Welcome, friends, to the 4th annual Boonerang Music & Arts Festival. We are so glad you are here to join us as we celebrate with music, dance, art, food, craft beverages, and time together in the heart of downtown in the community we love – Boone. Our mutual love of the High Country brings us together in this place, and we have prepared a party worthy of your presence.
Thank you! Thank you to the many volunteers and staff working hard to help make the festival a reality –you will see our Blue Crew throughout the weekend –thank those folks and ask how you can help our team next year! Thanks to the many Town of Boone staff working extra hours this week to ensure the safety and success of the event. Thanks to the many sponsors and partners for helping support Boonerang and keep it free for all to attend. Thank you to our non-profit partners for helping create an arts market, pouring the local craft beers and ciders, making a special Kids Zone experience for our youngest festival-goers, and being part of this community celebration. Thank you to App State Zero Waste and Boone Sustainability for helping us minimize our carbon footprint and ensuring our festival recycling and compost reach the right place. Thanks to our downtown businesses for welcoming Boonerang back each June. Thanks to the many artists who fill the stages and vending booths for bringing their creativity and creating joy. And thank you for being here. Without festival-goers, there would not be a reason for a festival.
Boonerang Music & Arts Festival serves as a homecoming of sorts – a community homecoming celebrating the arts, culture, and connections to Boone. Welcome back. We are excited to share the weekend with you. Enjoy, have fun, and see you on the streets.
Mark Freed
What’s Inside
A dozen things not to miss at this year’s
NOT SURE WHAT TO DO AT BOONERANG?
We’ve got you covered with 12 things you don’t want to miss if you don’t know what to check out first or are enjoying the festival for the first time!
1 Boone’s Got Talent: Watch a showcase featuring some of Boone’s best musicians, dancers, and entertainers at the Appalachian Theatre on Thursday at 7:30 p.m.
2 Battle of the Bands winners: Check out performances from the four Battle Champions on Friday afternoon, starting at 1 p.m. at the Mast General Store Stage at North Depot.
3 Taste some local brews: In addition to Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Booneshine, Lost Province, and SouthEnd, this year’s selections include Goofyfoot, Hi-Wire, and Parallel Brewing!
4 Friday night Arts Market: Artists will set up in the South Depot zone on Friday evening and all day Saturday.
5 Stage round-up: Try to see a show at all the active festival stages – ECRS Stage at South Depot; Mast General Store Stage at North Depot; Jones House Stage by Allen Wealth Management; Possible Stage; Wild Craft Dance Lot; and the Appalachian Theatre.
6
Make a tie-dye or take a yoga class on Saturday at the Mountain Hippie Lounge/Neighborhood Yoga.
7
Dance like no one is watching at the Silent Disco: Friday and Saturday nights in the North Depot zone.
8
Check out the newest festival merch: Items include bandanas, tank tops, and the 2025 Art Print by local artist Jess Dixon.
9
Buy some new old clothes at the Boonerang Vintage Market in the Boone Bagelry lot, then step next door for a dance in the Wild Craft Eatery Dance Lot.
10
11
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Check out DJ Trev in the Kids Zone on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Listen to River Eckert and Jay Brown play the amazing grand piano on Saturday at the Appalachian Theatre.
Come back on Sunday to celebrate Boonerang International: The Sunday event kicks off with the Parade of Nations at noon and closes with a 12-piece salsa band, starting at 5 p.m. – plus lots of great music and dancing in between!
BOONERANG 2025 keeping ‘things rolling with a
GOOD VIBE
’
BY ABIGAIL EGGERS
Boone’s free musical festival Boonerang is celebrating its fourth year, and the good vibes will just keep on rolling.
The term “boonerang” has been used in the local vernacular for many years as an endearing term for people who spend time in Boone, leave, and then return — which some individuals do several times. While the festival showcases musicians and artists with roots in the small-yetmighty mountain town, the weekend-long event also serves as a homecoming.
Boone’s Cultural Resources Director, Mark Freed, said the event began when his office compiled a list of all the bands with connections to Boone.
“It was just a big impressive list, and we thought, ‘Well, we should do something with this,’” Freed said.
Freed explained that events organized by the Cultural Resources Office slowed down around 2020 due to COVID-19, and as a result, they had extra funds to put together a larger event. He said that by 2022, the year Boonerang started, people were looking for opportunities to see each other and celebrate.
“It had a really great vibe on the street, lots of people hugging and smiles, people saying, ‘Oh, this is great, where has this event been?’ It sort of felt good, and it felt the way we were hoping it would,” Freed said.
This year, Boonerang is expanding to Sunday with its International Festival and will also feature winners of the inaugural Boonerang Battle of the Bands contest — a new addition this year — that took place in the months leading up to the festival.
Freed said despite the growth, they’re not trying to grow too quickly and want to avoid bringing in “big, major national touring headliners” like Luke Combs, Old Crow Medicine Show, and Rainbow Kitten Surprise.
Freed said the goal is to have people attend the event as a whole and avoid overfilling the streets with one headliner at the end of the day.
“It’s kept our numbers strong and feels good, but also reasonable and manageable,” Freed said.
Freed said that they don’t have any issues recruiting musicians for the event, and one of the harder aspects of organizing the festival is having to turn artists down because they don’t have any more space for musicians to play.
