Cultural Calendar
Home page: Wycliffe Gordon at High Country Jazz Festival. Above: 15th Annual Rosen-Schaffel Competition; Merz Trio at An Appalachian Summer Festival
Cultural Calendar Blossoms Onstage This Spring
High Country Welcomes Locals and Visitors with Dozens of Shows
By Keith Martin
Spring is often associated with the arts, symbolizing new beginnings and creative expression. It also marks a sharp uptick in visitors, destination travelers, and cultural tourists who are here specifically for arts and live music events (see sidebar on “Festival Season”). This fact is confirmed by Explore Boone, who uses geolocation data to track the number of sightseers and occupancy tax figures to calculate overnight guests. Welcome, one and all, and thanks for picking up CML, your guide to “the heart and soul of the High Country.”
Another resource we highly recommend is the High Country Arts Map, an indispensable publication of the Watauga Arts Council available free of charge at their Shadowline Drive offices in Boone or downloadable from their website at HighCountryArts.org. This issue we kick-off the celebration of America 250 with select performing arts events featured throughout the year supported by the state organizations NC250, TN250, and VA250, along with additional programs by individual companies.
Here are dozens of shows that have been announced from now through mid-June, plus a sneak peek at select summer offerings, each listed alphabetically by producing company, with more to be announced shortly. PLEASE NOTE that all the performances, dates, and times are subject to change; readers are strongly encouraged to check individual websites and/or the theatre box offices for the most current information.
See you at the theatre!
The APPALACHIAN THEATRE OF THE HIGH COUNTRY (ATHC) is hosting their second Boonerang Battle of the Bands on April 16 during which selected bands perform in one of two showcases with the winners of each battle receiving a $500 cash prize and an invitation to perform in a paid spot at the 2026 festival, taking place June 19 – 21 on twelve different stages and venues in downtown Boone. Please go to our Regional Happenings and Music Guide in this issue for more info or visit BoonerangFest.com. May 1 marks the return of the International Fly Fishing Film Festival (IF4), the ultimate celebration of fly-fishing culture, featuring a curated collection of world-class films and cinematic storytelling from independent filmmakers around the globe. On May 3 and 4, science fiction fans will gather for both Star Wars and May the Fourth (be with you) movie marathons with all three films in the original trilogy screened on consecutive days.
Landon Talks: An Evening of Southern Stories and Laughter brings Landon Bryant to the Doc Watson stage on May 19. A Southern storyteller raised in Mississippi with a large, loyal, and growing following across social media, Landon is a comedian, digital entertainer, and the author of Bless Your Heart: A Field Guide to All Things Southern and ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, Y’all. His work has been featured in The New York Times, Southern Living, Garden and Gun, ABC News, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and beyond. On June 18, the theatre is hosting their first NC250 event Speaking of Freedom: The Journey to Juneteenth, a community celebration that traces the journey through the words of historical figures, storytelling narrative, music and song. AppTheatre.org
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The ASHE COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL in West Jefferson has programmed several events worthy of consideration. On April 19, the Terra String Quartet perform at the Ashe Arts Center. Recent prizewinners at the Bordeaux and Wigmore Hall International Quartet Competitions, the NYC-based group “combines technical brilliance with heartfelt storytelling, bringing a fresh and deeply human approach.” The popular Southern Squares Country Dance Series has three dates scheduled at the Arts Center on May 28, June 25, and July 23. These free country dances feature talented local bands and experienced callers entertaining a joyful mix of ages on the dance floor with enthusiastic footwork, and plenty of folks happily tapping along from the sidelines while enjoying the live music.
