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Weekend Roundup: 30 Things To Do This Weekend in the High Country; Check ‘em Out & Make Plans: July 13-15

Compiled by Rebecca Gitlen

July 13, 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

Carolina Ballet performing their rendition of Black and White Swan and Beethoven: Symphony No. 9

Launched as a professional dance company in 1997 under the direction of Artistic Director/CEO Robert Weiss, Carolina Ballet has become one of America’s premier arts organizations. The company has garnered critical praise from the national and international media, staged 80 world première ballets, and toured in China and Hungary. 

When: Friday, July 13, 8 p.m.
Where: Farthing Auditorium
More info: 828-262-4046 or 800-841-2787
 
TCVA Family Day

The Turchin Center invites families to a fun-filled day of arts & crafts designed to make the arts fun for children of all ages. Join them for face painting, temporary tattoos, chalk murals, a parade through the galleries led by Elkland Art Center and other fun activities. Drop in for a bit, or stay the whole time and add some art to your family’s summer.

When: Saturday, July 14, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Turchin Center, ASU
More info: 828-262-3017 or 800-841-2787      

Solas

Celebrating fifteen years of making music, Solas has become one of the most popular and exciting Celtic bands ever to emerge from America. In a manner befitting their name (meaning “light” in Gaelic), Solas has become a beacon— finding contemporary relevance in timeless tradition. From Woody Guthrie’s Pastures of Plenty, to Springsteen’s Ghost of Tom Joad, to traditional jigs and reels, Solas defines the path in the Celtic music world and makes continuous leaps to drive the genre forward.

When: Saturday, July 14, 8 p.m.
Where: Farthing Auditorium, ASU
More info: 800-841-2787
 
Eastern Festival Orchestra with Alexander Toradze, Piano

Internationally recognized for his moving performances, innovative programming and extensive catalogue of recordings, American conductor Gerard Schwarz serves as Music Director of North Carolina’s Eastern Music Festival and Jack Benaroya Conductor Laureate of the Seattle Symphony. Since 2008, the festival has proudly claimed Maestro Schwarz as its Artistic Partner for Symphonic Programming.

When: Sunday, July 15, 8 p.m.
Where: Farthing Auditorium, ASU
More info: 800-841-2787 or appsummer.org/schedule/id/407
 
Live Music

Big Band Nights at the Laurel Room

The Green Park Inn offers Dinner & Dancing with that big band swing. Tickets for the three course dinner and live nine-piece band are $60 per person. Big Band Nights are July 14, August 18 and October 6. Reservations are encouraged.

When: Saturday, July 14
Where: The Green Park Inn, 9239 Valley Boulevard, Blowing Rock
More info: 828-414-9230

Concerts at the Jones House: Fox Kinsman, The Forget-Me-Nots & Todd Wright and Friends

Friday the 13th in Boone will be a festive evening of fantastic instrumentalists as the Town of Boone continues with the Summer Concerts at the Jones House. Friday’s concert will feature The Forget-Me-Nots, Todd Wright and Friends and a welcome to the high country from bagpiper Fox Kinsman. Patrons are encouraged to bring their own blanket or chair. 

When: Friday, July 13, 5 p.m.
Where: Jones House, 604 West King Street, Downtown Boone
More info: 828-262-4576

Music in the Valle: The Wild Rumpus *Cancelled

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 13, 7 p.m.
Where: Valle Crucis Community Park, 2918 Broadstone Road, Historic Valle Crucis, Banner Elk
More info: 828-963-9239                    

Barefoot & BBQ with music by the Nightlife Band

Lees-McRae College invites alumni and friends to join them on Tate Lawn for Barefoot and BBQ. Kick off your shoes and dance to the music from the Nightlife Band and enjoy a barbecue dinner with all the fixins.

When: Friday, July 13, 4 to 7 p.m.
Where: Tate Lawn, Lees McRae, Banner Elk
More info: 828-898-2489

Music on the Lawn: Smokey Breeze *Cancelled Friday, Maybe on for Saturday

Come out and start off your weekend with Smokey Breeze, 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 13, 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 13, 6:30 to 9:15 pm.
Where: Todd General Store, 3866 Railroad Grade Road, Todd
More info: 336-877-1067

Newland Riverwalk Summer Concert Series *location change

The Johnson Brothers provide a high-energy, family-oriented bluegrass show. 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 13, 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: YMCA’s brand new, Hugh Chapman Center, on Hospital Drive, Linville
More info: 828-260-3205 and the schedule

15th Annual Sugar Grove Music Festival

As Independence Day festivities wind down, our local festival season kicks off with MusicFest ‘n Sugar Grove on Friday and Saturday, July 13 and 14, with such world-renown acts like the Kruger Brothers and The Carolina Chocolate Drops as well other more-local stellar acts.

When: Friday and Saturday, July 13 and 14
Where: Cove Creek School, Sugar Grove
More info: 828-297-2200 and lineup      

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 15, 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.

When: Sunday, July 15, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Where: Canyons, 8960 Highway 321, Blowing Rock
More info: 828-295-7661 

Theatre

Ensemble Stage Presents The Complete History of America… (Abridged)

It’s 12,000 years in 6,000 fast-paced, zany seconds. From Columbus to Clinton, from Lewis and Clark to Reagan and Bush and from the Bering Straits to Bahgdad, The Complete History of America (Abridged) is the Marx Brothers meets The Daily Show spiced with the Three Stooges and Saturday Night Live. It’s sheer insanity!

