Music Archives

Irish Band ‘Four Leaf Peat’ to conclude Summer Concert Series at St. John’s – Celtic Music Quartet Performs at 5 p.m. on Sunday, September 4th

August 29, 2022 “Tennessee’s Premier Traditional Irish Band,” Four Leaf Peat from Knoxville in the Volunteer State, will make their highly-anticipated return engagement to the High Country as part of the Summer Concert Series at historic St. John’s Church in Valle Crucis at 5 p.m. on Sunday, September 4, 2022. It will mark their first performance since they dazzled a standing-room-only audience in 2018.

August 24, 2022 The Town of Boone will offer group music lessons this fall through the Boone Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) program. The fall semester will begin the week of September 13 and 15, with weekly classes held on Tuesday or Thursday afternoons at the Jones House. Classes consist of 3-6 students, and instruction is available for beginner and beginner-plus level students in banjo, fiddle, guitar, mandolin, and ukulele.

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!

July 25, 2022. The popular Summer Concert Series at historic St. John’s Church in Valle Crucis continues in early August with a performance by the Raleigh Flute Choir. The highly-acclaimed chamber music ensemble, based in the Research Triangle region of North Carolina, will be marking their debut performance on the concert series.
The eight member ensemble graces the chancel at St. John’s at 5 p.m. on Sunday, August 7, 2022. It will be their farewell concert immediately prior to the group’s departure for Chicagowhere they will be performing at the National Flute Association’s Annual Convention.

July 6, 2022 West Jefferson’s Ashe Civic Center will come to life when singer, songwriter, and musician Clint Roberts takes the stage on Saturday, July 9. Roberts hails from Asheville, and his combination of Folk, Americana, and Roots-rock music will have something for everyone to enjoy. Roberts was born and raised in Brevard and went to school at App State for an extensive time before moving to Asheville. “This is my first show coming back to the App State area. I know it’s Ashe County, but it’s my first time coming back to West Jefferson, and it’s great to come back,” Roberts said. “It’s been a long time since I have come to the High Country of Western North Carolina. I wanted to come back because there’s a sense of home with it being my college town. I spent some time in West Jefferson myself, and I think it’s really beautiful there. I figured it’s about that time to start going back to where a lot of my musical roots came from.” By Harley Nefe

June 24, 2022 One week ago, on June 17-18, the streets of downtown Boone came alive with thousands of people enjoying performances and activities at the inaugural Boonerang Music & Arts Festival. Presented by the Town of Boone and supporting partners after many months of planning, the free event was deemed a huge success by musicians, art vendors, festival staff and attendees alike. “The inaugural Boonerang Music & Arts Festival was a resounding success,” said Mark Freed, director of cultural resources for the Town of Boone. “Our community came together in every way – from the staff and presenting partners to the amazing volunteer crew; from the production companies, artists and organizations; and of course to all of the people for showing up and having a great time.” By Harley Nefe

May 23, 2022. Local music legends the King Bees will lead a pair of free Thursday evening Blues Jams at the Jones House to help usher in the unofficial start of summer. On May 26 and June 2 from 7 to 9 p.m., Rob “Hound Dog” Baskerville and Penny “Queen Bee” Zamagni of the King Bees will bring their signature soulful sound to host local blues enthusiasts in two special blues-style jam sessions at the Jones House. All acoustic instrumentalists with a knowledge of basic chords are invited to participate. “This is a great opportunity for musicians to interact with like minded individuals and to gain the skills necessary to play alongside others in a ‘jam’ format,” says Town of Boone Cultural Resources Coordinator Brandon Holder. “Blues is one of the most common genres for a jam and a great style of music for beginner-level musicians.”

March 3, 2022 The free event will feature performances and activities throughout the day at multiple downtown locations, including a street stage on South Depot Street.

March 2, 2022 The sounds of laughter, chatter and toe-tapping good music flowed through the walls of the Jones House in Boone Saturday evening as Kyle Petty visited the High Country to perform two shows as part of the Indoor Concert Series. “We had a great evening,” said Brandon Holder, Town of Boone Cultural Resources staff. “We greatly enjoyed having Kyle and his wife, Morgan, here. They are incredibly nice people, and it was a pleasure for our staff to host them.” By Harley Nefe

January 19, 2022 FloydFest once-again was named ‘Best Overall Music Festival’ by thousands of readers in Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine’s 2022 ‘Best of the Blue Ridge Awards,’ the most celebrated outdoor awards in the Southeast. FloydFest also received runner-up honors for ‘Best Family Friendly Festival.’

