July 9, 1998

An Appalachian Summer Festival

Musicians, singers, dancers, actors, artists perform in the High Country

 An Appalachian Summer Festival returns to campus this week.

From July 5 to August 1, internationally renowned musicians, singers, dancers, actors and artists travel from points far and wide to perform in the Appalachian Mountains.  These include singer Willie Nelson, pianist Andre Watts, the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, Ballet West, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and many others.

The Festival began last Sunday with the North Carolina Symphony Pops and will end Saturday, August 1, with the Willie Nelson Outdoor Fireworks Concert.  Other events occur nearly every day of this month.

An Appalachian Summer Festival is organized by the Office of Cultural Affairs for ASU.  The mission statement for this office states in part that it will “enrich, expand and enhance the cultural climate of Appalachian State University and the regional community through the ongoing presentation of intellectually and aesthetically challenging programs which may not be otherwise available.”

An Appalachian Summer Festival is an important element in fulfilling the goals of this mission statement.  Each year the Office of Cultural Affairs searches out a rare collection of talented artists to perform in the Festival.  There was a time though when such a festival was unknown in our area.

An Appalachian Summer Festival is now  is now  in it fourteenth year at ASU.  It began in 1984 with the desire of university officials to extend ASU’s artistic and cultural activities over the summer months.  They envisioned a festival of dance, theater, music and visual arts which would not only create a stronger partnership with the local community but also attract visitors from outside the immediate community.

By the early 80’s this region had developed into a popular resort area.  Many people spent the entire summer here.  An Appalachian Summer Festival has helped respond to the desire of many visitors for more diverse cultural activities during the summer.

Over the years, the University has hosted hundreds of talented artists and inspired performances.  This year the performances are divided into three categories.  The “Celebrating the Classics Series” includes a diversity of classic music and dance, plus  a Smithsonian program on American popular song.  The “Discovery Series” features innovative, contemporary works by established and emerging artists.  The “Family Series,” which is new this year, offers programs designed for young people  and families.

Named one of the top 20 events in the southeast  by the Southeast Tourism Society, An Appalachian Summer Festival distinguishes itself not only by the quality of the performances but also by its location  in the beautiful northern North Carolina mountains.

Tickets for most festival performances are $12-14 for adults, $5-9 for students, and $2 for children 12 and under.  There is special pricing for Andre Watts and Willie Nelson.

Season tickets, plus a variety of other ticket packages, are available at discounted prices, and several events are offered at no charge.  Vacation packages including festival tickets, lodging, meals and coupons to other area attractions are also available.
 
Tickets for events are available at the Farthing Auditorium box office or by calling 800-841-ARTS.
 
 
 
 

E-mail The Appalachian Online at theapp@conrad.appstate.edu