“The thing about artists is that they do what they do because they love it…. So people want to be a part of it. It has not been hard at all to find people to participate as an artist, whether that be a vendor or whether that be a musician,” Freed said.
He said that, initially, the harder sell was actually to businesses in downtown Boone. While some businesses were on board right away, he explained the large number of people can cause businesses not to do as well as they normally might. He used the example of football game days. The influx of people can cause these local businesses to take a hit because many are trying to avoid the crowds that come with tailgating and parking for football games.
“People do want there to be events, but you also have to find ways to do them so that it’s successful for everybody,” Freed said.
Freed said that in the future, he hopes to keep the event free and not wear out Boonerang’s welcome with the downtown and community. He wants to “keep things rolling with a good vibe.”
PHOTO COURTESY BOONERANG
Mark Freed speaks on stage at the 2024 festival.
PHOTO COURTESY BOONERANG
The great music keeps everyone dancing at Boonerang.
At Boonerang, ARTS, COMMUNITY and SUSTAINABILITY TAKE CENTER STAGE
BY NICK FOGLEMAN
The annual Boonerang Festival continues to demonstrate how a small-town event can serve as a platform for advancing both the arts and sustainability.
Since its launch, Boonerang has grown into more than just a celebration of live music, local food, and regional culture. It has become a model of sustainability and a key supporter of the arts in the High Country.
Lead festival organizer Mark Freed stated that from the outset, the festival has been committed to sustainability.
“We have reusable products out there, water filling stations for people and we try to keep our footprint as low as possible,” Freed said.
With the help of local sustainability groups, such as Boone Sustainability and Appalachian State University’s Zero Waste crew, the festival has a history of recognizing the need to protect the local environment and support local businesses whenever possible.
“Last year, we were able to divert 1,000 pounds of recycling and 1,000 pounds of compost from the waste stream from last year’s festival,” Freed said.
SUSTAINABILITY IN ACTION
Boonerang incorporates a variety of green initiatives into its operations. The festival offers multi-use aluminum and souvenir stainless steel cups, partners with businesses like Simple Water to provide refill stations, and is expanding its use of solar energy, including a solar trailer provided by the university’s Sustainable Energy Society.
Vendors are also asked to minimize their environmental impact by using recyclable and compostable materials.
“It’s mostly food waste at a festival,” Freed said. “So we’re really trying to hone in on that.”
SUPPORTING THE ARTS BEYOND THE STAGE
Boonerang’s impact on the arts extends well beyond its music programming. Each year, it hosts an Artist Market where creatives can showcase and sell work ranging from pottery and textiles to photography and home décor. The festival also directly reinvests in the region’s creative future.
Early on, Boonerang partnered with the Watauga Arts Council and has been able to support their organization through fundraising efforts. Last year, the festival established a fund using festival proceeds to support local music, art, theater, and dance teachers in public schools. Last year, the festival raised $5,000 for the fund.
“Those teachers can apply for this fund to get things like supplies for classrooms and to get training to do special projects with students,” Freed said. “We’re trying to give back, specifically to the arts.”
According to Freed, who presented Boonerang’s impact to the Boone Town Council a few months after the 2024 festival, art vendors made $100,980, nonprofits made $14,910 and food and beverage vendors made $36,285.
COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
Nonprofits also play a central role in the festival’s operations. Boonerang invites local organizations like Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture, Mountain True and Appalachian Voices to set up booths and engage with the public.
Additionally, a unique “pouring partner” program enables nonprofits to staff beverage stations, generating proceeds and increasing awareness for their causes.
What started as a hometown celebration has evolved into a platform for both artistic expression and environmental action. Whether it’s eliminating single-use plastics or helping a music teacher fund a student project, Boonerang is building something bigger than a festival.
Boonerang hosts an artist market that showcases handmade crafts,
PHOTO COURTESY BOONERANG
pottery, textiles, artwork and more.
PHOTO COURTESY BOONERANG
Many vendors grace the streets of downtown Boone during Boonerang.
BOONERANG & BEYOND: Your Festival Weekend Checklist 3
BY EXPLORE BOONE
Sure, you came for the tunes, but while you’re here, why not stick around for everything else that makes Boone the Heart of the High Country?
While the rest of the South is sweltering, we’re over here enjoying mountain breezes, cold brews, and good views. Lucky us!
Whether it’s your first time or you’ve been Boonerang-ing since way back (like… 2021), here’s a handy checklist to make the most of your festival weekend.
1 Embark on an Appalachian Adventure
If the 40-foot climbing tower downtown didn’t tip you off, the Boone area is home to a world of thrills and exciting excursions. Spend a day exploring a nearby community like Valle Crucis, take a hike along the Blue Ridge Parkway, or race along the treetops and across wildflower-filled meadows with a zipline adventure.
2 Take a Bite into Boone
Perhaps the High Country’s best-kept secret, locally sourced dining has been the standard in Boone long before the trend became mainstream. Whether you’re after a luxurious sunset dinner, a patio spot for you and your pup, or a place to regroup over brunch, the Boone area serves up plenty of crave-worthy moments. Check ExploreBoone.com to start your search!
3 Relax the River
On these early summer days, there’s no better place to kick back and relax than by a cool mountain stream. Plentiful water activities can be found on both the Watauga and New Rivers, from paddle boarding to floating to fly fishing. This year, we highly recommend chatting with a local outfitter for navigational tips before you embark!
