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Atlanta Based Musicians Perform in Saluda Musical

November 17, 2018 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

The Saluda Historic Depot Theatre Troupe is producing Saluda’s first musical premiering on November 17, 2018.  The production will depict Saluda’s historical progression from the time the Cherokee Indians settled in the land of “green corn” until today.  The original play was written by Corinne Gerwe in collaboration with members of the newly-formed Young Acting Krew “YAK” of the Saluda Historic Depot Theatre Troupe, with a musical score written by Dan Foster to be performed by his band, the Radio Rangers.

Dan Foster is a singer/songwriter based in Atlanta, Georgia. “Saluda Grade” was written by Dan after walking around Saluda before performing at the Purple Onion and noticed the historical marker describing the remarkable, legendary Saluda Grade. In 2009 it was featured on an album by High Cotton that spent several weeks on the Georgia top 20 Roots music charts. Dan rearranged the song for the play with his current group, The Radio Rangers. Writing melodic songs that tell a good story is Dan’s passion and the audience will hear songs written for the musical depicting the story about Saluda’s beginnings through current day Saluda.  Especially interesting will be the melodies scored to authentic lyrics chanted by convict labor that built the railroad.

Accompanying Dan is the rest of the Radio Rangers.

Mark Ewald is a singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist from Atlanta, Georgia and has performed with various bands since he was 13 years old. A software developer and philanthropist, Mark and his wife, Rachel, have fostered over 50 children and they founded the Foster Care Support Foundation, located in Roswell, Georgia

Bryant Kachel first instrument was the family Martin ukulele (gorgeous) where at age 7 he learned there was a whole world of harmonies to be had with only 4 strings. High school was a wonderful time for a jock and a B+ student, but the most memorable learning experiences of all were in music, particularly the Barber Shop Quartet, both in the H.S. choir as well as extra-curricular. Bass playing did not come to Bryant till age 33, in the form of an old high school orchestra double bass, “just for the heck of it!”.  Self-taught, Bryant then went on to buy his first elec. bass and subsequently enjoyed a half-dozen cover bands over the course of nearly 20 years.

“The history of Saluda is unique but shares a heritage with so many communities across our country.  The railroads were the backbone of our country’s growth and touched so many people and communities.  I believe the wisdom to move forward is provided by the struggles of our past.  I am honored to help in this small way to the celebration of Saluda history.  Saluda is a special place,” said Dan Foster.

This is a “One Night Only” performance.  Tickets will be $10 for everyone 12 years and older and purchased at the door.  Children under 12 will be free.  Special group arrangements can be made to purchase tickets by calling Corinne. They encourage everyone to put this on their calendars now because you won’t want to miss this one-time historical story of Saluda told in a musical format.

The performance will be held at the Party Place & Event Center at 221 Friendship Church Rd., Saluda, NC. Performance will start at 7pm. Doors open at 6pm.

The Saluda Historic Depot Theatre Troupe was formed to provide a forum for a variety of theatrical performances reflecting the creative spirit of our community. The goal is to produce plays that will include those from legitimate theater, historic depictions of Saluda’s rich history, and literary and poetic readings; all will demonstrate local artistry and talent. The Saluda Historic Depot will provide the setting for presentations suitable for its locale and will partner with other venues for settings

The musical will benefit the Saluda Historic Depot, a non-profit dedicated to making the historic train station into a museum in order to highlight the history of the railroad, Saluda’s downtown, its people, and the history of its natural resources.  It is a 501(c)3 non-profit and all donations are tax deductible.  Donations and memberships to the Saluda Historic Depot in 2018 will enable the Depot to receive incentive grant funds from the Polk County Community Foundation.

For more information, please contact Judy Ward at 828-674-5958 or judyward@charter.net or Corinne Gerwe at cgerwe@rsnet.org or 828-749-4803.

Details

Date:
November 17, 2018
Time:
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Event Category: