An Appalachian Summer Festival

An Appalachian Summer Festival in Boone brings performers including John Pizzarelli and Dr. Ralph Stanley to North Carolina’s High Country through July 30. The annual festival highlights a diverse mix of music, dance, theater, film and visual artists. Presented by the Appalachian State University Office of Arts & Cultural Programs, the festival typically attracts 26,000 visitors from North Carolina and neighboring states and from as far away as New York and New England.

“Visitors to the festival can enjoy world-class programming by artists whose names are familiar to them, but can also broaden and deepen their perspective on the arts by experiencing artists—and art forms—that are new and perhaps challenging to them,” says Denise Ringler, director, Office of Arts & Cultural Programs, Appalachian State University. “The festival now has an audience for contemporary dance. Ballet lovers have broadened their definition of dance from point shoes and tutus to more contemporary and avant-garde forms of dance. People have really stretched their boundaries.”

The month-long schedule also includes art workshops and lectures, family events and a series encompassing art films, international offerings and award-winning selections from the Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival.

Bill Barbour, a 61-year-old festival volunteer overseeing a group of ushers says past performers have included a variety of “throw-back acts” including popular 1950s vocal group the Platters to country singer Willie Nelson. This year the Grammy-award winning jazz-rock fusion band Blood, Sweat and Tears will perform.

“There’s something for everybody,” he says. “The fact that a town this size presents world class acts is pretty special. It’s a chance to meet and catch up with all of my friends.”

Volunteer Ruth Williams has attended the festival since it began 26 years ago. Now age 77, she appreciates the affordability, with tickets for most performances priced below $30. “I love that we can get big name stars from Broadway and all over the country to perform,” she says. “You come away with a happy feeling.”

For more information or to order tickets, visit their website or call (800) 841-2787 or (828) 262-4046.