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Entertainment

2022 Avery County A&H Fair Runs Wednesday, September 7 through Saturday, September 10 at Newland’s Heritage Park

August 8, 2022 It’s almost time for one of Avery County and the High Country’s most anticipated yearly events– the Avery County Agricultural and Horticultural (A & H) Fair. Thanks to the collaboration of the Avery County Government and the community members who volunteer to operate it, this year’s Avery A&H Fair will run from Wednesday, September 7 through Saturday, September 10.  It will be the fourth year that it will be hosted on the Heritage Park property since the completion of the county’s agriculture building on the site. Heritage Park is located at 661 Vale Road in Newland, which is approximately one-half mile behind the Ingles Markets Grocery Store. By Tim Gardner

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“Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!” – “Mary Poppins” Descends in Boone on Saturday, August 6 as the Disney Classic is part of Free Family Film Series at App Theatre

July 26, 2022 High Country audiences will soon be singing “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” when everyone’s favorite nanny descends in Boone as part of the inaugural Saturday Morning Family Film Series at the historic Appalachian Theatre. Due to a generous sponsorship by Allen Wealth Management, “Mary Poppins” is being offered free of charge to the general public at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 6, 2022. The film follows the upcoming screening of “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” the prior week on Saturday, July 30.

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Mountain Home Music is pleased to be returning to the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country for three programs

July 26, 2022 Mountain Home Music is pleased to announce a series of concerts highlighting North Carolina Appalachian tradition bearers, at the beautifully restored Appalachian Theatre of the High Country. First up, prepare for an evening of non-stop entertainment and goosebumps with Laura Boosinger and Josh Goforth joined by storyteller, Orville Hicks on Saturday, July 30. This program of music and mountain folklore, featuring award-winning Western North Carolina natives, is not to be missed!

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High Country Crank-Up Makes Unexpected Move to Fairgrounds For This Weekend’s Event

July 26, 2022 The Carolina Flywheelers’ 42nd Annual High Country Crank-Up is just hours away, and the show will go on as scheduled — July 28-30 — but in a new location, said President A.J. Miller. The event, usually held on Hwy. 421 across from Laurel Springs Baptist Church in Deep Gap, will take place at the fairgrounds on Roby Greene Road in Boone, just a short distance from the former site. The change was made following an unexpected notice that the Brown property would not be available for the crank-up this year, Miller said, so the organization jumped into action and secured the new location “just in time.” By Sherrie Norris

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“CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG” Set for Saturday, July 30 as part of Free Family Film Series at Appalachian Theatre

July 20, 2022 The much-loved movie musical “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” is the next offering on the inaugural Saturday Morning Family Film Series at the historic Appalachian Theatre of the High Country, the King Street landmark in downtown Boone. Due to a generous sponsorship by Allen Wealth Management, the film is being offered free of charge to the general public at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 30, 2022.
“Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” is the third of six family-friendly movie classics being screened during the summer months on select Saturday mornings from now through August 27. This is the first time the film will be shown at the venue since its App Theatre debut 53 years ago. The movie runs two hours and twenty-four minutes in duration.

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Community Invited to Deep Gap Ruritan’s 30th Anniversary Celebration Sunday, July 24

July 19, 2022 Deep Gap Ruritan will celebrate is 30th anniversary with food, door prizes, games, a silent auction and much more on Sunday, July 24, from 2 – 4 p.m. at Deep Gap Fire Department. The community is invited to attend the family-friendly event which marks an incredible milestone, said club President, Leslie Gentry. “For 30 years, this club has done so much for the community of Deep Gap and we want to take this opportunity to welcome our friends and neighbors in for a time of fun and fellowship. We also want to give everyone a chance to learn more about Ruritan and why we do the things we do. If any individual, couple or business is  interested in joining a dedicated community club, this would be the perfect time to inquire about membership.” Special guests at the upcoming event, Gentry will include current Ruritan National President, Glen Broadwater, along with former President Calvin Shelton and current National Director Patsy Shelton. Other district cabinet representatives are expected to attend, as well as those from neighboring/ district clubs and recipients of the club’s assistance through the years, including scholarship winners. By Sherrie Norris

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Prepare for Takeoff: Tweetsie Railroad Welcomes Back Famous Frisbee Dog Performers – K9s In Flight, July 23-25 and 28-31

July 13, 2022 Blowing Rock, N.C. – The K-9s In Flight Frisbee dogs are returning to Tweetsie Railroad this season to amaze and entertain guests with their flips and tricks. The highflying pups will be at Tweetsie Railroad July 23-25 and 28-31. “This talented team of trainers and dogs is a fan favorite, and for good reason,” said Cathy Robbins of Tweetsie Railroad. “They perform around the country at events and on television, and we’re honored to partner with them for another season of frisbee flying fun.”

