An Appalachian Summer Festival Unveils Star-Studded 2026 Lineup
Hits: 121
BOONE, NC — An Appalachian Summer Festival, Appalachian State University’s annual summer arts celebration, returns for its 42nd season, June 27–August 1, with a star-studded lineup spanning music, dance, theatre, film, and visual arts. Featuring artists across genres—from country-rock and Americana to R&B, Broadway, and classical—the festival unfolds in venues across Appalachian State University’s campus. Tickets go on sale to the public April 15 at 10am, with discounts available for students, children, and App State faculty and staff. For more information, visit www.appsummer.org or call 828-262-4046.
SCHAEFER SPOTLIGHT SERIES
Punch Brothers
Saturday, June 27, Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts, 7:30pm
The virtuosic roots music quintet features mandolinist Chris Thile, guitarist Chris Eldridge, bassist Paul Kowert, banjoist Noam Pikelny, and violinist Brittany Haas. Known for pushing the boundaries of acoustic music, the band has garnered critical acclaim, including a Grammy for Best Folk Album for All Ashore (2018).
[They take] “bluegrass to its next evolutionary stage, drawing equal inspiration from the brain and the heart.” —The Washington Post
“wild virtuosity used for more than just virtuosity” —Rolling Stone
Gladys Knight
Wednesday, July 8, Schaefer Center, 7:30pm
Seven-time Grammy Award winner Gladys Knight has enjoyed #1 hits in Pop, Gospel, R&B, and Adult Contemporary, and has triumphed in film, television, and live performance. Over the last 60 years, Knight has recorded more than 38 albums, including four solo albums: Good Woman (1991); Just for You (1994); the inspirational Many Different Roads (1999); and At Last (2001). In December 2022, she received the 45th Kennedy Center Honors for Lifetime Artistic Achievements along with George Clooney, Amy Grant, Tania Leone, and U2.
Straight No Chaser Beach Bash
Friday, July 10, Schaefer Center, 7:30pm
If the phrase “male a cappella group” conjures up an image of students in blue blazers, ties, and khakis singing traditional college songs on ivied campuses… think again. Straight No Chaser are neither strait-laced nor straight-faced, but neither are they vaudeville-style kitsch. Straight No Chaser is the real deal, the captivating sound of nine unadulterated human voices coming together to make extraordinary music that is moving people in a fundamental sense… and with a sense of humor.
Darren Criss
Saturday, July 18, Schaefer Center, 7:30pm
Since bursting onto the pop-culture landscape over a decade ago in Fox’s hit TV show Glee, Emmy and Golden Globe winner Darren Criss has embodied the kind of kaleidoscopic artistry that’s entirely uninhibited by form or genre. For this concert, Darren will be performing well-known songs featured throughout his wildly eclectic career as both a songwriter and performer, including those from Glee, Starkid, and his Broadway roles, including Maybe Happy Ending, which earned him a Tony Award for Best Leading Actor.
Rick Springfield
Thursday, July 23, Schaefer Center, 7:30pm
Over the past four decades, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter-musician Rick Springfield has created some of the finest power-pop of the ’80s, sold 25 million albums, and scored 17 US Top 40 hits, including “Jessie’s Girl,” “Don’t Talk to Strangers,” “An Affair of the Heart,” “I've Done Everything for You,” “Love Somebody,” and “Human Touch.” Springfield’s Sirius-XM radio show, Working Class DJ, is a huge hit and airs weekly on ’80s on 8. His new album, Automatic, is his first album of all new original material in five years.
The Jayhawks
Saturday, August 1, Schaefer Center, 7:30pm
Over the course of four decades and countless memorable live shows, the alt-country, roots-rock band The Jayhawks have soared to heights few ever achieve while winning the hearts and minds of numerous critics, fans, and peers in the process. Since 2014, The Jayhawks have enjoyed a career resurgence, touring constantly and releasing 3 memorable albums — including Paging Mr. Proust, a true classic co-produced by Peter Buck (REM). In early 2025, the band announced that work had begun on their 12th studio album, slated to come out in 2026, which will be the 40th anniversary of the release of their first album. 2026 has officially been designated as “The Year of the Hawk.”
