The musicians of new jazz fusion group Watson’s Riddle will perform a benefit concert for Polk Wellness Center on Saturday, Nov. 12 at the Tryon Fine Arts Center (TFAC).
The concert, which will highlight the release of the band’s new CD, includes a pre-concert wine-tasting reception sponsored by Trio Vintners of Walla Walla, Wash. All proceeds benefit non-profit Polk Wellness Center in Columbus.
Watson’s Riddle is a new instrumental group formed in Upstate, S.C., by veteran guitarist Steve Watson and drummer Paul T. Riddle. Watson has performed on records by B.B. King and Dolly Parton and recorded music for network TV shows and film.
Paul T. Riddle is the drummer and founding member of The Marshall Tucker Band and toured with The Allman Brothers Band, winning a Grammy Award for his contribution to the live album, “2nd Set.”
Watson’s Riddle includes bassist Tim Lawter, formerly of The Marshall Tucker Band; keyboardist Hazen Bannister of The Swingin’ Medallions; and guitarist Rusty Milner, also a Marshall Tucker Band alumnus.
Watson’s Riddle was conceived when cardiothoracic surgeon Douglas Appleby, M.D., encouraged his friend and guitar instructor Steve Watson to write music that was “emotionally engaging, relaxing and transforming to the human soul.”
Shortly after the CD was recorded, Dr. Appleby attended “The Heart Health Summit” put together by The Renaud Society, an international society of medical professionals with an interest in better health and a passion for wine. There, he met Trio Vintner’s owner, Karen LaBonte, and asked her to listen to a rough cut of the new Watson’s Riddle CD.
Inspired by this new brand of jazz, LaBonte bottled a 2009 Mourvedre named after the band. LaBonte is sponsoring the wine for the reception at TFAC before the musicians take the stage.
This show will mark the band’s debut concert featuring original music from their self-titled CD, which is currently climbing the Top 50 SmoothJazz.com Chart, as well as the Top 50 Indie Star Chart.
Polk Wellness Center (PWC) formed in 2008 as a local solution to a national problem: the lack of affordable medical and mental healthcare set against the backdrop of an increasing need for services.
PWC opened its doors to treat patients and clients with insurance and without. Using an integrated care model, Polk Wellness Center offers an approach to treatment designed to empower patients/clients to take control over their health and wellness.
Tickets may be purchased at the Tryon Fine Arts box office at 828-859-8322. Each ticket includes the wine tasting, as well as non-alcoholic beverages and hors d’oeuvres beginning at 6:30 p.m. The concert will begin at 8:00 p.m.
Polk Wellness Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization offering family medical care, mental health, substance abuse counseling, patient education and wellness services to residents of Polk County and surrounding areas. For more information, call 828-894-2222 or visit www.PolkWellness.org.
– article submitted
by Scarlette Tapp