4 Find Your Mountain Zen
A world of wellness is right at your fingertips in the High Country! Book an herbal foot soak or an infrared sauna session at The Care Collective. Unplug from the festival buzz in a sensory-deprivation tank at 180 Float Spa. On Sunday mornings, the Art of Living Retreat Center offers FREE yoga to those who RSVP, complete with stunning mountain views.
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5 Preserve the Awe
Boone’s beauty has inspired everyone from banjo players to botanists, and we’d like to keep it that way. Whether you’re dancing, dining, or disappearing into the woods for a breather, channel your inner eco-hero and follow the 7 Leave No Trace principles. It’s like festival etiquette, but for nature.
We’re so glad you’re here! If you’ve got questions, need a trail tip, or just want to say hi, swing by the Explore Boone Visitors Center behind the Jones House during business hours. You can also find all the info (and then some) at ExploreBoone.com. Until next time—keep the good vibes rollin’ and the mountains beautiful!
Local Ro ots, Glo ba lInsig ht
MauriceWilliams bringsathoughtful, research-driven approach to real estate Before entering the industry, he led archaeological fieldwork fornearly twodecades, building one of the world’sleading Spanish Colonial collections at the Florida Museum of Natural History.Today, he channels that same attention to detail into helping clientsmakesmart,informed decisions—whether it’sa first home,an investment propertyoramountain retreat. Based in Blowing Rock since1997, Mauricehas developed communities, built homes, andguided countless buyers and sellerswith care and clarity.
is one of the beverage vendors during Boonerang.
VENDORS APLENTY AT BOONERANG
While the music at Boonerang will keep you jamming all day long, the multitude of vendors will keep you satisfied with everything you could think of.
SOUTH DEPOT
FRIDAY 5 to 9 p.m. and SATURDAY 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
ART VENDORS
Boone Barndog
Kattagast Jewelry
Allyson Murphy Art
Rachel Salmon Photography
NoodleCakes
Riverwilde Wood Designs
Gold Dust Creative
Moonshine Mountain Soap Company
Upcycled Everything
Stony Fork Dykes
Brown Paper Bling
Madelyn Foskey Art
Solita Designs
The Pearled Squirrel
Old North Candle Co.
Creative Compulsion
Line by Line Macrame
Naiart Henna & Face Painting
Caricatures by Brian
Hammock Ceramic
Zosh
Attagirl Boutique
R Bowers Design Crafts
tree of life designs
Marmi Designs
Integral Disc Dyes
Sacred Wilderness Batiks
bgoodstudio
Wendy Leigh Jewelry and Creations
Lucas Ewing Photography
Half Light Honey
Sugar & Steel
Periwinkle Arts
Plant Bustique
FOOD AND BEVERAGE VENDORS
Cardinal Burger Wagon
The Tasty Traveler
Fizz-Ed
Pops & Pucker
Taqueria La Monarca
AMB Mountain Hippie Soda
Ben & Jerry’s
Raleigh Popsicle Co.
Simple Wtr
Lemon Lips Lemonade
Layers of Love
Sober Sojourn CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
PHOTO COURTESY BOONERANG
Lemon Lips Lemonade
Your Mountain Haven
Savor locally inspired dishes, craftcocktails, and mountain charm at Timberlake’sRestaurant at Chetola Resort. Enjoy scenic lakeside dining, acurated wine stand, and coming soon—Chetola’s new private beach experience. Perfect for romantic dinners, family gatherings, or arelaxing drink by the water.
CHETOLA WINE STAND WEEKENDS 1-6
The Plant Bustique will have all the house plants you could want at Boonerang.
NONPROFITS, SERVICES AND SPONSORS
First Aid - Boone Drug
Festival Info - Watauga Democrat
FOOD AND BEVERAGE VENDORS
Valencia Flavors
That’s A Wrap
Little Wing Ice Cream (Kids Zone)
CHETOLA BEACH COMING SOON
Mountain True / Watauga Riverkeeper
Edge Nonprofit
Blizzard Bundles
Carolina West Wireless
Pella
Tristan’s Chimney Service
NORTH DEPOT
SATURDAY 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
ART VENDORS
Seed & Sow Design Co
Morning Wool
Clay Town Pottery
Designs By Disa
River Way Designs
Becca Childress Creative
GALA Crafts
Davis Dyes
Wild Heart Creative
Blowing Rock Creations
Captures by Dezi
Adam Dehus Art
Ginny’s Custom Creations
Artful Alchemy
Folklore Boone
Earthen.Flame.Designs
Emma Jayne Embroidery
Aru Paper Co.
BeeSymmetry Designs
Indigo Roots Textiles
Hatchett Design Studio
Darcy Wade Art
Forested Way
NONPROFITS AND SERVICES
Pet Relief Station - Partners! Canines
Watauga Humane Society
Watauga Arts Council
WCCI (Watauga Compassion Community Initiative)
KIDS ZONE
SATURDAY, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Bubbles & Face Painting
Casting Bread - Duck Races
Friends of the Library - Books & Crafts
Little Wing Ice Cream
The Hope Center
High Country Association of Realtors
OP Smiles
Children’s Playhouse
JONES HOUSE
SATURDAY 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Nonprofits and Services
Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture
Watauga County Historical Society
Blue Ridge Fiber Guild
Community Care Clinic
VINTAGE MARKET
At Boone Bagelry,
SATURDAY 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Vintage Vendors
Anna Banana’s
Thrift-Smith Vintage
PHOTO COURTESY BOONERANG
BY MOSS BRENNAN
A local showcase will kick off this year’s Boonerang on June 19 with Boone’s Got Talent.