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Joe Shannon’s Mountain Home Music Announces July Concerts Starting July 17th

July 13, 2022 We can hardly wait for our first show of the year at the beautifully restored, Appalachian Theatre of the High Country featuring Laura Boosinger & Josh Goforth with Orville Hicks on Saturday, July 30 at 7:30 PM!But wait we must because we have two other great programs before then! (But you don’t have to wait – tickets are on sale now). We are thrilled once again, to be partnering with the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum and the Watauga Arts Council to bring you, Concerts in the Gardens in the absolutely stunning Daniel Boone Native Gardens! We hope you will make plans to join us on Thursday, July 17 from 4 – 6PM for the Todd Wright Quartet

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High Country Cloggers Are High Stepping It to the Nation’s Capital For July 4th Parade

June 28, 2022 In March, they were performing at the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland, known as one of the largest, if not the largest, events of its kind in the world. In just a few days, cloggers representing High Country Dance Studio in Boone will be reaching another incredible milestone as they travel to Washington DC to perform in the 2022 National Independence Day Parade. What better place and time to celebrate America’s birthday than in the nation’s capital? The dancers are so excited, said Vanessa Minton, who along with her daughter, Amber Hendley, continue to lead this troupe to greater heights than ever before. By Sherrie Norris

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Highland Echoes Music & Dance Company Performs its Full-Length Stage Show “Highland Echoes” at the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country July 7-10 as part of the Highland Games

June 20, 2022. Residents and visitors in the Watauga County area have the chance to witness a music and dance spectacle like none other when the international Highland Echoes Music & Dance Company performs its full-length stage show “Highland Echoes” at the Appalachian theater of the High Country this July. The Highland Echoes show features 26 of the world’s best Highland Dancers and Celtic musicians. Dance director Sandra Gribbin and producer Jennifer Licko are incredibly proud to have realized the vision of showcasing highland dance and music in a contemporary fashion. Our goal is to reach today’s audience by connecting them to their story rooted in North America’s rich Scottish heritage.

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Watauga Arts Council Invites Folks to Discover the Arts at Boonerang Music & Arts Festival!

June 14, 2022. In just under three days, the inaugural Boonerang Music & Arts Festival will kick-off in Downtown Boone on Friday, June 17 and Saturday, June 18. In connection with Boone’s 150th anniversary, Boonerang helps to feature musicians and artists who live here or who have roots in the High Country. As part of their mission to support and facilitate arts initiatives in the High Country, the Watauga Arts Council is partnering with the Jones House Cultural and Community Center, the Town of Boone, Tourism and Development, and the Downtown Boone Development Association, and more, to host this celebration of our rich cultural heritage.

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BOONE! Blue Ridge Community Theatre Produces Original Play For Boone 150 to Premiere June 24th and 25th

June 12, 2022. Blue Ridge Community Theatre (BRCT), the area’s oldest community theatre organization, is producing a “once in 150 years” theatrical event as a gift to our unique town. Happy Birthday, Boone!  takes a multimedia approach to telling Boone’s story, past and present. This celebration combines live performance, music, and video with actors from three generations to honor our town with both humor and reverence. The show is created and directed by Ms. Trimella Chaney, Boone’s beloved high school theatre teacher of 30 years, and is being staged in conjunction with the Boone 150 Celebration, commemorating the sesquicentennial founding of the Town of Boone, North Carolina. Performances take place at 7:30 p.m. on June 24 and 25 at the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country.

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Joe Shannon’s Mountain Home Music is Pleased to Announce the Return of our Matinee Series

June 9, 2022. Performers are booked for our 2022 Matinee concerts to be held on the second Tuesday of each month from June through October, from 2 – 3:15 PM. All programs are held in comfortable indoor settings, are easily accessible for folks of all ages and abilities and have ample parking. As in years past, these programs are free to attend with a suggested donation of $10 following the program. 
Founded by Joe Shannon, this concert series is in its 29th year. Its mission is to honor the songs, stories, and dance of the Appalachian culture and to provide comfortable venues for both musicians and audiences.

