An Invitation from Tryon Fine Arts Center and PacJAM…
Join us for a celebratory concert by PacJAM’s 2026 Senior Class musicians on Thursday, April 30 at 7 pm. As a bedrock to the program, these graduating seniors have been the most impactful group PacJAM has seen, thus far. Though sad to see them go, we’re excited about the opportunities they have on the horizon!
What Better Way to Celebrate than with Music!
To showcase their talents and celebrate their accomplishments we’ve put together a rousing show featuring multiple acts performing original songs, striking arrangements of pop tunes from the last 60 years—and of course, bluegrass and old-time classics.
Your Entertainment for the Evening…
Welcome the Senior Class of 2026
The night begins with Sarah Doan and Ella Tokar performing their forward-looking yet traditional original songs, accompanied by fellow senior Eli Aldrich on bass. Sarah (fiddle, guitar) and Ella’s (mandolin, guitar) songwriting journey has been impressive. They’re a hit everywhere they perform, including a sold-out TFAC amphitheater show last year.
Next up, Laura and Frankie Barber take the stage with their family band in the most traditional offering of the night. Laura is a wonderful, clear bluegrass-style vocalist and her brother Frankie is a force on the acoustic flat top guitar in the vein of Doc Watson and Don Reno. Their set includes traditional bluegrass standards, as well as some equally great original songs composed throughout the generations of their extraordinary musical family.
The PacJAM Performers close out the night with a versatile and engaging performance. This unique group formed in 2023 from some of the best and most dedicated PacJAM students. They’ve rehearsed weekly since then, with almost the same lineup. They are an incredibly cohesive unit that have worked their songs down to the fine details.
Get ready for exciting original material, bluegrass standards, and masterfully-arranged pop covers of The Beatles, The Cranberries, and more. This band has a very unique sound that stems from the contrast of traditional bluegrass instrumentation, three-and-four-part vocal harmonies, three violins and bowed bass. This mix of textures gives them a highly-developed sonic palette to draw on in their performances. You’ll love hearing The PacJAM Performers—as much as crowds at the International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA), and Earl Scruggs’ festivals have over the last three years.
So, join us for an evening of wonderful music, and to say thank you to this group of seniors and their families who have been foundational to PacJAM at Tryon Fine Arts Center!