The show will take to the Doc Watson Stage at the Appalachian Theatre on Thursday, June 19, starting at 7:30 p.m.
This is the second showcase in collaboration with the Appalachian Theatre and Mountain Home Music.
“Last year was an incredibly entertaining evening,” said Festival Director Mark Freed. “We had such a diverse array of performers, from dancers to jugglers to magicians to musicians; the event even featured a bagpipe-playing dog — the Humane Society’s mascot, Hutch!”
Some of the local acts set to take the stage include:
• Arianna Liu (Music)
• Bob David Whitson (Elvis Tribute)
• Chris LeCroy (Music)
• Fletcher Roberts (Dance)
• Hutch (Music)
• Isabella Blanka (Poetry)
• Jason English (Poetry)
• Jason Gordon (Music)
• Luci Pedroni (Dance)
• Meggie Krause (Music)
• Miriam Edele (Music)
• Pickin’ Thistles (Music)
• Shenghui Wu (Music)
• Sofia Thurman and Wells Schlake (Dance)
• Sole Impact Studios (Dance)
The show will be emceed by Shane Hillman.
“Boone’s Got Talent provides a great opportunity for community members to be part of Boonerang Music & Arts Festival and also to have a chance to perform on the Doc Watson Stage at the Appalachian Theatre,” said Appalachian Theatre Executive Director Suzanne Livesay.
The Appalachian Theatre is located at 559 West King St.59 West King St. in downtown Boone.
PHOTO COURTESY BOONERANG
A variety of acts will take the stage at Boone’s Got Talent.
PHOTO COURTESY BOONERANG
Boone’s Got Talent returns for the 2025 festival after a successful debut in 2024.
BOONERANG’S BANDS
BOONERANG HAS A GREAT LINEUP OF MUSIC FOR THE 2025 FESTIVAL.
With ties to Boone and the surrounding area, each band is sure to entertain the audience. Boone’s Got Talent opens the festival with a variety of great local acts sure to entertain.
Not sure what great band to see? We’ve got you covered. Check out our curated Spotify playlist featuring songs from almost every band playing at the festival this year. Visit tinyurl.com/72r9szjr or scan the QR code in the following pages.
PRESSLEY LATON BAND
ECRS Stage at South Depot — 5:30 p.m. — June 20
Do you want authentic, honest-to-God, Appalachian Mountain country music? Then look no further than the Pressley Laton Band. The band’s namesake frontwoman is one of Boone’s hardestworking musicians, a star on the rise with her name adorning lineup posters at venues and festivals all across the region. Raised on a mix of 50s jukebox rock and 90s country, Laton grew up singing in church – and one thing about those Southern church girls is they know how to sang (‘a’ intended). When you draw upon this musical background and experiences growing up in rural NC – then pair that with a little bit of grit and a whole lot of passion –what you’ve got is the recipe for great songs. If you haven’t heard Pressley Laton play yet (seriously, you’re missing out – climb out from underneath that rock), here’s what you can expect when her band takes to the stage: powerhouse vocals, electrifying instrumental solos, and a solid blend of dressed-up covers and hard-hitting originals.
JOSLYN & THE SWEET COMPRESSION
ECRS Stage at South Depot — 7 p.m. — June 20
Joslyn & The Sweet Compression are no strangers to the High Country, having performed at venues across the area – most recently at a dynamite show at Boone Saloon back in January. In this region, it’s hard to find a group funkier than this band, with soulful vocals, electrifying riffs, and hook-filled compositions that hit in just the right way. Couple that with a scintillating on-stage swagger, and you’ve got all the right ingredients for a soul-stirring and dance-inducing performance.
NEW ORLEANS SUSPECTS
ECRS Stage at South Depot — 8:30 p.m. — June 20
Since 2009, the New Orleans Suspects have been lighting up stages from Louisiana dance halls, and the city’s namesake Jazz & Heritage Festival to lounges, theaters, and crawfish boils all across the U.S. With a musical style that is as diverse as the heritage of the place they call home, the New Orleans Suspects bring a just-right blend of blues, jazz, rock, and funk. The Suspects include a slate of some of the most experienced and esteemed musicians – Eddie
Christmas on drums, Eric Vogel on bass, CR Gruver on keys, Brad Walker on saxophone, and Jake Eckert on guitar. Eckert is a Grammy Award-winning engineer and producer who is also an alum of App State’s Music Industry Studies program and was a linchpin of the Boone music scene in the 1990s (think back to the legendary venue that was Klondike Café). And now, it’s time for his full-circle moment.
BATTLE OF THE BANDS
Mast General Store Stage at North Depot — June 20
Noah Daniel & The Naked Cowboys (1 p.m.), Lucille Klement 2:15 p.m.), Greylan Hall and The Nasty Kings (3:30 p.m.), and The Weasels (4:45 p.m.) each won their respective battles during the inaugural Boonerang Battle of the Bands that took place in the months leading up to the festival.
