The High Country’s Peak of Arts and Entertainment

PHOTO BY IAN DOUGLAS The A.I.M. dance company has performed in Boone as part of the Schaefer Center Presents series.

The High Country’s Peak of Arts and Entertainment

BY ANDREW COLE

Numerous venues and a vibrant music and arts scene make Boone the High Country’s peak for entertainment. There’s something for everyone who is willing to explore this unique mountain town’s bustling downtown, charming restaurants and electric art galleries. Note that many events and venues may be affected by COVID-19 restrictions in 2020 and 2021.

APPALACHIAN STATE VENUES

With its numerous venues drawing in big-name acts, Appalachian State University has become a cultural hub for Boone’s arts, music and theatre scene.

THE SCHAEFER CENTER

Appalachian State’s Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts provides the High Country with shows by top-notch, nationally known and world renowned performers. In the past, the Schaefer Center has hosted such acts as Jason Isbell, Rhiannon Giddens, Lily Tomlin and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, selling out the venue’s 1,673 seats. Each year, the university hosts the Appalachian Summer Festival with the Schaefer Center providing the stage for a majority of the acts. For more information about the Schaefer Center, visit theschaefercenter.org.

LEGENDS

A hub for both regional and nationally known performers, Legends

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has hosted acts such as Luke Combs, Shaky Graves and Mandolin Orange. Legends is also the venue for the annual Battle of the Bands competition, and hosts a variety of events of Appalachian State. Visit lengends.appstate.edu for more information about this venue.

HOLMES CONVOCATION CENTER

Situated on the edge of campus, the 8,500seat Holmes Convocation Center has seen a variety of extraordinary acts pass through its doors, acts which have included the Avett Brothers, Lil Wayne and the Temptations. A venue for sports, the Holmes Center also hosts Appalachian State’s basketball, volleyball and indoor track teams. Check out theholmescenter. appstate.edu to read more about the Holmes Convocation Center’s upcoming events.

VALBORG THEATRE

The 334-seat Valborg Theatre is the primary venue for Appalachian State’s Department of Theatre and Dance. Past shows at the Valborg Theatre have included “Holmes: The Art of Deduction,” “Trojan Women” and “The Countless.” To find out more about the Valborg Theatre and its events, visit https://theatreanddance.appstate.edu/performances/venues.

I.G. GREER STUDIO THEATRE

With an 80-seat capacity, the I.G. Greer Studio Theatre provides a setting for intimate, one-act plays and informal student performances, providing a space for free expression with every act it hosts. The I.G. Greer Studio Theatre is located off of Sanford Mall, in the center of the Appalachian State University campus. Visit https://theatreanddance.appstate.edu/performances/venues to learn more about the I.G. Greer Studio Theatre.

BOONE VENUES THE APPALACHIAN THEATRE

Step back in time by visiting Boone’s Appalachian Theatre. Built in 1938, the historic theatre once again opened its doors to the public in October 2019, following a lengthy restoration. In 1950, the theatre suffered a fire but was brought back to life as a movie venue, before closing again in 2007. Past acts include mandolin legend Sam Bush and John McEuen, founding member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. To learn more about the theatre, its history and restoration, visit https://www.apptheatre.org/.

HARVEST HOUSE

Located in the heart of downtown Boone, the Harvest House is a functioning church that provides community residents with a house of worship, while also serving as a music venue. During the years, the Harvest House has hosted a variety of nationally renowned and regional acts, including Dom Flemons and the Jeff Little Trio. For more information about the Harvest House, call (828) 263-4172. You can also visit https://hhcboone.org/.

JONES HOUSE CULTURAL AND COMMUNITY CENTER

Nestled on a hillside overlooking King Street in downtown Boone, the Jones House Cultural and Community Center has long served as the town’s hub for Appalachian music and culture. Each summer, the Jones House holds a summer concert series, encouraging the community to gather on the house’s lawn for live music. The Jones House takes pride in booking some of the best regional acts around, including many up-and-coming musicians who have gone on to play nationally recognized festivals such as MerleFest and the N.C. Folk Festival. To learn more about the Jones House and its events,

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visit Joneshouse.org.

FESTIVALS

With a variety of festivals ranging from small seasonal celebrations, to large music and film galas featuring internationally known artists, the High Country festival scene is sure to offer something for everyone.

AN APPALACHIAN SUMMER FESTIVAL

Using two of Boone’s premier venues, the Schaefer Center and Holmes Convocation Center, An Appalachian Summer Festival, hosted by Appalachian State’s Office of Arts and Cultural Programs features an assortment of acts. The acts range from theatre and dance, to visual arts, film and music. You can learn more about the An Appalachian Summer at https://appsummer.org/.

VALLE COUNTRY FAIR

With artisan crafts, baked goods and a carnival atmosphere set to the tune of old-time music, for more than 40 years, the Valle Country Fair has offered visitors more than your typical craft market–it’s a slice of High Country culture. The fair,

which now pulls in visitors by the thousands, started as a humble church bazaar in 1978. This family-friendly event offers something for all ages, with proceeds going towards community members in need and nonprofit organizations. Find out more about the Valle Country Fair at https://www.vallecountryfair.org/.

MERLEFEST — WILKESBORO

Named in honor of Merle Watson, son of the High Country folk legend Doc Watson, this annual festival takes place on the campus of Wilkesboro Community College. For more than 30 years, the festival has featured premier artists, such as Willie Nelson, Sam Bush, Bill Monroe, Doc Watson and Dolly Parton, as well as a variety of up-and-coming artists who have gone on to find their own musical success. MerleFest typically takes place in the spring. To learn more about MerleFest, visit https:// merlefest.org/.

Other regional festivals of interest include the Boone Film Festival, Banff Mountain Film Festival, The Carolina Ramble and Reunion, Winterfest in Blowing Rock and Oktoberfest at Sugar Mountain.

ART GALLERIES

A cultural hub for artists of every genre, the variety and wide scope of work in the region keeps Boone’s art scene fresh and exciting, offering something for everyone. Town galleries include Blue Ridge ArtSpace, Doe Ridge Pottery, Hands Gallery, Jones House Cultural Center, Nth Degree Gallery and the Turchin Center. The first Friday of every month, galleries in Boone participate in an art crawl, drawing in locals and visitors alike to the local art scene. During these events, many galleries offer refreshments and art demonstrations to the public.

NIGHTLIFE

Jam-packed with a fine variety of breweries, wineries and restaurants, Boone’s nightlife is always happening, with events taking place both on the weekend, as well as throughout the week. Epicenters for nightlife include Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Tapp Room, Boone Saloon, Cafe Portofino, The Cardinal, Casa Rustica, the Horton Hotel and Rooftop Lounge, Vidalia, Casa Rustica, The Inn at Crestwood, Noble Kava, Pedalin’ Pig in Boone, Ransom Restaurant, Lost Province, River Street Ale House and The Local. Many of these restaurants offer live music performed by local and regional musicians and weekly events such as trivia nights.

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