On May 22, the Ashe Community Singers present a free spring concert featuring choral classics celebrating American stories in honor of America 250. This season’s repertoire explores a diverse range of American musical traditions, blending choral classics with folk music, gospel, spirituals, and more. Saloon Studios has several noteworthy events on the calendar, including Shoot to Thrill with Black Market Conspiracy on May 30, Second Helping with CJ Ballard on June 20, followed by Hollywood Nights with Those 3 Guys on June 26, all in the Old West Town on Old West Road in West Jefferson. AsheCountyArts.org
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Be sure to wear green attending the ASHE COUNTY LITTLE THEATRE production of Shrek: The Musical, with music by Jeanine Tesori and book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire. Based on the DreamWorks Animation film, the story follows two loveable ogres, Shrek and Princess Fiona, after their banishment from the Kingdom of Duloc by order of the evil Lord Farquaad. Their entourage grows to include a hapless donkey and a dozen fairytale characters including Pinocchio and the Gingerbread Man, all of whom “Let Their Freak Flag Fly.” Performances are June 25-28 in the Ashe Civic Center. AsheCountyLittleTheatre.org
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At the BARTER THEATRE in Abingdon, VA, audience favorite Always… Patsy Cline opens April 17 with performances through May 10. Author Ted Swindley’s musical is based on a true story that celebrates the life and career of the country music legend as told through the eyes of her biggest fan and unlikely friend, Lousie Seger, complete with many of her unforgettable hits. Two shows alternate on the Gilliam Stage beginning on May 23 when The da Vinci Code begins performances. Adapted by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel from Dan Brown’s novel wherein Professor Robert Langdon is called to the Louvre Art Museum in the dead of night and unwittingly becomes the center of a murder investigation. When cryptologist Sophie Neveu arrives at the scene, she alerts Robert that not only is he being asked to solve the crime, he’s also the prime suspect. Opening June 9 is Frank Loesser’s classic Guys and Dolls: A Musical Fable of Broadway, based on a story and characters by Damon Runyon with book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows. The show follows the high stakes games of a motley crew of gamblers and the women who unexpectedly steal their hearts with a score that features such beloved hits as “Bushel and a Peck,” “Luck Be a Lady,” and “Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat.”
Across the street in the Smith Theatre, actor/playwright Jeff Daniels’ Pickleball continues through April 26.In America’s fastest-growing game, there’s no place for apologies or excuses, but there is a lot of room for comedy. When four below-average players have an opportunity to compete in a local tournament, they must learn to overcome their limitations and dig deep to find the greatness that lies within. The Savannah Sipping Society opens May 12 and marks yet another crowd pleaser from the writing trio of Wooten, Jones, and Hope. In this delightful comedy, four very different Southern women, all strangers, are drawn together by an impromptu happy hour, and decide it’s high time to reclaim the excitement their lives once held. Over the next six months, with the help of several hilarious misadventures and the occasional liquid refreshment, these ladies discover that it’s never too late to make new old friends. BarterTheatre.com
BARTER PLAYERS classic theatre for “Kids of All Ages” has two family-friendly shows on tap this spring with Peter Pan performing through May 12 on the Gilliam Stage. In this adaptation by Catherine Bush from the novel by J. M. Barrie, Wendy and her brothers love to play make-believe in their nursery. Then one night, a young boy named Peter Pan and his fairy friend Tinkerbell fly into the nursery window and whisk them away to a Neverland filled with Lost Boys, pirates, and a man-eating crocodile. Brought thrillingly to life with six quick-changing actors, the Barter Players make this an adventure you will never forget. James Hendley’s adaptation of The Sword in the Stone opens June 9 in the Smith Theatre. For years, the sword has stood in the stone, waiting for the day that it will be drawn by the one true King of England. But could that king be an absent-minded squire named Arthur? Join Arthur and his mentor, the wizard Merlin, on a series of adventures where they face magical beasts and powerful knights as Arthur learns what it truly means to be king. BarterTheatre.com
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Two offerings remain on the spring schedule at the CITY OF MORGANTON MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (CoMMA) beginning April 25 with Alfreda Sings Tina. Born in Morganton, NC, Alfreda Gerard is an international singing powerhouse performing with Cher, Celine Dion, Sir Elton John, Whitney Houston, Yanni, Warren Haynes, and many others. Showcasing an incredible wealth of stage experience, Alfreda has performed shows throughout the world…and now CoMMA is bringing her back home. On June 13, The Ultimate Tribute to Bee Gees and ABBA is “a night of non-stop hits, soaring harmonies, and pure-feel good magic as two legendary tribute shows unite on stage for one spectacular night.” Whether you grew up with these songs or discovered them later, this is a dance-in-the-aisles celebration of music that defined generations with wall-to-wall hits from start to finish. CommaOnline.org
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Over at EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY, the Martin Center for the Arts is bringing two Broadway national tours to their Johnson City campus beginning with Shucked from May 5-7. This Tony Award–winning musical comedy features a book by Tony winner Robert Horn (Tootsie), a score by the Grammy Award–winning songwriting team of Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally (Kacey Musgraves’ “Follow Your Arrow”) and directed by Tony winner Jack O’Brien (Hairspray). It is a corn-fed, corn-bred American musical with an unlikely hero, a lovable con man, and an a-maize-ing battle for the heart and soil of Cob County.