CLASSIC CONCERT SERIES
Charlotte Symphony Orchestra
Wednesday, July 1, Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts, 7:30pm
Reflecting on the meaning of home, the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra presents a stirring program on the longing for beloved countrysides and pride of cherished folk music under the baton of Resident Conductor Christopher James Lees. Dvořák’s “New World” Symphony blends elements of the Czech composer’s heritage as he yearns for home with American musical influences in his excitement for a new land. Known for the moving “Simple Gifts” melody, Copland’s Suite from Appalachian Spring offers a contrasting portrayal of a couple trying to establish their homestead in rural America in a work full of spirit and wonder.
Merz Trio
Tuesday, July 7, Rosen Concert Hall, 7:30pm
Hailed as “entrancing” (BBC Music Magazine) and “artists in the deepest sense of the word” (CutCommon), Merz Trio have been lauded for their “stunning virtuosity... fresh and surprising interpretations” (Reading Eagle), and “perfection of intonation and ensemble” (Hudson Review). Their narrative programming style juxtaposes classical standards, new music, and their own arrangements of familiar and forgotten works, fluidly interwoven and guided with speaking from the Trio’s members. The program offers of an evening of works by Johannes Brahms, Robert Schumann, Clara Schumann, and Ludwig van Beethoven.
WindSync: Peter and the Wolf
Sunday, July 12, Rosen Concert Hall, 2pm
This 45-minute family-friendly show brings classical music to life with an unforgettable cast of characters. Complete with costumes and choreography, this engaging performance introduces the five wind instruments of the orchestra and concludes with an exciting retelling of Peter and the Wolf by Sergei Prokofiev. Peter, the wolf, and their friends the duck, the cat, and the little bird will make a live appearance!
WindSync
Sunday, July 12, Rosen Concert Hall, 7:30pm
Over nearly two decades of performing, WindSync has proven itself “a major force in the American chamber music landscape” (Arts and Culture Texas). Breaking the “fourth wall” between performers and audience, WindSync’s dynamic performance style incorporates memorization and storytelling to showcase the expressive range of the flute, oboe, clarinet, French horn, and bassoon. The quintet brings Boone a summery set of classical music with an American accent, inflected with folk, jazz, and minimalism. Also featured is Mozart’s Serenade in C minor, a dramatic masterpiece of classical music.
Calidore String Quartet
Wednesday, July 29, Rosen Concert Hall, 7:30pm
The Calidore String Quartet has been recognized for achieving an extraordinary cohesion of individual artistry and collective expression — The Washington Post said “four more individual musicians are unimaginable, yet these speak, breathe, think and feel as one.” Their artistry reflects a profound engagement with both the classical canon and the evolving language of 21st-century chamber music. The program features the works of Joseph Haydn, Wynton Marsalis, and Ludwig van Beethoven.
Aaron Diehl
Friday, July 31, Rosen Concert Hall, 7:30pm
Pianist Aaron Diehl has quietly redefined the boundary between jazz and classical music, building an international career distinguished by a deep sense of musical lineage. Praised for his “melodic precision, harmonic erudition, and elegant restraint” (The New York Times), Diehl is recognized as a singular voice whose work moves freely across genres while remaining grounded in historical awareness.
DANCE
Complexions Contemporary Ballet
Thursday, July 16, Schaefer Center, 7:30pm
Complexions Contemporary Ballet explodes onto the stage with boundary-breaking artistry under visionaries Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson. Raw athleticism meets sleek precision, where 16 powerful dancers command the stage with fierce grace and technical brilliance that’ll leave you breathless. The first act features a mixed repertory that spans Complexions' 31 years as a company, followed by act two, Love Rocks — set to the electric, guitar-driven anthems of Grammy legend Lenny Kravitz. Feel the energy in a vibrant celebration of love, diversity, and everything that makes us human.