SKA CITY
ECRS Stage at South Depot — 11 a.m. — June 21 Ska City is everything you would expect from a genuine ska band and more! A stacked horns section – check. Powerhouse vocals – you got it. Infectious classic and original ska tunes – absolutely. A highenergy performance – you better believe it. A party atmosphere worthy of Boonerang – 100%. Drawing upon over six decades of inspiration, Ska City blends the best of rocksteady, dancehall, two-tone, punk, and oldies music for the best ska sound around. Ska City is a nine-piece collective that performs in venues across the Southeast.
ADAM CHURCH
ECRS Stage at South Depot — 1 p.m. — June 21
Born and raised in Watauga County and now bringing up a family of his own here, Adam Church has been an integral part of the musical fabric of the community for years and years. Since his time in college at App State when he worked at K-Mart and played his first official gig at Murphy’s, up until the past few years where, he’s built his following and performed in front of sold-out crowds at venues that include the Appalachian Theatre and Kidd Brewer Stadium, Church has steeped his life in country music, writing songs that come from experience and making music that comes from the heart. Here in Boone, nobody has made a name for themselves in quite the same way that Adam Church has. And while some may be making it big in Nashville, Church knows that the place he belongs is right here on the mountain, doing what he loves in the place he loves. It’s high time this local music celebrity lights up the Boonerang stage to perform in front of a hometown crowd.
BIG DADDY LOVE
ECRS Stage at South Depot — 3 p.m. — June 21
Although this four-member band is based in the NC Triad, Big Daddy Love has deep connections
to the area, with members who call the NC High Country home and regularly perform in the surrounding Blue Ridge. BDL has spent the greater part of 15 years developing their signature sound around what they aptly describe as “Appalachian Rock” – a blend of classic rock, mountain bluegrass, and southern soul. With jam-heavy melodies and perfectly rough-around-the-edges vocals, BDL is a fan favorite with a truly loyal following in regional venues of all sorts, from hole-in-the-wall dive bars to crowded 20,000-seat arenas and from intimate listening rooms to prominent festivals, the likes of which include Bristol Rhythm & Roots and FloydFest.
TRIBAL GOLD
ECRS Stage at South Depot — 5 p.m. — June 21 Prepare yourself for a truly cultural experience, as Tribal Gold showcases the vibrant Mardi Gras Indian tradition to Boone. Led by Big Chief Juan Pardo & the Golden Comanche, Tribal Gold blurs musical boundaries while preserving an important part of their regional heritage. Backed up by the New Orleans Suspects, including Boonie Jake Eckert on guitar (more on these guys coming later), Tribal Gold brings Mardis Gras Indian rhythm, chant, dance, and revelry to each performance. Expect a Mardi Gras-meets-mountains festival atmosphere and be ready to party like Bourbon Street has been brought to Boonerang! Also, be sure to join members from Tribal Gold at the Appalachian Theatre on Saturday afternoon for an interactive discussion about the Mardi Gras Indian tradition.
ELECTRO LUST
ECRS Stage at South Depot — 7 p.m. — June 21
Asheville-based Electro Lust is composed of an all-star lineup of Grammy Award-winning artists from some of the region’s most popular bands, including Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band, Empire Strikes Brass, Marcus King Band, and The Fritz. The band’s 2025 tour has shows slated from Key West to West Virginia, but don’t get caught up in the geography; their shows elicit vibes from the hottest nightclubs in Havana to the vibrant favelas of Rio. All the elements come together perfectly
for an unmatched musical experience – the funky bass rhythms, the robust horn ensemble, the frantic distorted runs on the keys, and the Afro-Latin beats, all mashed up with matching patterned tracksuits (and an occasional feather boa), and mind-blowing on-stage energy. This is one of those bands that never has to tell a crowd to get on their feet because, trust us, they’re already there.
RAKISH
Jones House Stage Presented by Allen Wealth Management — 11:30 a.m. — June 21
Rooted in tradition with an ear toward the future, contemporary folk duo Rakish embodies earnest musical exploration and demonstrates an infectious playfulness on stage. It is evident the two friends share an unbridled love for the traditional sounds of Celtic and American music and the tight ensemble of a group with years of collaboration under their belt. Known for her toneful and awardwinning fiddle playing in the Celtic music world, Maura Shawn Scanlin grew up in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina. Maura is a 2-time U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Champion and a winner of the Glenfiddich Fiddle Competition in Scotland. Her clawhammer banjo playing and songwriting, also featured in the duo, hold the regional music of her homeland close. Steeped in the Irish music communities of Washington D.C. and Baltimore, MD, where he was raised, acclaimed guitarist Conor Hearn developed a keen interest in literary theory and poetry, a unique well of material from which he draws unending musical inspiration. His settings of modernist poems, like James Joyce’s Chamber Music, epitomize the duo’s approach: the dexterous alchemy of the old and the new into something wholly Rakish BARRETT
Jones House Stage Presented by Allen Wealth Management — 1:30 p.m. — June 21
Barrett Conner, who goes by his stripped-down stage name barrett, is a guy born, raised, and pursuing his passion right here in the High Country. His upbringing and these beautiful mountains
PHOTO COURTESY BOONERANG
Boonerang bands bring out large crowds at the various stages in downtown Boone.
have served as a source of inspiration for his music; his life experiences have transformed him into an exceptional songwriter with a talent that belies his youth. For the past couple of years, barrett has been going at it full force – creating music, traveling for gigs, and making memories. An App State grad with a degree in Architecture, barrett knows how to intricately construct songs that live rent-free in your head for weeks. His lyrics connect to your journey; his voice connects to your emotions – as if he speaks right to your soul.
