broyhill chamber ensemble
the turchin center garden
Punch Brothers

About An Appalachian Summer Festival

Presented by Appalachian State University’s Office of Arts & Cultural Programs, this annual celebration of the performing and visual arts is held every July in venues across the university campus, and features an eclectic, diverse mix of music, dance, theatre, visual arts and film programming. An Appalachian Summer Festival began in 1984 as a chamber music series, and retains strong roots in classical music, combined with a variety of other programming geared to almost every artistic taste and preference. Celebrating its 37th season in 2021, the festival has risen in stature to become one of the nation’s most highly respected summer festivals, acclaimed for the breadth and quality of its artistic programming.

In recent years, the festival has been selected as one of the “Top 20 Events in the Southeast” by the Southeast Tourism Society. For many years, The New York Times has included An Appalachian Summer Festival in its “Summer Stages” issue, which profiles the nation’s most prominent and interesting summer arts festivals.

Festival Mission

 

An Appalachian Summer Festival is an annual arts festival presenting and producing programs in music, theatre, dance, film and visual arts. The festival forges a unique national identity through artistic excellence, innovative programming, commissioning new works, educational opportunities, and by bringing the most accomplished and respected creative and performing artists from around the world to the Appalachian State University community. Founded on the principle of promoting young American artists, the festival supports the overall university mission, enhances the cultural life of the Appalachian community through affordable access to its programs, serves as an important gateway onto the campus, and promotes the economic development of our region.

The Temptations
Aspen Santa Fe Ballet

Festival Vision: Artistic Excellence, Innovation and Engagement

 

In keeping with its status as a university-based arts program, the festival continually seeks to enlighten and educate—a focus reflected in such initiatives as the festival’s discounts for children’s tickets, school coupons and ticket prices that are typically 30-40% lower than prices for comparable events in other venues. A rich variety of educational opportunities is part of the festival schedule each summer, including exhibitions, lectures, tours, workshops, student internships and employment opportunities for young people seeking experience in arts presenting. These experiences offer opportunities for lifelong learning and meaningful engagement with the arts. The festival holds central the belief that access to a strong and dynamic program of artistic excellence in the performing and visual arts is an important component of a vital and healthy community.

Venues

An Appalachian Summer Festival presents music, dance, theatre, visual arts and film programming at venues across Appalachian State University’s campus.

schaefer center

Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts

733 Rivers Street, Boone, NC 28608

The Schaefer Center is a 1,660-seat multi-use auditorium that features orchestra and balcony level seating and a proscenium stage. Concessions are sold in the lobby and can be brought into the theatre. The Schaefer Center is also home to An Appalachian Summer Festival’s box office. Box office hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm (ET). Tickets can be purchased through our online box office at any time.

rosen concert hall

Rosen Concert Hall, Broyhill Music Center

813 Rivers Street, Boone, NC 28608

Rosen Concert Hall is a 440-seat hall designed specifically for concerts and recitals, and is also well suited for solo performances.

valborg theater

Valborg Theatre

480 Howard Street, Boone, NC 28608

Valborg Theatre is a 334-seat modified thrust performance venue. The furthest seat from the edge of the stage is 40’ away. The theatre is located directly behind the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts (423 W. King Street, Boone, NC 28608).

holmes convocation center

Holmes Convocation Center

111 Rivers Street, Boone, NC 28608

The George M. Holmes Convocation Center is a multi-purpose arena that can be configured into a 6,500 seat venue for concerts (depending on stage setup). Seating is general admission in this venue.

the turchin center

Turchin Center for the Visual Arts

423 W. King Street, Boone, NC 28608

The Turchin Center for the Visual Arts is the largest facility of its kind in the region. The center presents exhibition, education and collection programs that support the university’s role as a key educational, cultural and service resource. The center’s multidimensional exhibits, educational activities and outreach programs create opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the power and excitement of the visual arts.

 

Founders Society

On July 22, 2000, the university created a Founders Society to recognize the people whose vision, generosity and hard work helped build An Appalachian Summer Festival. The festival owes its success in large part to these extraordinary individuals.