“If there is one thing that Complexions knows how to do well (and, let’s be honest, they do many things quite well), it’s their choreographic exploration of rock ‘n’ roll and popular music.” – Hollywood Soapbox
THEATRE
The Other Mozart
Sunday, July 19, Valborg Theatre, 2pm
This award-winning, Drama Desk nominated play tells the true, forgotten story of Nannerl Mozart, the genius sister of Amadeus — a prodigy, keyboard virtuoso and composer, who performed throughout Europe with her brother to equal acclaim, but her work and her story faded away, lost to history. Set in a stunning 18-foot dress, playwright Sylvia Milo ushers you into a world of opulence and delight — obscured by restriction and prejudice. The music score brings Nannerl’s musical imagination to life using clavichords, music boxes, teacups, and fluttering fans. Inspired by the Mozart family’s hilarious and heartbreaking letters, this other Mozart at last tells her story.
“strikingly beautiful” — The New York Times
“This is a gem of a show” — The Stage (London)
“fascinating and irresistibly intelligent” —- Theatermania
“dazzling, original performance … hauntingly beautiful” — LA Times
CLASSICAL MUSIC COMPETITION
15th Annual Rosen-Schaffel Competition for Young and Emerging Artists and Winner’s Recital
Thursday, July 2, Rosen Concert Hall, 1pm (competition) and 7:30pm (recital)
Undergrad and graduate collegiate musicians from across the Southeast, selected via a blind adjudication process this spring, will compete in the final live round of the competition. A panel of esteemed conductors will choose First, Second, and Third Place winners for cash prizes and patrons will select the Audience Choice winner. The winner of the competition will perform a full 60-minute recital at 7:30pm of the selected works they performed earlier that afternoon.
GLOBAL FILM SERIES
Calle Malaga
Tuesday, June 30, Schaefer Center, 7:30pm
In Spanish and Arabic with English subtitles / France, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Morocco / Not Rated / Directed by Maryam Touzani / 2025 / Drama, Romance / 116 minutes
An aging Spanish woman in Tangier resists her daughter’s decision to sell her home. Determined to stay, she does everything she can to keep her home and reclaim the belongings of a lifetime. Along the way, she rediscovers love and desire.
Sentimental Value
Tuesday, July 14, Schaefer Center, 7:30pm
In Norwegian, English and French with English subtitles / Norway, Germany, Denmark, France, Sweden, United Kingdom, Turkey / Rated R (language, sexual reference, brief nudity) / Directed by Joachim Trier / 2025 / Psychological Drama, Showbiz Drama / 133 minutes
In this intimate exploration of family, memories, and the reconciliatory power of art, two sisters must navigate their complicated relationship with their estranged father (Stellan Skarsgård), a charismatic once-renowned director who casts an eager young Hollywood star (Elle Fanning) in what he hopes will be his comeback film.
Sirat
Tuesday, July 21, Schaefer Center, 7:30pm
In Spanish, French, English, and Arabic with English subtitles / Spain, France / Rated R (violent content, drug use) / Directed by Oliver Laxe / 2025 / Drama, Mystery, Thriller, Action, Adventure / 115 minutes
Searching for his missing daughter, a father (Sergi López) and his son travel to a remote rave in Morocco’s mountains where she disappeared months earlier. As they descend into a world of endless music and burning wilderness, the journey forces them to confront their own limits.
Happy Birthday
Tuesday, July 28, Schaefer Center, 7:30pm
In Arabic with English subtitles / Egypt / Not rated / Directed by Sarah Goher / 2025 / Drama / 91 minutes Eight-year-old maid Toha goes to great lengths to ensure that her best friend Nelly, the daughter of her wealthy employer, has a successful birthday party in this poignant debut feature exploring classism, power, and belonging in modern-day Cairo.
VISUAL ARTS
Summer Exhibition Celebration
Thursday, July 2, Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, 5-8pm
Engage with visiting artists and fellow arts advocates, enjoy live music and refreshments, and discover the exciting contemporary exhibitions showcased across six galleries by local, regional, national, and international artists.