LARRY & JOE
Jones House Stage Presented by Allen Wealth Management — 3:30 p.m. — June 21
A duo born out of the pandemic, Larry Bellorín and Joe Troop are a pair that were destined to make music together. The duo is certainly not new to the area, as Larry & Joe have visited venues across the High Country, including performing at the Appalachian Theatre and jamming with kids at the Jones House. Both are talented multiinstrumentalists who blend Venezuelan and Appalachian folk music. Whether it’s a banjo and a harp or maracas and an upright bass, the fusion of styles is often unexpected but always entertaining.
THE BURNETT SISTERS BAND
Jones House Stage Presented by Allen Wealth Management — 5:30 p.m. — June 21
Bluegrass and old-time music at its absolute best – that’s what you can always look forward to from The Burnett Sisters Band. Siblings Anissa, Sophia, and Anneli are each brilliant multi-instrumentalists who grew up playing together and have developed a distinct on-stage rapport that carries through each performance. Joined by supporting talent, including Geary Allen all the way from London, England, TBSB has a diverse repertoire that embraces bluegrass, classic country, swing, and gospel – all rooted in traditional music. TBSB has carved out its place in the regional music scene – releasing critically acclaimed albums and charted singles, racking up radio play time, individually dominating the competition circuit, and gracing some of the grandest stages and venues, regionally and internationally.
WILL WILLIS
Mast General Store Stage at North Depot — 12 p.m. — June 21
With the skills of a woodworker, the heart of a wanderer, and the soul of the storyteller, music became a creative outlet for Willis, especially since he put out his roots here in the High Country. Leaning into the American Folk and Roots Rock traditions, Willis writes songs that touch on deep existential themes – relationships, addiction, coming of age – but with an unrelenting optimism. Willis plays gigs throughout the NC mountains and Piedmont, with a good helping of hometown shows, each one showcasing a different facet of his style.
KATTAGAST’S LEOPARD LOUNGE
Mast General Store Stage at North Depot — 2 p.m. — June 21
Think about those vintage lounges of days gone by with swanky décor, eclectic animal prints, dazzling rhinestones, and plush velvets and leathers. Now that you’ve got that image in your head, look over towards the band that’s playing there between the dimly lit bar and oversized plastic plant – that’s Kattagast’s Leopard Lounge. This group oh-so-perfectly captures that throwback feeling with sweet harmonies, bluesy instrumentals, and an on-stage panache. But more than just a vibe, the Leopard Lounge is a group of skilled Boone-area musicians who know a thing or two about putting on a good show. Fronted by Kat Chaffin, who has a hand in so many aspects of the Boone music scene, Kattagast’s Leopard Lounge has left its mark at downtown venues – most recently a lit 2-set performance at Boone Saloon.
NEW DAWN STARKESTRA
Mast General Store Stage at North Depot — 4 p.m. — June 21
This band may be relatively new on the scene, but it’s comprised of four of the most skilled musicians and vocalists in the region. New Dawn Starkestra is truly a Western NC supergroup with a who’s who of talent that includes rock powerhouse Jeff Sipe on drums, dynamic songstress Rebekah Todd on lead vocals, high-flying whiz Isaac Hadden on guitar, and prodigious phenom Quinn Sternberg on bass. With a high-energy, funk-filled style that defies genre, New Dawn Starkestra has quickly announced its arrival, booking venues and festivals across the state – that’s why Boonerang was eager to get this group on the roster. Festival audiences should come ready for mind-blowing instrumental solos, out-of-this-world vocal runs, and gravity-defying hair whips.
DREW
FOUST & THE WHEELHOUSE
Mast General Store Stage at North Depot — 6 p.m. — June 21
Bringing together some of the best musicians that central NC has to offer, Drew Foust & The Wheelhouse peddle their signature “southern soul n’ roll” – a sound that draws upon Memphis blues and Southern rock with a distinctly Carolina zing. With a pair of full-length albums and noteworthy performances at FloydFest and Shakori Hills Festival, this group has made a name for itself in the regional music scene. Likewise, Drew Foust is certainly no stranger to the Boone area, having regularly performed with locally based Carolina Ramble Productions and played shows at popular venues like Boone Saloon and The Cardinal.
LISA FRANK
Possible Stage — 12 p.m. — June 21
If you’re a child of the 90s, then you’re all too familiar with the cultural phenomenon that was (and still is) Lisa Frank, with all the rainbow neon colors and friendly anthropomorphized characters that adorned everything from trapper keepers and backpacks (then) to Crocs and phone cases (now). Well, the eponymous named Lisa Frank captures this nostalgic kitsch vibe in such a perfect way. Think about those new-wave/post-punk/art-pop groups from the 80s and 90s (names like The B-52s and The
Go-Go’s come to mind) and add a little small-towncoffee-shop-rock – and you’ve got Lisa Frank. More than a decade ago, this group was one of the hidden gems of Boone, hitting up the circuit at local venues, including Espresso News.
