Music Festivals and Concert Series in the NC High Country

By Banner Elk, Beech Mountain, Blowing Rock, Boone, Local Information May 20, 2021
People with their hands up at a live music concert series in the NC High Country

Music has been an essential part of my life from the very beginning. When I moved to Boone, I was met with some of the most amazing musical moments of my life thus far.

4 Live Music Events to Attend Near Boone

The High Country provides quality summer concert series and various music festivals to fill your weekends with fun. There is so much to offer! Here are 4 of the best High Country of North Carolina music events you need to attend!

The Jones House in Boone, North Carolina, hosts local artists performing traditional Appalachian folk music.

The Jones House in Boone, North Carolina.

#1: Jones House Virtual Concerts

The Jones House is located a short walk down from the 828 Real Estate. The home is the center of local art and music of the Appalachian culture. Every Friday they release a virtual concert from various folk and Appalachian artists. These concerts are free to watch on the Jones House website and their YouTube concert.

#2: Appalachian Summer Festival

The Appalachian Summer Festival brings world-renowned acts to the heart of Boone on Appalachian State University’s campus. From music, dance, theatre, visual arts and film, this festival has something for everyone to enjoy. The 2021 festival will include acts such as Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Emerson String Quartet, Comedian Paula Poundstone and Sarah Jones.

A group of people having a traditional Appalachian North Carolina folk jam session.

A traditional Appalachian North Carolina jam session.

#3: Beech Mountain’s 2021 Summer Concert Series

After the snow has melted, people still gather at the popular Beech Mountain Resort for their annual summer concert series. The popular ski resort’s 2021 lineup includes Umphrey’s McGee, Tedeschi Trucks: Fireside Live, and Greensky Bluegrass. Each concert includes two sets and seating is pod-designed.

#4: Merlefest

You may have passed by the Doc Watson statue in Downtown Boone. His son, Merle Watson, was also a renowned Appalachia-based guitarist. Merlefest was founded in 1988 in memory of him. The festival brings in thousands of fans to witness an eclectic group of traditional, country, blues, rock and Americana-style bands. The festival takes place right off in the mountain in Wilkesboro approximately 30-35 minutes from Boone. The 2021 lineup includes Melissa Etheridge, Mavis Staples, LeAnn Rimes and more.

Are you planning to attend any live music events this summer? If so, where? We love to support local artists and our communities. Let us know what concerts you’ll be at!

About the Author
Headshot
Shalamar Blevins, Office Manager & Marketing Director, [email protected]

Shalamar Blevins grew up in Ashe County, right next to the North Fork of the New River. Shalamar loves the outdoors after spending most of her life kayaking and hiking in her own front yard. 

Throughout her life, Shalamar tried to learn every art form she could get her hands on, from ceramics to African Batiking! Being creative and adding a splash of lively color is Shalamar’s superpower. After studying the classic mediums from local masters such as Stephen Shoemaker and Lenore DePree, Shalamar attended the North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston- Salem before attending UNC-Asheville. After graduating in 2011, Shalamar spent time traveling through Europe and Asia before moving back to the North Carolina High Country to start her own studio and to work for Florence Thomas Art School.

To this day Shalamar still loves to travel and hosts small art classes on location and at festivals. She joined the 828 Real Estate gang in the fall of 2021. Since then, she has been working diligently to provide their agents and clients with the latest marketing tools, while celebrating the adventures that await in the 828! Shalamar got married to wonderful fellow Ashe County native, Micheal the summer of 2021. Micheal is a 13 year US Army Veteran, recently graduated from Nursing school and just started a career at Watauga Medical. They have 2 fur babies, an Australian Shepherd named Quill and Chocolate Lab named Brody. These boys keep Mike and Shalamar on their toes!

 When Mike and Shalamar aren’t working on their garden and home improvement ventures, they love spending time with their big family and friends while exploring the local music and art scene of NC High Country!