Compiled by Rebecca Gitlen
July 20, 2012. The High Country has so many wonderful events to offer its community and visitors. Check our site every Friday for something new and exciting to look forward to while you’re watching the hour hand crawl to 5 o’clock. Find live music down the street, explore a nearby town’s local secrets or try out a new square dancing class. There’s always something fun to do in the High Country.
An Appalachian Summer Festival
Linda Eder: Songbirds, A Tribute to the Ladies
Showcasing one of the greatest contemporary voices of our time, Linda Eder takes the stage to pay tribute to some of the most iconic women in American music history. Performing the music of Lena Horn, Etta James, Barbara Streisand, Judy Garland, Eva Cassidy and others, Eder channels the essence of these great singers while also performing the songs that define her as one of today’s most powerful Broadway and recording artists.
When: Friday, July 20, 8 p.m.
Where: Farthing Auditorium, ASU
More info: 800-841-2787
Turchin Workshop: Colors, A Visual Sensation
Participants will learning how to paint with rhythmic flow of colors. Emphasis will be on the importance of dominance in shape, value, texture and color and explore various paint applications such as brush work, use of a palette knife and unconventional materials. The instructor, Tunde Afolayan, a Nigerian native, continues to make a significant impact on the lives of people through his paintings, and mixed-media expressions.
When: Saturday, July 21, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, Boone
More info: 828-262-3017
TCVA Inside Exhibitions: The Artists of the North Carolina Arts Council Fellowship Exhibition
Ever visit a museum and wish you could ask, “What was the artist thinking?,” “How did the artist do that?,” “What does this mean?,” or “What is this made of?” Every Saturday in July, you can find out the answers to these questions and more on a 45-minute, guided tour led by a Turchin Center staffer.
The Travelin’ McCourys with Sierra Hull & Highway 111
The beauty of a live collaboration between two bands with distinct sounds is to experience how each influences the music of the other. This holds true when the veterans of bluegrass, The Travelin’ McCourys share the stage with Sierra Hull and her band, Highway 111.
When: Saturday, July 21, 8 p.m.
Where: Farthing Auditorium, ASU
More info: 828-262-4046
The EMF Young Artists Orchestra with the Greensboro Ballet
The EMF Young Artists Orchestra and the Greensboro Ballet create an unforgettable journey for audiences of all ages. Let music and dance tell the story of the young sorcerer’s apprentice and his desire to perform magic just like his mentor. In addition to Dukas’ Sorcerer’s Apprentice, the orchestra will also perform Britten’s Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra will lead children on an “instrument safari” to demystify the many individual pieces that make an orchestra.
When: Sunday, July 22, 4 p.m.
Where: Farthing Auditorium
More info: 828-262-4046
Live Music
Concerts at the Jones House: The Lazybirds & Melissa Reaves
The Town of Boone is proud to present the continuation of Concerts at the Jones House on Friday, July 20, with two High Country favorites: the soulful rocker Melissa Reaves, and the swinging roots-based Lazybirds. Melissa Reaves has been called “The Biggest Voice in Boone” and The Lazybirds have been another High Country favorite for about two decades, combining a variety of roots music styles from blues, jazz, country and original songs to their mix.
When: Friday, July 20, 5 p.m.
Where: Jones House, 604 West King Street, Downtown Boone
More info: 828-262-4576
Music in the Valle: Kent Doobrow & Midnight Sun
The “Music in the Valle” Concert Series starts in June and continues each Friday evening through August at The Valle Crucis Community Park. Admission is free; bring a chair or a blanket and family & friends.
When: Friday, July 20, 7 p.m.
Where: Valle Crucis Community Park, 2918 Broadstone Road, Historic Valle Crucis, Banner Elk
More info: 828-963-9239
Music on the Lawn: Lucky Strikes
Come out and start off your weekend with Lucky Strikes, a crowd favorite so be sure to come early to claim your spot on the lawn for a wonderful evening of music and fun.
When: Friday, July 20, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Best Cellar, 203 Sunset Drive, Blowing Rock
More info: 828-295-9703, 828-295-3466 or ragged-gardens.com
Friday Night Bluegrass
Visit the Todd General Store and recapture a time when life was simple and genuine. Meet the mountain folks and listen to talks of the railroad days as well as bluegrass every Friday.
When: Friday, July 20, 6:30 to 9:15 pm.
Where: Todd General Store, 3866 Railroad Grade Road, Todd
More info: 336-877-1067
Fred’s Sunday Summer Concerts: The Cockman Family
Fred’s concerts present a plethora of great Bluegrass and Country music by accomplished local musicians. Fred’s General Mercantile on Beech Mountain will host Fred’s Summer Sunday Concerts on five Sundays: July 8 to August 5 at 6:30 p.m. Some seats are provided, but bring a chair or blanket just in case.