NEW BOSS
Possible Stage — 2 p.m. — June 21
New Boss has been around for the greater part of a decade now, a regular presence in venues from D.C. to N.C. In this time, they’ve released a series of four cassettes – yes, that’s right, cassettes, which is honestly perfect, as their sound hearkens back to an era of 90s indie power pop. If you haven’t heard of the niche subgenre called twee pop, this is your chance to get acquainted. Dreamy, upbeat melodies and flashy guitar licks, and underlying boogie bass, wrapped up with a rowdy rock n’ roll presentation – all of this amounts to an audience-pleasing performance.
REAL COMPANION
Possible Stage — 4 p.m. — June 21
What is a real companion? Yeah, it’s about the time spent together, the connection, the shared experiences. And that’s all good and true, but for the creative soul mates of Seth Sullivan and Derek Wycoff, it’s about more than that. It’s writing and playing songs about growing up without growing old, about living a meaningful life in a senseless world, and about nostalgically looking back while hopefully looking forward. Labels like folk-rock, Southern rock, or even Appalachian rock just don’t capture the smooth, easy-going, dreamy sound of Real Companion. If the term “Boone-rock” could be coined, this band would be as close to embodying that designation as any band could get. These are a pair of guys who are making a living, raising families, and, of course, creating good music right here in Boone.
VERITY DEN
Possible Stage — 6 p.m. — June 21
It can be difficult to describe indie groups like Verity Den. With an improvisational style, Verity Den creates music that flouts definition – with a sound that is at times strident, at other times entrancing; at one moment cacophonous, the next tender. The past couple of years have been a whirlwind for Verity Den – from the formation of the band in 2023 to a debut album in 2024, to a full lineup of gigs from the NC Triangle to New York to Atlanta and plenty of stops in between – including an appearance last year at the popular Hopscotch Music Festival in Raleigh.
RIVER ECKERT
Appalachian Theatre — 1 p.m. — June 21
The son of former Boonie Jack Eckert (of the previously mentioned New Orleans Suspects), River Eckert is a 15-year-old piano player carrying the torch of a proud New Orleans tradition. He began playing piano at the early age of three, and his classical training soon expanded into picking up jazz and blues-style piano. Terms like “prodigy”
and “phenom” are often tossed around when talking about River Eckert – and for good reason. But this virtuoso on the keys needs no qualifiers for his youth, as he has already made a name for himself among the established greats in the New Orleans music scene. And just to be clear, River Eckert is an equally talented vocalist with a smooth, soulful voice that channels the sound of well-known bayou crooners. His latest single, “Painting Pictures,” has just recently dropped on streaming platforms – you’ll be hooked on this feel-good tune from the first slide across the keys.
SILENT FILM WITH JAY BROWN LIVE PIANO
Appalachian Theatre — 3 p.m. — June 21
After moving to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Jay quickly began absorbing the musical traditions of the region – from old-time mountain folk to piedmont blues. Since then, he has established himself as a fixture of the Boone music scene, performing as a founding member of popular local bands, The Appalucians and Lazybirds. A truly versatile artist, Jay Brown played piano alongside a screening of a classic silent Charlie Chaplin film for part of last year’s Boonerang Film Festival. Following a wellreceived presentation, he will return for an encore performance at the Appalachian Theatre. This is one of those things that everyone should experience at least once in their life, and Jay Brown’s live piano accompaniment will not disappoint.
FUNKUPATION
Appalachian Theatre — 8 p.m. — June 21
A collaborative Funk music project based right here in Boone, Funkupation, was started in the summer of 2023 by guitarist Doug James. The core group includes a company of beloved Boonies, with James on guitar, Toma Fuller on keys, Wil Petty on bass, Robert Williams on sax, and Kendrick Davis on drums. Performing about once a month in various Boone venues, Funkupation’s appeal has grown to be showcased now in several local summer series in the High Country, including the lineups at Valle Crucis and Banner Elk.
WILSON RIDGE ROUNDABOUTS
Dance Lot — 11:30 a.m. — June 21
One of the best family acts around, the Wilson Ridge Roundabouts have everything that you’d want from a mountain string band: up-tempo fiddle, driving guitar, and masterful banjo picking – all to some of the best old-time standards. Mama of the group, Julie Shepherd-Powell, is an accomplished musician, flatfoot dancer, anthropologist, and instructor – and it’s evident that her passion for traditional music and dance runs in the family. Whether they’re performing at local joints or dazzling listeners at the Appalachian State Old-Time Fiddlers Convention or the Todd Community Dance, the Wilson Ridge Roundabouts know how to have a foot-stomping good time.
VIRGINIA AND THE SLIMS
Dance Lot — 2 p.m. — June 21
For more than a decade now, Virginia and the Slims have been lighting up stages with their signature jump blues style — a high-energy, uptempo blend of blues, jazz, boogie-woogie, and rhythm and blues that, as the name suggests, that has audiences up on their feet jumping to the music. Add powerhouse vocals, skillful instrumentation, flashy presentation, and a bit of nostalgia, and that’s what makes this band one you don’t want to miss on the Boonerang stage. Whether you’re getting down with a cover of a 50s classic or kicking off your shoes to a dynamic original tune, Virginia and the Slims promises to be a highlight of the festival.
