The Grayson Highlands Band will take to the stage with their progressive brand of old time music at 5:30 p.m. and play until 7 p.m. The line-up includes Jerry Smith, Paul Trianosky Susan Trianosky, Rhoda Kemp, Edwin Lacey, 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.
Susan Trianosky is featured on the acoustic bass, guitar, and vocals. Prior to joining the Grayson Highlands Band, she was a member of the Appalachian Mountain Girls.
Paul Trianosky, Susan’s husband, plays mandolin and sings lead harmony. He’s played with the McPeak Brothers, Southern Rail, Blue Plate Special, and Creek Junction.
Jerry Smith, Susan’s father, is the band’s patriarch, and shines on the guitar and acoustic bass. Jerry has been in the band 18 years, and has also called square dances, and provided lead vocals and emcee work.
Rhoda Kemp is an award-winning musician who plays acoustic bass. She’s performed on banjo, autoharp, guitar, and vocals with a number of well-known regional bands including the Original Orchard Grass Band and the Clifton Family Band.
Edwin Lacey, an original founding member of the Grayson Highlands Band, performs on the old time banjo.
Tim Donnley, originally from Richmond, Va., is on the fiddle.
“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. For more information, call 866-607-0093. The concert series is sponsored by the West Jefferson Business Association. Bring your chair. In case of rain, the concert will be moved to the Farmer’s Market or the Arts Council. A notice will be posted in the park.
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