February 14, 2022 Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines! The 2022 Jones House Indoor Concert Series will be revving up when NASCAR icon Kyle Petty comes to Boone to perform on Saturday, February 26. This musical event wasn’t the first time Petty was scheduled to come to the High Country. “Kyle was supposed to come here in the spring of 2020,” explained Brandon Holder, Town of Boone Cultural Resources staff. “He was going to do a concert here, but he was also going to be the grand marshal for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which got canceled unfortunately, so we’re super happy to be able to reschedule him.” In less than two weeks from now, Petty is coming to Boone, and he’s pretty thrilled to be able to put on a show at the Jones House. “I was excited about coming to Boone the last time because they were going to let me be the grand marshal at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and then Covid hit. So, that kind of stopped the world in a lot of ways,” Petty said. “I was looking forward to coming to Boone riding in a convertible. That was going to be fun, but playing at the Jones House? I’m really excited about that!” By Harley Nefe

January 26, 2022 The Community Music School (CMS) at Appalachian State University is beginning another semester of exciting music programs in Boone and Hudson this Spring under the leadership of the new Director, Lisl Doughton. Activities are available for a variety of ages and experience levels. Registration is open now at music.appstate.edu/cms. Most programs begin the week of January 31. CMS offers “Pay What You Can” options for group classes.

June 24, 2021. It isn’t summer in the High Country without the sound of music flowing through the air. There’s no place better to enjoy live music, delicious food and good company than at several restaurants across the area. One of Blowing Rock’s favorite outdoor concert series, Music on the Lawn at The Inn at Ragged Gardens, is back and bringing entertainment to locals and visitors alike. Rob Dyer who has been longtime business partners with Lisa Stripling said, “We are definitely happy to be back!” The weekly restaurant gigs are typically held each Friday from May through October; however, due to safety guidelines because of the pandemic and governor restrictions, Music on the Lawn started in the beginning of June this year. By Harley Nefe

The King Bees Are Released Indoors: Concert Feb. 16 at the Jones House

Feb. 12, 2018. The King Bees – the High Country’s premier blues ambassadors – are known for rocking the local festivals and parks with a big sound. You might have even seen guitarist Rob Baskerville walking through the crowds, playing slide guitar with water bottles, umbrellas, and lawn chairs of wide-eyed onlookers. This Friday, February 16, the Bees are released indoors, as The King Bees perform a special indoor concert at the Jones House Cultural and Community Center in downtown Boone.

This Saturday: Black Roots of American Folk Concert at the Jones House

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Feb. 2, 2018. A musical showcase highlighting Black Roots of American folk music will take place this Saturday evening at the Jones House Cultural and Community Center in downtown Boone. The concert is part of the on-going series of Black & Global Roots Concerts in collaboration with Dr. Cece Conway, exploring the West African influences upon American banjo music and later Piecmont blues.

MerleFest 2018 Announces New Additions to Lineup, Early Bird Tickets on Sale Now

Jan. 19, 2018. MerleFest, presented by Window World and slated for April 26 – 29, is proud to announce five additions to the 2018 lineup: The Mavericks, Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn, Mandolin Orange, Alison Brown, and Brandy Clark. The annual homecoming of musicians and music fans returns to the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. MerleFest has already announced over 75 artists for 2018, including Kris Kristofferson, Jamey Johnson, Rodney Crowell, Rhiannon Giddens, Elephant Revival, The Devil Makes Three, aMidnight Jam hosted by Town Mountain and Jim Lauderdale, and many more. The rest of the distinguished lineup for MerleFest 2018 will roll out over the next few months.

Blue Ridge Mountain Club Hosts Social Summit for Six Western North Carolina Chambers

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October 25, 2017. Blue Ridge Mountain Club hosted six Chambers of Commerce for a business after-hours event at its new fitness center and event terrace on October 17, a sneak preview of its Amenity Center that will open fully in the spring of 2018. Boasting 180-degree, 50-mile views, the setting in the community’s Village was the largest business/professional gathering Blue Ridge Mountain Club has hosted to date with more than 400 Chamber officials and business professionals from Western North Carolina’s Ashe, Avery, Caldwell, Wilkes, Blowing Rock and Boone Counties.

Today’s Email Announcements

What’s going on in your community? Here’s a brief update on the emails we received today. Check back each day for an updated list of events going on in the area. As always, please feel free to email us about your event or update.

Domestic Violence Includes Elder Abuse, October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Poetry Reading by Lees-McRae Professor, Melissa Mercer: A Lees-McRae College Stephenson Center for Appalachia Lecture, 10/31
Greenway Baptist Peewee Basketball Sign-Up Open Now – 12/3
WCEA and the Watauga Humane Society Adoption Event, Sponsored by S.N.I.P.S. 10/31
Children’s Book Author Visits ASU and Boone Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Speaks on the Uses of Fantasy, 10/29
Watauga County Gospel Singing, 10/28
The Walker Center presents “Dirty Dancing: The Classic Story on Stage” on Friday, 11/10
National Parks at the Crossroads, 11/2

Compiled by Kate Herman

The Valle Country Fair Celebrates 39 Years Saturday, October 21

October 17, 2017. The colors, flavors, sights and sounds of the mountain harvest season all come together at the Valle Country Fair in beautiful Valle Crucis, North Carolina, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 21st. Volunteers from all over the Valle forge friendships and build community while working together for a cause greater than themselves. The job of hosting thousands of guests each fall is small sacrifice when that volunteerism results in tens of thousands of dollars being raised for High Country charities each year.

