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Tryon Fine Arts Center’s 2023 Amphitheater Series continues

 

TRYON–Asheville-based band Fancy Marie and the Gentlemen brings its unique sound to the Tryon Fine Arts Center Thursday, May 11, as part of TFAC’s 2023 Amphitheater Series. Lead singer, songwriter and guitarist Fancy Marie says singing is in her blood. 

“I’ve been singing my whole life, before I could talk,” says Marie, who grew up singing gospel in her Baptist church. “The people at church realized I could sing really well and both of my parents really enjoyed that and were just always encouraging me to sing.”

Marie says the name “Fancy” is inspired by the 1970s Bobby Gentry hit that was remade by country star Reba McEntire in the 1990s. Marie says she grew up singing McEntire songs. 

“When I first started playing, just to get out there and to be able to get booked at some venues we were playing just country covers and I found that as I was song writing I felt really stifled and I was getting a lot of writer’s block because I was feeling pressure to make it sound country,” says Marie.

While Marie is still grounded in her country roots, she and her band have morphed into an eclectic mix of honky tonk, blues and southern gothic with a touch of classical. 

“A few of us call ourselves recovering classical musicians and so we really enjoy bringing that aspect into it,” says Marie.

The band also features Phil Alley on guitar, Craig Kellberg on bass and vocals,  Kathryn O’Shea on vocals and percussion, Kent Spillman on drums and Alex Travers on fiddle.

The concert begins at 6:30 p.m. with food by Mountain View BBQ & Deli and beer, wine and other beverages for purchase. The concert series is sponsored by Plume Family Foundation, Kirby Endowment at Polk County Community Foundation and WTZQ.