From May 26-28, the musical SIX showcases music, book, and lyrics by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss presented in the form of a singing competition/pop concert. “From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the microphone to reclaim their identities out of the shadow of their infamous spouse, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a euphoric celebration of 21st century girl power! This new original musical is the global sensation that everyone is losing their head over!” ETSUMartinCenter.org
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As of press time, the 18th season at ENSEMBLE STAGE has yet to be confirmed, but they have announced a summer theatre camp for ages seven through 13 from June 22-26 with a performance on the last day. Campers work together to write, direct, and perform an original play centered around the theme, “Better Together.” Through daily acting and writing workshops, costume and scenic design sessions, improvisation training, and rehearsals, campers will experience the many benefits of theatre education. EnsembleStage.com
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LEES-MCRAE COLLEGE (LMC) in Banner Elk and their Performing Arts Department are producing a whimsical, musical tale for all ages titled A Year with Frog and Toad with book, music, and lyrics by Willie Reale, based on Arnold Lobel’s beloved children’s books. The plot follows two great friends—the cheerful, popular Frog and the rather grumpy Toad—through four fun-filled seasons with performances from April 23 – 26 in Hayes Auditorium. lmc.edu/theatreshows
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LMC has two live performing arts series each summer including “an entertaining music series” called FORUM, with back-to-back tribute concerts presented at 5 and 7:30 p.m. on Mondays from late June to early August. The early line-up includes Aria Noveau on June 15, Decades in Duets: The Greatest Duets in Modern Music on June 22, and The Stranger: A Tribute to Billy Joel on June 29. ForumMusicSeries.com
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Founded in 1985, the LEES-MCRAE SUMMER THEATRE is now in its fifth decade of new and original musicals and popular plays with four productions in 2026, beginning May 13-17 with an updated version of Moses: The Musical, with music by the father/son duo of John and Tommy Oaks, book by Janet Barton Speer, and musical direction by Nina Allbert. The show splashes onto the stage of Banner Elk Presbyterian Church with toe-tapping tunes, larger-than-life miracles, and one very reluctant hero who discovers he’s destined for something extraordinary. From June 11-16, Shrek: The Musical plays in Hayes Auditorium on the LMC campus. “Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek….” And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. See our summer preview section for a listing of other productions. lmc.edu/summertheatre
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MERLEFEST 2026 takes place April 23 through 26 on the campus of Wilkes Community College. Please go to our Regional Happenings and Music Guide in this issue for more info or visit MerleFest.org.
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TWEETSIE RAILROAD is North Carolina’s first theme park, opening on the Fourth of July in 1957. Known primarily as a Wild West adventure park with amusement rides and a petting zoo, Tweetsie features stunning three-mile-long train rides aboard a historic, coal-fired, narrow gauge steam locomotive. From a performing arts perspective, Tweetsie is a major employer of professional talent and produces 21 performances of a half-dozen live entertainment and stage shows each day. A sampling of offerings includes the Can-Can Dancers, Country Clogging Jamboree, Hopper and Porter’s Musical Celebration, and The Magic Show. The 2026 season runs from April 4 to November 1 with a variety of holiday events. Tweetsie.com
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In addition to MerleFest, WILKES COMMUNITY COLLEGE (WCC) and their John A. Walker Community Center in Wilkesboro are presenting the much anticipated Are You Ready for It? A Taylor Experience on May 30, an evening that recaps the magic of Swift’s recent Eras Tour. The Do Wop Project: Old School… New Generation follows on June 12 and promises “to capture and deliver the classic sounds of the guys who, back in the day, harmonized with each other on stoops, in the subway, and on street corners.” WalkerCenterOnline.org
A Sneak Peek at Cultural Events in Our Upcoming Summer Issue
Space limitations and our print deadlines simply do not permit listing all the wonderful productions on the summer horizon (some announced, others yet to be confirmed), but you might want to check out the websites of the following organization for advance notice about—and to get early tickets for—these upcoming events:
The expansive 42nd season of AN APPALACHIAN SUMMER FESTIVAL runs from June 27 – August 1, 2026, at various venues on the campus of Appalachian State University in Boone, opening with the Punch Brothers on June 27. Other major events include the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra on July 1, the Merz Trio on July 7, the “Empress of Soul” Gladys Knight on July 8, Straight No Chaser Beach Bash on July 10, and two chamber music performances of Windsync on July 12 including a matinee concert featuring “Peter and the Wolf.” New York City based Complexions Contemporary Ballet performs their Love Rocks program on July 16, with Broadway and television star Darren Criss appearing on July 18, followed on July 19by The Other Mozart, an award-winning play telling the true, forgotten story of Nannerl Mozart, the sister of Amadeus. Grammy Award-winner Rick Springfield takes to the stage on July 23. The Calidore String Quartet performson July 29, with Aaron Diehl and The Jayhawks closing out the season on July 31 and August 1, respectively. For a complete schedule, including films, music competitions, visual art events, lectures and more, visit AppSummer.org.