September 30th Boone Shag Club 2nd Annual Community-Wide Fall Shag Dance

Sep. 19, 2017. Social dancing is an ageless art where dancers of all ages can experience the joy of rhythm and beat together. On Saturday, September 30th, the Boone Shag Club and Appalachian State University Department of Theater and Dance will host the 2nd Annual Community-Wide Fall Shag Dance. The event will take place on Appalachian State University’s campus at the Reich College of Education Building.Tickets are available for $25, which includes dinner, the live band, and dance. By Kate Herman – Photos by Ken Ketchie and Sandi Solomon

Great Turnout for 15th Annual New River Blues Festival, See Photos of Ashe County’s Blues Fest

Sept. 5, 2017. The King Bees duo, Penny “Queen Bee” Zamagni and Rob “Hound Dog” Baskerville, celebrated its 15th New River Blues Festival in Ashe County this past weekend. The lineup included Johnny Rawls, Lakota John, Ike and Val Woods, The King Bees and more.“ There was such a great turnout and all the artists were completely on their game and sounded great,” said Zamagni. By Jesse Wood • Photo by Frederica Georgia

The High Country Welcomes the 10th Annual Beer Fest on Saturday – Plenty of Tickets Still Available

Aug. 23, 2017. The High Country celebrates the Tenth Annual Beer Fest at the High Country Fairgrounds on Saturday August 26, 2017 from 3:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m. By Kate Herman

Yes Makes Second Stop of Yestival Tour at Holmes Convocation Center Saturday, August 5

July 18, 2017. Prog powerhouse of the ’70s Yes will make the second stop of its summer “Yestival” tour at Appalachian State University’s Holmes Convocation Center on Saturday, August 5 this year. Joining the recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees will be internationally-famous Todd Rundgren and Carl Palmer’s ELP Legacy. The English-born band, which broke through to fans on both sides of the Atlantic with classics “Roundabout” and “I’ve Seen All Good People,” among others, will perform hits from the band’s golden years, ranging from Yes’ beginnings in 1968 through the 1978 release of Tormato. By Bailey Faulkner

SATURDAY: A Cause to Rock Charity Show Raises Funds for Student-Athlete Darryl Gaines at The Local

July 21, 2017. For many, a daylong, 13-act concert is all it takes to wipe the calendar clean for a Saturday afternoon and evening. Luckily for music lovers of the High Country, The Local’s Saturday, July 22 show will be much more than that. Boone native and musician Brian Russell Collins will host his yearly charity event A Cause to Rock at the downtown Boone venue to help raise money for Winston-Salem’s Darryl Gaines, a North Forsyth High School student-athlete and recent graduate diagnosed with stage III lymphoma. Collins founded A Cause to Rock in 2015, focusing the first annual event on raising money for Wilmington community members with autism and their families. By Bailey Faulkner

SATURDAY Todd Summer Concert Series July – August, Catch Melissa Reaves July 15

July 13, 2017. If you haven’t had the time to make the short drive out to Todd for some great tunes this summer, you’re not too late! Although High Country veteran string outfit Amantha Mill and duo Wayne Henderson and Helen White have already taken the stage at downtown Todd’s Cook Park this year, the latter half of the summer will offer music lovers of the area a chance to see both new and familiar faces at the popular outdoor music series. By Bailey Faulkner – Photo Courtesy of Melissa Reaves

+ More Articles

Irish Band ‘Four Leaf Peat’ to conclude Summer Concert Series at St. John’s – Celtic Music Quartet Performs at 5 p.m. on Sunday, September 4th

Registration Open for Fall Music Lessons with Boone Junior Appalachian Musicians

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

Raleigh Flute Choir Next Summer Concert Series Event at St. John’s Acclaimed Chamber Ensemble Performs on Sunday, August 7th

Clint Roberts to Perform at the Ashe Civic Center in West Jefferson on Saturday, July 9

First Ever Boonerang Music & Arts Festival in Boone Attracts Thousands of Attendees

Jones House to Host Free Thursday Evening Blues Jams with the King Bees

Boonerang 22, The Official Music and Arts Festival of The Town of Boone, June 18 2022

NASCAR Legend Kyle Petty Shares His Heart and Soul in the High Country Through Music

FloydFest22 Heartbeat July 27-31 Voted Best Overall Music Festival Is A Must For You And Your Family This Summer

Kyle Petty to Perform at the Jones House in Downtown Boone on February 26

Community Music School Announces Spring Programs and New Director

The Inn at Ragged Gardens Brings Back Music on the Lawn; Soul Benefactor is Next Concert on June 25 at 5:30 p.m.