Upstaging the Mountains
The High Country Venues Offer a Diverse Array of Performing Arts
There is no shortage of entertainment in the High Country. From national artists to local musicians, small theater groups to large-scale productions, the High Country venues have it all.
For a taste of history, fun and true High Country heritage, don’t miss Horn in the West, the nation’s oldest Revolutionary War drama. The show, put on in a beautiful outdoor theater in Boone, brings to life frontiersman Daniel Boone and the other mountain settlers that fought for their freedom in the War for Independence.
“A lot of our audiences are repeat patrons,” says Horn in the West’s Virginia Roseman. “It has become a part of their family tradition. They want to make sure this history is kept alive.” Roseman says the entire play is factual information, minus a few names being altered. The characters and events are real and an important moment in American history.
Roseman says the reason people appreciate the play so much is because of its importance to our heritage. “It represents the turning of the Revolutionary War,” she says. “The battle at King’s Mountain is what kept us alive and allowed our country to become what it is today.”
This dramatic presentation is put on in a beautiful outdoor setting, which has been described as the best outdoor theater in the east. Built by students from the N.C. State School of Design, the 2,500-seat theater was built in just three months in 1952.
The sun sets right before intermission, and battles and drama play out at night. “You feel like you’re caught up in it,” Roseman says. “You’re out in nature. There’s no set designs and curtains. When we hit the dirt and mud, we really hit the dirt and mud.”
Also on the grounds of the theater is Hickory Ridge Homestead, an 18-century living history museum and Powderhorn Theatre, which showcases intimate performances by Horn in the West actors. The Daniel Boone Native Gardens are just adjacent.
The season runs from June 15 to August 11. To learn more and order tickets, call 828-264-2120 or visit www.horninthewest.com.
Appalachian State University is a gem for arts and theater lovers in the region. The university offers a plethora of performances throughout the year, which culminates with the Appalachian Summer Festival. The festival is jam-packed with art exhibits, orchestras, local musicians, dance troupes and more and has proven to be a favorite for locals and visitors alike.
This year, the festival starts with the opening of the silent auction, one of the most fun and unique happenings during the festival. The auction receives donations from businesses all over North Carolina to create a truly exceptional and diverse selection of items available for bidding. With donations spanning from golf club and spa packages to ski passes and gift baskets filled with goodies of all kinds, the auction truly is a one stop shopping experience.
For a complete schedule of events, call 800-841-ARTS or visit www.appsummer.org. For a listing of other events held at ASU, call the Office of Arts & Cultural Programs at 828-262-4046 or visit them online at www.oca.appstate.edu.
Appalachian State University Arts & Cultural Programs
800-841-ARTS
thearts.appstate.edu
Appalachian boasts diverse and vibrant performing arts programs that enrich the cultural and intellectual climate of the campus and region. Their events are plentiful and run nearly every day of the year.
Ashe Civic Center
962 Mt. Jefferson Rd., West Jefferson
336-246-4483
www.ashecivic.com
Ashe Civic Center produces a variety of culturally diverse programs and events, theatrical performances and music. They concentrate on preserving the region's rich mountain heritage.
Blowing Rock Jazz Society
711 Main St., Blowing Rock
423-727-0795
www.brjs.blogspot.com
The BRJS offers jazz concerts the second Sunday of each month at the Meadowbrook Inn in
Blowing Rock. Check out its website for upcoming performances.
Blue Ridge Community Theatre, Inc.
480 Howard St., Boone
www.brctnc.org
Blue Ridge Theatre provides creative opportunities for amateur performers with an annual musical every spring.
Daniel Boone Amphitheatre
Horn in the West
591 Horn in the West Drive
Boone, NC
828-264-2120
www.horninthewest.com
Ensemble Stage Company
Blowing Rock
828-406-2884
www.ensemblestage.com
Ensemble Stage was conceived out of necessity and an unfaltering love of the performing arts and the unquenchable desire to share that love with the High Country community. Come see how their plays are just as strong as their beginning.
Lees McRae
Banner Elk, NC
800-280-3562
www.lmc.edu
Watauga Arts Council (WAC)
604 West King St., Boone
828-264-1789
www.watauga-arts.org
WAC is a non-profit local arts agency whose purpose is to facilitate and promote the performing and visual arts in Watauga County. Among the programs are the annual summer Concerts on the Lawn Series, special events and educational programs.
Wilkes Playmakers at Benton Hall
North Wilkesboro
336-838-PLAY
www.wilkesplaymakers.com
Famous yearly production of Tom Dooley: A Wilkes County Legend draws fans from all over due to their fascination with the case and the perhaps more famous Kingston Trio song, "Hang Down Your Head Tom Dooley."