When: Sunday, July 22, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Fred’s General Mercantile, Beech Mountain
More info: 828-387-4838
Sunday Jazz Brunch with Todd Wright & Friends at Canyons
Todd Wright, an Ambassador of Jazz for western North Carolina, joined the Appalachian State University music faculty in 1990. As Director of Jazz Studies he has been responsible for conducting Jazz Ensembles I and II, teaching courses in jazz improvisation, jazz history, jazz piano, jazz tunes and coaching combos.
Where: Canyons, 8960 Highway 321, Blowing Rock
More info: 828-295-7661
Choral Evensong, St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church
St. Mary’s choir, which has performed here and in England, offers Evensong on fourth Sundays from April through October. It is a quiet, contemplative service, and a lovely end to the weekend before we all take up our busy public lives during the week. Everyone is welcome. St. Mary’s is located on Main Street in Blowing Rock.
When: Sunday, July 22, 5 p.m.
Where: St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church, Main St., Blowing Rock
More info: 828-262-3450
Todd Summer Music Series: Eric Ellis & Eold Blue
Blue Ridge Bluegrass Hall of Fame inductee Eric Ellis and his Eold Blue Band returns to Todd’s Free Summer Music Series in Cook Park in downtown Todd with some of the finest bluegrass pickin’ heard in these parts. Bring a chair or blanket and the whole family and relax by the creek while you enjoy the performance of a true mountain treasure.
When: Saturday, July 21, 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: Cook Memorial Park, Todd
More info: www.toddnc.org or 828-964-1599
Newland Riverwalk Summer Concert Series
This Friday, the featured band is the Night Eagle Band, a rockin’ country band out of Lenoir. They play the best of country and southern rock, covering your favorite tunes and mixing them with many originals you’ll love. Check the schedule for rock and roll, 70s and 80s jam bands or Southern rock and blues. Vendors with hot dogs, pizza, sodas, water, desserts and more will be selling weekly.
When: Friday, July 20, 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: Riverwalk, adjacent to Lowes Parking Lot, Newland
More info: 828-260-3205 and the schedule
Festivals
Brews & Views at Beech Mountain Resort
Beer tasting, championship mountain biking, live music and scenic views are on tap at Beech Mountain Resort. The second annual Brews & Views Festival is being held in conjunction with the three-day USA Cycling Mountain Bike Gravity National Championships. Attendees can sample from more than 40 craft brews, enjoy music from three bands and watch top professional and amateur mountain bikers compete for national titles.
When: Saturday, 3 to 7 p.m. is the beer tasting
Where Beech Mountain Resort
More info: 800-468-5506, or visit www.BeechMtn.com
Spruce Pine BBQ Championship & Bluegrass Festival
The event features a sanctioned professional BBQ competition, a wings contest, public tastings, live bluegrass, a cornhole tournament, championship clogging teams, craft vendors, BBQ equipment and supplies vendors, local food vendors, the Spruce Pine Skedaddle 5K and Fun Run, a kids play-area and much, much more.
When: July 20-21 schedule
Where: Downtown Spruce Pine
More info: 828-385-1125 or www.sprucepinebbqbluegrass.org
Alleghany Fiddlers Convention
Located in the cradle of old-time music‚ this music competition attracts a large gathering of exceptional mountain musicians and knowledgeable music fans. People arrive early to set up their campsites and to join in on one of the many jam sessions that crop up all around the festival site. By Friday evening‚ when the competition begins‚ the festival grounds have become home to a new tent and RV community that emits the continuous sounds of old-time and bluegrass music.
When: Friday, July 20, 5 p.m.-midnight; Saturday, 10 a.m.-midnight
Where: Higgins Agricultural Fairgrounds in Sparta
More info: 336-372-4957 or alleghanyfiddlersconvention.com
21st Annual Fine Art and Mastercrafts Festival
More than 85 artisans will represent their mediums in this juried handcrafted Fine Art and Master Craft Festival being held in downtown Banner Elk at the historic Banner Elk Elementary School hosted by the Avery County Chamber of Commerce. Courtney Tomchik, raku clay sculptor, and Christi Buchanan, painter and mixed media are show favorites, returning to this weekend’s Fine Art Festival. Both are recognized for their craft and awards.
When: July 20, 4 to 8 p.m.; July 21, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; July 22, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Downtown Banner Elk
More info: 828-898-5605
18th Annual High Country Bead, Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Fest
Fans of one of a kind natural treasures and original jewelry will delight in the 18th Annual High Country Bead, Gem, Mineral & Jewelry Show July 20-22 at The Boone National Guard Armory. The expo, put on by Treasures Of The Earth (TOTE) out of Salem, VA, will feature demonstrations and exhibits from jewelry makers, goldsmiths, silversmiths and other experts from across the country.