APPALACHIAN THEATRE will be screening several films during the summer and beyond as part of their NC250 programming, along with a July 3 performance of the Tony Award-winning musical Newsies, Jr.,which culminates a two-week education and outreach initiative. AppTheatre.org
The 55th Annual Ashe County Bluegrass and Old Time Fiddlers Convention on July 24-26celebrates, preserves, and honors traditional music with concerts, competitions, and jam sessions not to be missed by any serious lover of mountain music. AsheCountyArts.org
Several of the BARTER THEATRE’s Spring season openings continue through the summer months, with the additional shows opening on both their stages, including the brilliant and inspiring musical Come From Away on August 26, Dracula on September 10, and on September 17, Kings Mountain, a new play by Catherine Bush that is a VA250 Signature Event. Catch the Barter Players’ production of Cinderella from July 7 – August 8. BarterTheatre.com
BEANSTALK COMMUNITY THEATRE is producing SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical, based on the Nickelodeon animated television series, the weekend of July 23-25 at the Appalachian Theatre in Boone. AppTheatre.org
FORUM AT LEES-MCRAE COLLEGE continues its popular slate of tribute bands and songbook performances on July 6 with the Western Piedmont Symphony, followed by Stevie Mac: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac on July 13, Southern Cross: Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young on July 20, Electric Light Orchestra featuring Evil Woman on July 27, and Margaritas in Paradise: A Tribute to Jimmy Buffet on August 3. ForumMusicSeries.com
HORN IN THE WEST will open their 74th season of Kermit Hunter’s historical outdoor drama on June 26 with performances through mid-August. It is the nation’s oldest outdoor drama portraying the American Revolutionary era. As our country celebrates the 250th Anniversary of its founding, this story holds special meaning, reminding us of the courage, sacrifice, and determination that gave rise to a new nation. HornInTheWest.com
From June 30 – July 5, LMC SUMMER THEATRE produces America 250, written and directed by Janet Barton Speer with musical direction by Rob Dingman. “A group of performers are putting together a show to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary but, hilariously, they don’t always agree on what America stands for, or what songs should be included.” The Alan Menken/Glenn Slater musical comedy Sister Act, based on the hit 1992 film, concludes the season from July 25-31, also with Speer and Dingman at the helm. When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won’t be found: a convent! Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she rediscovers her own. Sister Act is the feel-good musical comedy. lmc.edu/summertheatre
Now in its 25th season and formerly an outdoor drama, the WILKES PLAYMAKERS are again partnering with Bleu Moon Productions on a co-production of A Hometown Legend: Tom Dooley, A Wilkes County Legend on two consecutive weekends from July 23 – 26 and July 30 – August 2, 2026, directed by the playwright, Karen Wheeling Reynolds. Step back in time and relive the haunting true story that put Wilkes County on the map. History, heartache, and hometown pride all come together in this powerful drama made famous by The Kingston Trio in their #1 hit single. WilkesPlaymakers.com
Alleghany Community Theatre | www.alleghanycommunitytheatre.org
Appalachian State University Department of Theatre and Dance | www.theatreanddance.appstate.edu
Appalachian Theatre of the High Country | www.apptheatre.org
Ashe Civic Center | www.ashecivic.com
Ashe County Little Theatre | www.ashecountylittletheatre.org
Barter Theatre | www.BarterTheatre.com
Beanstalk Community Theatre | BeanStalkNC.com
Blue Ridge Community Theatre | www.blueridgecommunitytheatrenc.com
City of Morganton Municipal Auditorium | www.commaonline.org
Ensemble Stage | www.ensemblestage.com
Hayes School of Music| www.music.appstate.edu
In/Visible Theatre | www.invisibletheatrenc.org.
Jones House Cultural & Community Center | www.joneshouse.org
Lees-McRae College Performing Arts | lmc.edu/pashows | Instagram @lmctheatre
Parkway Playhouse | www.parkwayplayhouse.com
Schaefer Center Presents | www.theschaefercenter.org
Wilkes Playmakers | www.wilkesplaymakers.com