Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center’s “Sunset Music Series”, now in its seventh year, will premier on Friday, June 15, with a performance by the Early Morning String Dusters. All the concerts begin at 7:00 pm and are presented in the Heritage Center’s covered outdoor amphitheater with a scenic view of the mountains and sunset.

For over 30 years the Early Morning String Dusters have been recognized as one of East Tennessee’s most entertaining “party” bluegrass bands. Relying on comedy, parodies of classic tunes and hard driving, fast paced picking, the Dusters have been a favorite for weddings, birthdays, dedications, and other private events. Then in 2008, Americana radio station WDVX began showcasing the band at various public concerts, leading to a series of shows throughout East Tennessee, including this one, their Heritage Center debut.

Four other bands will be performing for the first time at the Heritage Center. J. C. & The Dirty Smokers, featuring the gritty vocals of J. C. Haun, play classic honky-tonk and “outlaw-style” country music and western swing. Nashville native, George Harper, is still based near Music City, but he recently bought a house in Townsend and is looking forward to bringing his band with dobro player Donnie Winters to the Heritage Center. Harmonica player Michael Crawley, guitarist “Detroit” Dave Meer, and pianist Ben Maney have each performed at the Center with other bands, but this will be there first appearance together with the Detroit Daddies. The music of Mountain Soul taps deep Appalachian roots with Bluegrass tones and three-part harmonies.

Returning by popular demand to perform at the Heritage Center are Jerry Butler & The Blu-J’s, The John Myers Band, and perennial favorites Wild Blue Yonder.

The “Sunset Music Series” is presented by Boyd’s Jig & Reel. Admission to the concerts is $5.00 and may be purchased at the door. Admission is free to all Sunset Music Series concerts for members of the Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center. Annual memberships to the Heritage Center may be purchased at the concerts for $15 per individual or $25 per family. . Food and non-alcoholic beverages are available at the concession stand.

For further information, call the Center at 865-448-0044.