When: Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Boone National Guard Armory
More info: 540-384-6047
Theatre
Alice in Wonderland: A Participation Play for Children
“Children will play trees in the forest, wickets in the Queen of Heart’s croquet game and various other roles,” said Director Suzanna Ziko, who also plays Martha Stuart in “Horn in the West.” Ziko is excited for children and parents alike to be a part of this familiar story. Alice will be played by 11-year-old Emma Tzotschew. Although her co-stars are adults, Emma will be joined on stage by other youth as they make their way through Wonderland.
When: Saturday, July 21 at 10:30 a.m. and every Saturday until Aug. 4
Where: Horn in the West, Boone
More info: 828-264-2120
The Tale of the Frog Prince: A Musical Audience Participation Play
In the heart of a magical swamp lives a crusty prince-turned-frog who wants to become human again but, as he sings, “No one wants to kiss a toad,” into this swamp comes a noisy, haughty royal family with young Rosalie, whose kiss turns the frog back into a (very surprised!) prince. You will learn as much of a lesson as the prince since you (the audience) will participate equally in the action. Thanks to ASU Department of Theater and Dance Professor Derek Gagnier, Ensemble Stage is proud to present this delightful, musical audience participation play.
When: Saturday, July 21 at 11 a.m.
Where: Blowing Rock School Auditorium
More info: 828-414-1844
For the Dog Enthusiasts
Tweetsie Railroad’s Frisbee dogs in flight
Celebrate the ‘dog days of summer’ July 21-29 at Tweetsie Railroad when the K-9s In Flight Frisbee® Dog team thrills audiences with high flying fun the whole family will enjoy. John Misita’s entourage of incredibly talented, amazingly athletic dogs will entertain Tweetsie guests with non-stop, action-packed performances. This family-favorite event is included in Tweetsie’s regular admission prices.
When: July 21-29, 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. each day
Where: Tweetsie Railroad
More info: 828-264-9061
Peabody’s Wine & Beer Merchants Tasting
Sarah Wyle steps in to present more of Sour Grapes to Peabody’s adoring public. Sour Grapes pursues those small producers from Europe and South America that really live up to the idea of sustainability as well as interesting flavors and nuances. Amongst those kinds of wines is Yo No Puedo Mas D’Agalis that’s so easy to fall in love with for not the awesome blend of Grenache and Syrah but due to its irreverence of the stuffy French Wine culture.
When: Saturday, July 21, 12 to 5 p.m.
Where: Peabody’s Wine & Beer Merchants, Boone
More info: 828-264-9476
“Farm to Table” Cooking Class at Chetola Resort
Discover the joys of whole food, plant-based cooking.
Facilitated by Catherine Scantlin and Caroline Stahlschmidt, this interactive cooking demonstration includes recipe tastings, printed take-home recipes, one yoga/fitness class at Chetola Resort and a 10 percent coupon off spa products at The Spa at Chetola Resort.
When: Sunday, July 29, 4 to 6 p.m.
Where: Chetola Resort, 500 N. Main St., Blowing Rock
More info: 828-295-5533
Arts
The Art Cellar’s 20th Anniversary Bash
Time has flown, and now it’s the 20th Anniversary Season celebration at The Art Cellar Gallery. The Anniversary Bash will be today from 4-6 p.m. Visit the gallery on the 20th of every month for a meet and greet with the Galleries wonderful artists and to celebrate with cake, wine and surprises. This Friday the gallery will feature the works of Pam Brewer, Bill Brown and Carl Peverall.
When: Friday, July 20, 4 to 6 p.m.
Where: Art Cellar Gallery, Banner Elk
More info: 828-898-5175
The Markets
Avery County Farmers Market
The Avery County Farmers Market is a cooperative of area farmers that produce freshly grown, organic and conventionally grown fruits and vegetables, fresh bread, homemade jams and jellies, herbal products, crafts, maple syrup, fresh eggs, potting plants, ornamentals, seedlings and much, much more.
When: Saturday, July 21, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: 170 Linville Street, between CVS and the Department of Social Services building, Newland
More info: 828-789-9246 or 828-733-8274
Watagua County Farmers’ Market
The market has so many things to love: fresh and nutritious local foods, beautiful handmade crafts, face-to-face interactions with the farmers who grow your food, scrumptious breads, jams, jellies and cheeses made by community members, meat and eggs from local farmers and of course the friendly social atmosphere of “Boone’s Town Square.”
When: Saturday, July 21, 8 a.m. to noon
Where: Horn in the West parking lot, Boone
More info: 828-355-4918 or 828-264-3424
Movies
Be sure to check out our listings for cinema showtimes and movie trailers at the Regal Boone Cinema 7 too! It’s the only place where you can see ALL the trailers and showtimes for every movie playing in Boone all on one page!
Editor’s note: Want your event to be added to our Weekend Roundup next time? Email rebecca@highcountrypress.com.
Things to Do This Weekend logo by Debbie Carter.
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