Noah Proudfoot & The Botanicals

Asheville guitarist, singer and songwriter Noah Proudfoot, accompanied by cellist Allison Zoepl and violinist Nichelle Nichols, will entertain in the Peterson Amphitheater at the Tryon Fine Arts Center on Thursday, May 19, at 7 p.m. Noah’s inspired and creative style incorporates a variety of genres including blues, soul, new-age and folk.

Proudfoot, a Tryon native and presenter at the 2015 TEDxTryon, has been performing around the Carolinas for the past five years and has steadily been gaining attention in the eco/spiritually conscious music scene.

Proudfoot says, ‘Conscious music is about bringing greater awareness to all aspects of life, so that we may live in greater harmony with ourselves, one another, and the planet.” His return to his hometown of Tryon will be a special celebration of the pre-release of his debut album, “Sing Sweet World.”

Noah’s gift for musical composition and lyrical sensibility reveal a depth of wisdom beyond his years, as well as an ability to traverse a wide range of genres. Noah pulls inspiration from the carefully sculpted verses of James Taylor, the jazz-inspired work of Van Morrison, and the work of soul icons such as Bill Withers, Otis Redding, Same Cooke, and Stevie Wonder.

At once explosive and subtle, each of Noah’s songs is a world within itself, guiding the listener through the fields of his imagination. Critics say of Proudfoot, “… he’s a storyteller that will wake you up to listen.”

Noah is excited to share this special performance with the Polk County community, and says of the May 19 performance, “This will be a very special concert, as I have so much love for this small Carolina town, the very land on which I played as a kid.”

-Submitted by Marianne Caruth - Tryon Daily Bulletin

Musician Throwing Tea Party For CD Release


Noah Proudfoot isn’t simply having a CD release show. The Asheville-based singer-songwriter is throwing a party, complete with tea, cacao and poetry.

“The intention behind the event is to create an interactive evening that engages people on a variety of levels, hence the poetry, tea, and cacao,” Proudfoot said. “I want people to feel like they’re walking into a friend’s living room for an intimate house show.”

The show, which begins at 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 14 at The Altamonte Theatre, begins with Proudfoot’s friend Matthew Romero who will entertain with a unique blend of poetry, theater and dance.

More friends will help out. Kathryn Grover, of Hanami Tea, will serve her own tea blends and JoJo Silverman, aka Dr. Cacao, will serve heirloom ceremonial cacao from Guatemala.

“The intent is to create an environment that promotes wellbeing, connection and community,” said Proudfoot, whose family moved to Tryon to live with his grandparents when he was 2 after Hurricane Andrew destroyed their home.

Proudfoot will perform two sets at the show, with different musicians sharing the stage with him. He took some time to chat with the828.com about his debut album, “Sing Sweet World.”

the828: You’ve been playing and performing for several years, why’d it take a little while to get your debut record released?

NP: I knew that making an album would be a huge undertaking and force me to confront some of my greatest fears. The proverbial mountain ahead seemed so overwhelming that I put the dream on the backburner, hoping for a lucky break. As the years ticked by, I knew that sooner or later I would have to plunge head first into the project.

the828: Since you’ve been waiting a while to release this, what has that wait been like for you?

NP: The wait has been a time for me to digest all of the lessons I’ve learned along the way. From recording and arranging, to promotion and booking a tour, I’ve had to develop a new set of skills in order to allow the music to continue growing. The business side of art is nothing glamorous and I’ve had to overcome a lot of insecurities in putting myself out there. For artists it’s a dance that can feel awkward and unnatural, yet is absolutely essential in getting our creations out and into the world.

the828: How have these songs changed through the years?

NP: Rather than changing over the years, I feel the songs have become fixed signposts for me, pointing me back towards what’s important in life –love, friendship, growth, and connection. Though I’ve added some instrumentation and arrangement, their messages continue to hold true for me, reminding me of that which matters most.

the828: You’ve said your music is “conscious soul, blues and spirit-folk.” That’s a great combination. What about your music is conscious?

NP: What is ‘conscious’ about the music are the themes being explored and the intention behind each song. In essence, the attention of the listener is being guided toward matters of the heart and spirit. The goal is to create awareness around issues that bring more understanding and joy into our lives. I find that in being vulnerable and open with my struggles along the spiritual path, others are able to relate to the common challenges we face as a human race. Now more than ever, I feel we are being called to understand ourselves on a deeper level, not just for personal insight, but for the safety and well-being of the planet and it’s inhabitants. - the828.com