 

Charter Members, inducted July 22, 2000

The Broyhill Family Foundation:

  • J. Edgar and Satie H. Broyhill
  • James T. and Louise R. Broyhill
  • Paul H. and Faye A. Broyhill
  • Willard A. and Bettie B. Gortner
  • Robert E. and Allene B. Heilman

The Cannon Foundation:

  • Robert G. and Mariam Cannon Hayes
  • Armfield and Rachel Rivers Coffey
  • Berge H. and Meliné A. Markarian
  • Budd and Nanette Mayer
  • Arnold P. and Muriel S. Rosen
  • Martin L. and Doris B. Rosen
  • Robert and Minnie Snead
  • J. Bernard and Shirley S. Spector
  • Robert L. and Lillian A. Turchin

2002 Members

  • John E. and Faye B. Cooper
  • Buddy and Charlotte Halpert
  • Florence R. Hecht
  • D. Grady Moretz Jr. and Reba Smith Moretz
  • Peter and Joni Webb Petschauer

2013 Members

  • Connie Adams
  • Bonnie and Jamie Schaefer

2015 Members

  • Frank and Kay Borkowski
  • Ralph Glaser Jr. and John A. Pfeifer
  • Doug and Teresa Johnson
  • Ralph and Venda Lerch
  • Neil and Nancy Schaffel
  • Mark and Nancy Tafeen

 

2019 Members

  • Boone Area Visitors Bureau (Wright Tilley)
  • Wendy & Mike Brenner
  • Sue & Steve Chase
  • Chetola Resort (Kent & Shelley Tarbutton)
  • Creekside Electronics (Lane Robinson)
  • Susan & Harvey Durham
  • Lynn & Barry Eisenberg
  • Adrienne Finkel
  • Barbara & Larry Freiman
  • Mary & Nick Friedman
  • Goodnight Brothers (Jim Goodnight & Bill Goodnight)
  • Susie Greene
  • Ralph Grier
  • Sandy & Marc Kadyk
  • Helen & Roger Michelson
  • Nanci Tolbert & Larry Nance
  • Peabody’s Wine & Beer Merchants (Jeff Collins)
  • Edie Peiser
  • Tina & Gary Silverstein
  • SkyBest Communications (Karen Powell & Edward Hinson)
  • Sandi Finci Solomon
  • Letty & Keith Stoneman
  • Cyn D Weaver
  • Helene & Stephen Weicholz

 

Festival Advisory Board

The Festival Advisory Board provides critical leadership for An Appalachian Summer Festival by offering overall guidance, fundraising assistance, programming ideas and long-term direction for the festival. Advisory Board members are representative of the festival audience, and in many ways, they serve as the festival’s “eyes and ears” in the community — providing valuable feedback to the staff regarding festival operations, and serving as advocates and community ambassadors for the university and the festival.

JENNY MILLER Chair
CAROL BERNS Vice Chair
IRA ABRAMS
CAROL BLUMBERG
STEVE BROOKS
PENN BROYHILL
SUE CHASE
LORRAINE CHILDERS
JEANNINE COLLINS
LYNN EISENBERG
CHUCK EYLER
ADRIENNE FINKEL

JOSETTE GLOVER
ELLEN HARRELL
BEN HENDERSON
LEONIE KRUGER
WENDY KULUNAS
JOHN LACAPRA
MORRIS LIOZ
JOE LOGAN
BABETTE MCAULIFFE
MIKE MCKAY
KRISTIN NAGY
PETER PETSCHAUER

CHRIS PETTI
LANE ROBINSON
ALICE ROESS
TRACI ROYSTER
LINDA RUSSELL
ELIZABETH SALTER
NANCY SCHAFFEL
SANDI FINCI SOLOMON
LYNN NEISLER SUMNER
NANCY TAFEEN
WRIGHT TILLEY
TODD WRIGHT

Ex-Officio Members

Vice Chancellor for University Advancement JANE BARGHOTHI

Vice Chancellor and Chief of Staff HANK FOREMAN

Director of Arts Engagement and Cultural Resources DENISE RINGLER

Dean, Hayes School of Music DR. JAMES DOUTHIT

Director of Development, Hayes School of Music, Arts and Cultural Programs, and the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts MELINDA FRIDDELL

Previous Year Advisory Board Vice Chair (2022) KENT TARBUTTON

 

Parking

Free parking is available after 5pm on weekdays, and at all times on weekends, on campus. Covered parking is available at both the Rivers Street Parking Deck, Blue Ridge Parking Deck, and the College Street Parking Deck. Maps and other resources can be found at maps.appstate.edu.

Suggested parking lots include:

  • Peacock Hall Parking Lot (located directly across the street from the Schaefer Center)
  • Rosen Concert Hall
  • Rivers Street Parking Deck
  • Blue Ridge (Stadium) Parking Deck (located behind the auditorium — turn on Stadium Drive to access this lot.)
  • College Street (Library) Parking Deck
 

 

 

Past Seasons

Click on the links below to see a snapshot of An Appalachian Summer Festival through the years.