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Whosoever Will May Come — One Last Time; Singing on the Mountain’s  96 Year Tradition Ends Sunday, June 26 

June 6, 2022 Sunday, June 26, will mark not only the 96th  year of Singing on the Mountain in Linville,  but it also signals the end of the annual gathering, known as the longest-held event of its kind in the area, and possibly the state and nation. The announcement was made in January that this would, indeed, be the last year for the singing. The news was met with a wide range of reactions — from sadness, to disbelief to reluctant acceptance and understanding that all good things must come to an end, eventually. In a statement prepared by the SOTM board of directors, it was announced that the all-day, free gathering of gospel singing and fellowship was coming to an end. By Sherrie Norris

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Food Truck Festival Kicks Off Sugar Mountain Resort’s Summer Season Memorial Day Weekend Along with Chair Lift Rides and Music

May 26, 2022. Food Truck Festival goers will have the chance to eat to their heart’s content, slope side from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m., Saturday, May 30 kicking off Sugar’s summer season. Those purchasing from a food truck receive a one-time, round-trip ride on the Summit Express chairlift for a reduced rate of $10. The Bad Kenny Band will perform on the deck at the base lodge from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Friday, May 27 through Monday, May 30 scenic chairlift rides aboard the Summit Express will be available and the bike park will be open. In addition to the four-day Memorial Day weekend, the bike park and the Summit Express and Easy Street chairlifts will operate Fridays through Sundays from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., July 1 until September 5. Mountain bike tours and lessons will be available each weekend. A summer season pass will provide unlimited use of the bike park and rides on the Summit Express and Easy Street chairlifts during the summer schedule and are offered for purchase online, in-person, or by calling 828-898-4521. Full-day and half-day tickets will be available for purchase on site.

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Clay for Community Pottery Sale Fundraiser on June 4; Proceeds to Help Feeding Avery Families

May 18, 2022. The Clay for Community Pottery Sale will be held Saturday, June 4, 2022, at Linville River Pottery studio. This fundraiser will donate 75% of all proceeds to Feeding Avery Families, a non-profit Christian organization in Avery County dedicated to eliminating hunger through a variety of programs. Located near the Linville Land Harbor community, Patti Connor-Greene and husband Dan Greene will have new pottery fresh from the kiln, as well as longtime favorites and sale pots. Browse a variety of handmade mugs, bowls, vases, dreamscapes, earthscapes and woodland series. According to Patti, “Dan and I are glad to be able to give back to our community, lending our hands in support of the meaningful work of Feeding Avery Families.

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Ensemble Stage Brings Four Premieres to Hahn Auditorium this Summer for its 13th Season

May 17, 2022. For its 13th summer season, Ensemble Stage brings four premieres to Hahn Auditorium at the Historic Banner Elk School. The professional theater company performs a world premiere, an international premiere and two regional premieres. In addition to four Main Stage shows, Ensemble Stage puts on interactive kids’ shows June 11 and 18, and July 9 and 30. “The Hitchcock Radio Hour,” which includes two staged radio plays, runs October 28-29. And the beloved holiday tradition “A Banner Elk Christmas 4” returns Dec. 2-18.

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“I Draw Slow” Takes the Stage at the Appalachian Theatre; Popular Irish Folk Music and Storytelling Quintet Debuts on June 3  

May 16, 2022. Touring the United States from Dublin, Ireland, the popular quintet “I Draw Slow” makes their debut performance at the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, June 3 with energy that is “truly infectious.” I Draw Slow coaxes the past into the present with original songs that draw from the best of Irish storytelling and American folk music with close-harmony vocals and intriguing instrumentation. Established as perennial festival favorites, they have danced their way across the stages of MerleFest, Pickathon, Wintergrass, RockyGrass, and Grey Fox, in addition to numerous appearances on radio shows, including the syndicated “Mountain Stage.”

