFundMe fundraiser to establish the “Honorable Dr. Crystal Armbrust Memorial Garden” in Tryon.

“For decades, Dr. Crys Armbrust selflessly devoted his time, energy, and countless talents to create indescribable works of music, mentoring individuals across a broad spectrum of artistic and intellectual pursuits,” said Lange. “His passing in August 2024 left a gaping hole in not only the many projects and causes he immersed himself in but also countless individuals’ hearts. His most devoted friends are committed to ensuring his legacy is memorialized in a manner fitting to his immeasurable impact.”

Plans for the memorial garden are currently in motion, with the location yet to be determined. The garden will feature Armbrust’s favorite trees and plants, seating areas, stonework, and lighting.

Those whose lives were touched by Dr. Armbrust are invited to contribute to this vision and help secure funding for the memorial. For more information, visit gofundme.com/f/dr-crys-armbrust-memorial-garden. 

The evening served as a reminder of Dr. Armbrust’s lasting impact within the Tryon community and beyond, a legacy that will surely live on through the memories and stories shared by all who knew him.