VADEN LANDERS
Dance Lot — 4:30 p.m. — June 21
From the enchanting landscapes of Eastern Tennessee comes the burgeoning talent of Vaden Landers, a 30-year-old artist weaving a tapestry of melodies that harken back to the golden era of country music. Vaden’s journey began as a trainhopping troubadour and street-busker, crafting songs that resonate with the very soul of Americana.
Affectionately dubbed “The Yodeling Country Bluesman,” Vaden has etched his name into the vibrant streets of Asheville, North Carolina. His authenticity shines as a torchbearer of the classic country tradition, infused with a contemporary spark
MARIACHI MONARCAS
International Festival North Depot — 1 p.m. — June 22
Mariachi Monarcas is one of the premier mariachi bands in North Carolina, comprising a group of talented musicians well-versed in the cultural traditions of Mexican mariachi music. Playing a variety of ranchera, bolero, norteña, and folk music, this ensemble brings its trademark energy to each show!
LAS MONTAÑITAS
International Festival North Depot —
3 p.m. — June 22
Las Montañitas is a Western North Carolina Latin dance supergroup that bridges the Andes and the Appalachians. Inspired by the 1960s Chicha Cumbia scene in Peru, this band showcases a psychedelic surf guitar tone, Afro-Colombian dance grooves, and Andean-inspired melodies – all blended with a distinctly Appalachian flair.
ORQUESTA K’CHE
International Festival North Depot — 5 p.m. — June 22
Orquesta K’che is a 12-piece band based in the NC Triangle, with members representing the USA, Venezuela, Cuba, Costa Rica, and Puerto Rico. This all-purpose dance band plays a diverse mix of styles, including Cumbia, Merengue, Bolero, Salsa, and Latin Jazz. We dare you to try to keep your hips still for this performance.
BOONERANG INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL
Schedule, performers and what you need to know
BY ZACH COLBURN
The 2025 Boonerang International Festival culminates on the final day of the four-day music and arts festival, offering plenty for patrons to take in and enjoy.
The international festival will take place on Sunday, June 22, from noon to 7 p.m. and will be held in the parking lot next to Lost Province Brewing Company, located at the intersection of North Depot and Queen Street.
Admission to the event is free and will include the Boonerang International Parade of Nations, which commences the festivities at noon.
The Boonerang International Festival will feature booths from various vendors and nonprofit organizations from the international community, along with food provided by Los Express Tacos y Más.
“We’re going to have a Parade of Nations to kick things off, and we’re going to invite people with all sorts of worldly backgrounds that are connected to the high
country to come and show off the pride of their country,” said Mark Freed.“We hope to have a bunch of flags and people dressed in traditional clothes and some traditional music to be able to share with people. We’ll then go into live music and finish the day with a couple of pinatas (scheduled for around 6:30 p.m.).”
One of the festival’s focal points is the music and dance.
Three bands in particular will highlight the festival, starting with the Mariachi Monarcas at 1 p.m. on Sunday. Slated as one of the premier mariachi bands in the state, Mariachi Monarcas is a group of musicians well-versed in the cultural traditions of Mexican mariachi music. They play a variety of ranchera, bolero, norteña and folk music.
The Las Montañitas band will follow them at 3 p.m., and the Latin dance supergroup, based out of Asheville, bridges the Andes and the Appalachians. Inspired by the 1960s Chicha Cumbia scene in Peru,
the band showcases psychedelic surf guitar tone, Afro-Colombian dance grooves, and Andean-inspired melodies blended together with a distinct Appalachian Flair. Orquesta K’che — a 12-piece band based in the NC Triangle — is composed of
members representing the USA, Venezuela, Cuba, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico. This all-purpose dance band plays a diverse mix of styles, including Cumbia, Merengue, Bolero, Salsa, and Latin Jazz.
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PHOTO COURTESY BOONERANG
Mariachi Monarcas (1 p.m.), Las Montañitas (3 p.m.) and Orquesta K’Che (5 p.m.) will perform at Boonerang International.
PHOTO COURTESY BOONERANG
The popular local dance group, Las Rosas y El Clavel, will perform at Boonerang International.
In addition to the musical performances, there will be dance performances from Las Rosas y El Clavel and Latin Dance Boone. The Boonerang International Festival is presented in conjunction with Q’Pasa Appalachia and Immigrant Connection of the High Country. For more on the International Festival, visit www.boonerangfest.com/ international
by Gerardo Atilano (Jerry)
by Colin Fields
by Braden Long
by Christopher Doniaz (Atom) pher (At
Matthew Wood
OTHER HAPPENINGS AT BOONERANG
While Boonerang is packed full of great music and plenty of vendors, make sure to check out some of the other events happening in and around the festival while you’re in Boone.
THURSDAY, JUNE 19:
• Boone’s Got Talent – 7:30 p.m. start – Appalachian Theatre (doors open at 7:00 p.m.). $10/adults; $5/students. Tickets and info at www.apptheatre.org
• Roots in the Garden Concert – 6 to 8 p.m. – Daniel Boone Native Gardens – FREE – Featuring Ashley Heath and Her Heathens
• Doomerang – 9 p.m. start – Lily’s Snack Bar - $12 –Featuring A More Beautiful Version of You / Fliora / Lucky Feeling / Peace and Quiet / Doshin the Giant / Anywhere Else / Undermined