When: July 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m. and on July 15 at 2 p.m.
Where: Blowing Rock School Auditorium, located on 160 Sunset Drive in Blowing Rock
More info: 828-414-1844

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, June 14 at 10:30 a.m. and every Saturday until August 4
Where: Horn in the West, Boone
More info: 828-264-2120

See How They Run, A Comedy

Audiences will be delighted by this fast paced comedy/farce about a young vicar’s wife who is trying to fit into a small tightly knit town. Set in the background of the cold war, things go awry when a pompous church matron comes calling unannounced and a male friend of the young vicar’s wife’s past comes to visit (while the good vicar is away), The bishop (the wife’s uncle) shows up two days early and an escaped Russian convict hides in the house.

When: Friday, July 13 and Saturday, July 14 at 7:30 pm
Where: Lees-McRae, Banner Elk
More info: 828-898-8709

The Arts

Reception for “Islands to Highlands” at Avery Arts Council Gallery

The connection between the lofty mountains and more tropical locales resonated with the artists included in the show. The result is a group exhibition that is colorful, whimsical and represents the natural world both near and far.

When: Friday, July 13  6 to 8 p.m.
Where: Avery Arts Council Gallery, Linville
More info: 828-733-0054

         Reception for “Icons from an Ancient Future” at Art and Artifacts

Art & Artifacts and Blowing Rock Gallery of Homes & Land invite you to “Icons from an Ancient Future,” a reception featuring new works by Nancy Brittelle and Julie H. Knabb. Brittelle creates metallic and ancient-looking wall sculptures out of cardboard and paint. Knabb incorporates tribal design elements with contemporary flare to create a unique look that is appreciated across all demographic groups. Come enjoy light refreshments and savor the works of more than 30 regional artists.

When: Friday, July 13, 5 to 7 p.m.
Where: Art and Artifacts, 159 Sunset Drive, Blowing Rock
More info: 828-414-9400

Art in the Park

Art in the Park was created in 1962 by a handful of area artists and craftspeople to showcase local talent. Now, Art in the Park is host to 90 artisans at each show. Some of the best local and regional artists and craftspeople showcase their handcrafted jewelry, pottery, fiber, glass, photography, painting and more.

When: July 14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: American Legion Parking Facility, Wallingford Street, Blowing Rock
More info: 828-295-7851

          High Country Watermedia Society meeting

If you are an artist who enjoys working in water media you will enjoy being a part of the High Country Watermedia Society. They meet at Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff in Boone monthly from May through October. The meeting includes a demonstration by a nationally known artist, followed by an afternoon workshop for a small fee. Coffee and catching up with friends begins at 9:30 a.m. The HCWS encourages artists of all levels. 

When: Saturday, July 14, 10 a.m.
Where: Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff, 374 Industrial Park Drive, Boone
More info: www.HighCountryWatermediaSociety.com

For the Winos

Bastille Day Wine Tasting at Peabody’s 

This Bastille Day is the heralded day French Revolutionaries stormed the prison-castle, the Bastille, to free political prisoners. Taste French wines such as Sensation Rose, Clos Cristal Hospices de Saumur, Domaine de Chateaumar Cotes de Rhone Grenache and Cuvee Vincent and many, many others. This event is not to be missed by Francophiles or anyone else for that matter.

When: Saturday, July 14, 12 to 5 p.m. 
Where: Peabody’s Wine & Beer Merchants 
More info: 828-264-9476
 
Grandfather Vineyard Winery’s Lazy Sunday

Grandfather Vineyard Winery will feature the Sound Traveler Band, a husband and wife duet, and a relaxing Sunday afternoon atmosphere. Bring a picnic and relax by the river while you enjoy a fine bottle of Grandfather Vineyard wine with a 10 percent discount on all bottles. 

When: Sunday, July 15, 2 to 5 p.m.
Where: Grandfather Vineyard Winery,  225 Vineyard Lane, Banner Elk
More info: 828-963-2400
      
Kid Stuff

Meet Bob the Builder at Tweetsie Railroad

Can we build it? Yes we can! HIT Entertainment, a leading provider of quality children’s entertainment, and Tweetsie Railroad invite children to join the Can-Do Crew when Bob the Builder™ performs his interactive Sing-Along Performance at Tweetsie Railroad July 13-15. The hard-hat wearing, hard-working builder will be singing, dancing and looking for aspiring builders at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. He will also be available to pose with kids and families for photos following each show.

When: July 13-15, 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Where: Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock
More info: 800-526-5740

Plant Appreciation

          5th Annual BRC Blueberry Festival

Old Orchard Creek Farm in Ashe County once again will host Blue Ridge Conservancy’s annual Blueberry Festival. The summer sun, ripe blueberries, friends, music, and good food will make for a wonderful afternoon of fun on behalf of land protection in northwest North Carolina.

When: Saturday, July 14, 12 to 4 p.m.
Where: Old Orchard Creek Farm, Lansing
More info: www.blueridgeconservancy.org
 
“Evening in the Gardens” 

Members of the Watauga Community Band will perform jazz and swing standards during the evening. Reid Catering will provide appetizers, and a cash bar will be on hand for those interested. Tours of the gardens will be given as well. The gardens contain a wide array of native trees, shrubs and wildflowers. 

When: Saturday, July 14, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Daniel Boone Native Gardens
More info: 828-264-6390
Care to Dance?
 
Contra Dance at the Apple Barn
 
Come out and dance! The Boone Country Dancers are hosting a Contra Dance at the Apple Barn on Saturday July 14 and every second Saturday of the month. Noah Grunzweig is the caller for this dance and Bob Kogut and Friends are the band. All dances are taught, no partner is required and everyone is welcome. Admission is $7
 
When: Saturday, July 14, Beginners Lesson at 7:30 p.m., dance at 8 p.m.
Where: Apple Barn, Hwy 194, 1 mile from Valle Crucis School, Valle Crucis
More info: 828-406-0580

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 14, 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 14, 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.