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Willie Watson to Perform at App Theatre on Thursday, June 16; Debut Concert is First Event on Mast Store Americana Music Series

May 10, 2022. Fresh from his celebrated appearance at Merlefest, popular folksinger Willie Watson, co-founder of the Old Crow Medicine Show, will make his long-awaited debut at the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country (ATHC) at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 16 as a prelude to the Boonerang Music and Arts Festival that weekend. Tickets go on sale to the public at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 10 at an “early bird” price of $10 per seat, and rising to $15 per ticket on May 12, 2022.

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Mountain Home Music and the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum, in Partnership with the Watauga Arts Council are Pleased to Announce the Inaugural Season of Concerts in the Gardens

May 10, 2022. Mountain Home Music and the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (BRAHM) are pleased to announce a series of concerts in the Daniel Boone Native Gardens, in partnership with the Watauga Arts Council Mountain Home Music and the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (BRAHM) are pleased to announce a series of concerts in the Daniel Boone Native Gardens, in partnership with the Watauga Arts Council. Concerts in the Garden will run from 4 PM – 6 PM. Gates will open at 3 PM to allow time to enjoy the garden and shop. Each program will feature local art & craft vendors curated by the Watauga Arts Council along with beer, wine, food offerings, walking tours, garden history, and live music. Tickets are $10 for Mountain Home Music and BRAHM members, children under 13, and $15 for the public and are available via blowingrockmuseum.org. Patrons should bring a blanket or folding chair.

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MerleFest 2022 Is Officially One Week Away; Late Night Jam Lineup Announced, Performance Schedule Available Now

April 19, 2022. MerleFest organizers and patrons have been counting down the days for the world-famous festival’s return to its usual Spring weekend. Some fans’ annual pilgrimages to MerleFest are already underway, and the Wilkes Community College campus is abuzz with festival staff excitedly readying the festival to take place just one week from now—April 28th through May 1st. Today, MerleFest, presented by Window World, announced the lineup for the fan-favorite Late Night Jam. The Waybacks, Jim Lauderdale, Allison Russell, Kaia Kater, Donna The Buffalo, Kruger Brothers, and Caleb Caudle will join jam hosts Hogslop String Band to explore the theme of this year’s jam: “The Times They Are A-Changin’ – Songs from the 60’s and 70’s Folk-Rock Revolution.

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 The 38th Season of An Appalachian Summer Festival Is Announced; Tickets on Sale May 2

April 19, 2022. Appalachian State University’s annual summer arts event, An Appalachian Summer Festival proudly celebrates its 38th season July 1-30, 2022. This monthlong whirlwind features the best in music, dance, theatre, visual arts, and film programming and is one of the nation’s leading regional arts festivals, attracting an audience of 28,000, including thousands of visitors to the High Country each summer. Tickets go on sale Monday, May 2 at 10am.To purchase tickets or for more information, including videos and images, visit www.appsummer.org or call the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts box office at 828-262-4046.

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“Light On The Mountain” Will Celebrate History and Heritage of Three Forks Baptist Church and Association, April 25 at Watauga High School

April 7, 2022 History, heritage and bluegrass gospel music is expected to draw hundreds to the Watauga High School auditorium at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, April 25, as Three Forks Baptist Association hosts its semi-annual (Spring) meeting. The free public event, billed as “Light On The Mountain —Celebrating God’s Blessings Since 1790,” will bring to the area as special guest speaker Phil Neighbors, founder and longtime pastor of Valley Baptist Church in Bakersfield, Ca., who has strong ties to the area. Neighbors will be joined by Chosen Road, a nationally renowned Appalachian worship and bluegrass group. By Sherrie Norris

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Inaugural High Country Jazz Festival Launches June 8 – 12; Delfeayo Marsalis, NY Voices, and Stephen Gordon Headline Events


April 4, 2022. (ATHC), Boone Sunrise Rotary and the Jazz Studies Program at Appalachian State University proudly announce the inaugural High Country Jazz Festival with nearly a dozen free and ticketed events at ten different locations in Boone and Blowing Rock from June 8 through 12, 2022. Tickets go on sale to the public at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 7. take place in the newly-renovated Appalachian Theatre with the Stephen Gordon Trio performing outdoors under a tent at the Chetola Resort. Additional festival affiliated events will be hosted by the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum, Casa Rustica, High Country Jazz Society, Lost Province, Ransom Pub, and the Town of Boone. The events include outdoor concerts, late night jams, jazz lunches, and a popular jazz-themed film.

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