Historical event listings for seasons beginning in 2002 are below.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a question not answered here, please call 828.262.4046 to speak with an AppSummer box office representative.

How do I purchase tickets?
  • Buy tickets by telephone: Order tickets by telephone by calling toll-free (800) 841-2787 or call locally (828) 262-4046. Tickets ordered by telephone can be mailed to you, or you can choose to pick them up at will-call.
  • Buy tickets online: Please visit our online box office. Tickets ordered online can be mailed to you, or you can choose to pick them up at will-call.
  • Buy tickets at the box office: The Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts is located at 733 Rivers Street on the campus of Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. Box office hours are Monday – Friday 9:00am-5:00pm (EST) with special extended hours through the month of July.
Where is the App Summer Box Office?
  • The box office is located in the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts. The address is 733 Rivers Street on the campus of Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. Box office hours are Monday – Friday 9:00am-5:00pm (EST) with special extended hours through the month of July.
My tickets are at Will Call. Where do I pick them up?
  • During daytime box office hours, patrons may pick up already-purchased tickets at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts. On performance nights, patrons may pick up already-purchased tickets at the performance venue box office.
If I am running late, will I still be able to take my seat?
  • Latecomers are seated at the discretion of house management at the first appropriate seating break that allows for the least disruption for performers and seated audience members. In some cases, no late seating will be allowed.
What should I do if I lose my ticket?
  • Contact the box office immediately at (828) 262-4046. You may be asked for your name and address for verification.
If I can't go to the performance, can I get a refund?
  • While An Appalachian Summer Festival does not refund ticket purchases, patrons do have the option to exchange their tickets for future performances (with an equal or lesser ticket value). If a ticketed event is cancelled for inclement weather or for other reasons beyond the university’s control, the ticket stub for that event will become a valid “Rain Check,” to be used for either:
  • A re-scheduled performance, within the coming year, by the artist whose event was cancelled (if a rescheduled appearance can be arranged with the artist)
  • A performance of the patron’s choice, with an equal or lesser ticket value, during the year following the cancelled event. (Performance selections are subject to availability).

Tickets provided to patrons on a complimentary basis do not carry Rain Check privileges.

Are there any packages or discounts available?
  • Yes. Discounts for students and children younger than 12 are available for most performances. Package discounts are also available for select events. Purchase online or call the Schaefer Center Box Office at 800-841-2787 or 828-262-4046.

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Does my child need a ticket?
  • Yes. Everyone, including children of all ages, must have a ticket, even if admission is free for children or free with the purchase of an adult ticket.
Do you have accessible seating?
  • Seating for our patrons with disabilities is available on both levels of the Schaefer Center and in all other festival venues. The box office staff is pleased to assist you in making seating arrangements for you or someone in your party. The Schaefer Center is equipped with an infrared audio system for the hearing impaired. Headsets are available at the box office.
How do I get to App Summer? Where do I park?
  • An Appalachian Summer Festival is presented at venues within a ½ mile of each other; check your particular performance ticket or the event pages here to ensure that you’re traveling to the correct venue. Venue and parking information can be found further up on this page.
What should I wear to performances? Is there a dress code?
  • No, there is no official dress code for App Summer performances or venues. Casual wear is fine for most performances.
May I bring my own food and drinks?
  • No. We ask that food and drink brought into the theatre be limited to the items provided by the Schaefer Center concessions area, located in the lobby.
Will my bag be inspected at the entrance?
  • For the safety and security of its patrons, the Schaefer Center staff reserve the right to inspect bags, purses, backpacks and other items being carried into the venue by visitors and audience members during major events. Patrons entering the venue with items prohibited by the facility (weapons of any kind, illegal drugs, or outside food/beverage items, including alcohol) will be asked to remove these item(s) to their car, or to another location, before gaining entry into the facility. The Schaefer Center does not provide an area to check purses, backpacks, or other personal belongings. If a patron chooses not to undergo a bag inspection, or to remove a prohibited item to another location, a ticket exchange (for an event on another date) will be offered.
How can I find a hotel in the area?
  • Click here for information about our lodging partners and festival hotel packages.
Where can I find information about visiting Boone?
  • Come and explore the Boone area for a true mountain experience like no other. From the majestic peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the scenic overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Boone area provides many opportunities to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of our region. More information.