The Grayson Highlands Band will take to the Backstreet stage with their progressive brand of old time music at 5:30 p.m. and play until 7 p.m. on Friday, July 20 as part of the Backstreet Concert Series in West Jefferson.
The line-up includes Jerry Smith, Paul and Susan Trianosky, Crystal and Leon Blevins, and Tim Donnley.
The band has performed at a number of local events including the Greater Lansing Area Festival, Christmas in July, the Ola Belle Reed Festival, the Galax Fiddlers Convention, the Grayson County Fiddlers Convention, and the Ashe County Fiddlers Convention.
The group, hailing from the Jefferson area, has perfected a variety of old time music, ranging from fiddle tunes to more traditional songs and ballads. They’ve graced the stage at the Albert Hash Festival, the Rugby Fall Festival, and the Wayne Henderson Music Festival, as well as being the featured guest band on the Gary Poe Live radio show on several occasions.
“We’ve placed first in just about every show we’ve played in, with the exception of the Galax Fiddlers Convention. We never were able to do it there,” said Jerry Smith in a 2011 interview with the Jefferson Post.
Jerry Smith, leader of the band, plays guitar and acoustic bass. Jerry has been in the band 24 years, calling square dances and providing lead vocals and emcee work.
Susan Trianosky, is featured on acoustic bass, guitar and vocals. She was a founding member of the Appalachian Mountain Girls, an all-girl old-time band, prior to joining the Grayson Highlands band.
Paul Trianosky, Susan’s husband, plays mandolin and sings lead and harmony. He has played with some well-known bluegrass bands, including the McPeak Brothers, Southern Rail, and Blue Plate Special, as well as having a number of original songs published and recorded by various artists.
Tim Donally adds his energetic style of old-time fiddle to the group, leading the band with old time tunes and mountain style singing. Tim is an accomplished luthier and resides in Grayson County, VA with his wife and two children.
Helping out the Grayson Highlands Band with this event is Crystal and Leon Blevins also from Grayson County, VA. Crystal and Leon are the founders and active members of the Mount Rogers Ramblers.
“We’d just like to invite all our friends to come out and join us this weekend. We think we’ll put on a pretty good show,” said Smith.
All the Backstreet Park Summer Concerts take place on the Backstreet in downtown West Jefferson behind the old West Jefferson Hotel. All shows are free. Bring your chair. In case of rain, the concert will be moved to the Farmer’s Market shelter or the Arts Council building. A notice will be posted in the park.
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