40th Annual Rosen Outdoor Sculpture Walk
Saturday, July 11, Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts, 10am
The nationally recognized Martin and Doris Rosen Outdoor Sculpture Competition and Exhibition has showcased contemporary American sculpture in outdoor settings across the university campus for the last 40 years. Juror and sculptor Sam Spiczka will lead guests on a guided tour of the 10 sculptures installed along Rivers Street selected for this year’s competition. The walk culminates at the Schaefer Center for the announcement of this year’s award winners and a complimentary lunch.
ARTtalks
Turchin Center Lecture Hall, 4-5pm
Step behind the curtain for a series of intimate conversations with this season’s artists about the passions and processes that shape their work.
Tuesday, June 30 — “Curating Global Cinema,” Dale Pollock
Get an insider’s look at how this year’s international film series lineup was selected — and why global cinema matters.
Thursday, July 9 — “40 Years of Public Art,” Hank Foreman
A retrospective on the Rosen family’s vision for sculpture at App State and the lasting impact of four decades of the Rosen Sculpture Competition.
Wednesday, July 15 — “Innovation in Motion,” Jillian Davis, Co-Associate Artistic Director
Go behind the scenes to discover how Complexions Contemporary Ballet has transformed ballet through creativity, diversity, and fearless artistry.
Wednesday, July 29 — “Beethoven in the 21st Century,” Calidore String Quartet
Join the Calidore String Quartet for an intimate conversation about their acclaimed Beethoven quartet cycles and the enduring relevance of the master composer today.
Tickets for An Appalachian Summer Festival
With ticket prices ranging from $5-$65, as well as several free events and discounts for both children, students, and App State faculty/staff, App Summer offers unique opportunities for residents and visitors to create arts experiences suited to their individual artistic tastes and budgets. Purchase in person at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts Box Office (733 Rivers St), online at AppSummer.org, or by phone at 828-262-4046.
App State Faculty/Staff: Buy Early, Save Now! April 15-30 ONLY!
$5 off Tiers 1, 2 & 3 for select performances at the Schaefer Center. Contact Box Office for discount.
About An Appalachian Summer Festival
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 varied artistic tastes, preferences, and price points. The series has become one of the region’s leading arts events, attracting more than 27,000 visitors to the High Country each summer. Presented by Appalachian State University’s Office of Arts Engagement and Cultural Resources, this annual celebration of the performing and visual arts is held every July in venues across the university campus, and features a diverse, world-class mix of music, dance, theatre, visual arts and film programming. App Summer has been named one of the “Top Twenty Events in the Southeast” by the Southeast Tourism Society.
For more information, call the Schaefer Center Box Office at 828-262-4046, visit in person at 733 Rivers Street, or explore AppSummer.org.
Corporate Sponsors
Bonnie and Jamie Schaefer, Christine Petti, Neil and Nancy Schaffel, App State Campus Store, Broyhill Family Foundation, Catsman Foundation, Mast General Store, Appalachian Home Care LLC, The Art Cellar Gallery, Dianne Davant & Associates, Explore Boone, Goodnight Brothers, Highstreet Insurance Partners, SkyBest Communications, Banner Elk TDA, Creekside Electronics, Grandview Events & Catering, Peabody’s Wine & Beer Merchants, Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, Rosemyr Corporation, Courtyard by Marriott, Graystone Lodge, Hampton Inn & Suites, and Holiday Inn Express-Boone
Media Sponsors
WBTV, WCYB, PBS North Carolina, Our State Magazine, The Mountain Times, Watauga Democrat, WNC Magazine, The Assembly, Creative Loafing Charlotte, Yes! Weekly, Winston-Salem Journal, Greensboro News & Record, WZJS 100.7 and WATA 96.5, WHKY 1290AM and 102.3FM, WDAV 89.9FM, WFDD 88.5FM, WASU 90.5FM, and WKSK The Farm
Restaurant Sponsors
Coyote Kitchen, The Local, Lost Province, LP on Main, and Pepper’s
