Discover the Diverse Delights of An Appalachian Summer Festival

This summer, the 40th annual An Appalachian Summer Festival is set to captivate audiences with a vibrant tapestry of music, dance, visual arts, and film. From July 16th to July 27th, the festival promises a little something for everyone, with a lineup that spans classical, funk, soul, and R&B genres.

Immerse Yourself in the Artistic Brilliance of Appalachia

TCVA Faculty Biennial: Celebrating Esteemed Artists and Professors

On Tuesday, July 16th at 2 pm, the festival will host a panel discussion featuring Appalachian State University Art Department faculty members showcased in the current biennial exhibition. Moderated by Turchin Center Senior Curator Mary Anne Redding, this event offers a unique opportunity to learn about the work and practice of these esteemed artists and professors, as well as an opportunity to engage in a Q&A session and explore the galleries.

Bell-Denk-Isserlis Trio: A Masterclass in Chamber Music

On Thursday, July 18th at 7 pm, the festival will welcome the highly acclaimed Bell-Denk-Isserlis Trio, a "dream team of performers" (Strings Magazine). Violinist Joshua Bell, pianist Jeremy Denk, and cellist Steven Isserlis will captivate the audience with an unparalleled evening of chamber music, featuring works by Debussy, Fauré, and Mendelssohn. This summer marks the trio's first U.S. appearances since their debut tour in 2019, where they received widespread praise for their "fresh and cohesive sensitivity and superb technical polish" (Boston Classical Review).

St. Paul and the Broken Bones: Soulful Sensations

On Saturday, July 20th at 8 pm, the festival will host the eight-piece soul ensemble St. Paul and the Broken Bones, founded in Birmingham, Alabama in 2011. The band burst onto the scene with their 2014 debut, "Half the City," establishing a swampy Southern-fried sound with tight horn lines that quickly became a calling card. Known for their electric, soul-rattling performances and showmanship, the band has been hailed as "one of the most authentic soul-revival sextets around." Frontman Paul "St. Paul" Janeway's voice has been described as "an amazing thing. Part James Brown, part Al Green, part lunatic hellfire preacher. ...It's a controlled falsetto shriek and a silky, woozy croon. It's the sort of voice that leaves a room emotionally wrung out but willing to listen to its very last gasp. It's simply remarkable."The group has continued to evolve, branching out well beyond old-school soul into sleek summertime funk and classic disco on albums like 2018's "Young Sick Camellia." Their most recent LP, "Angels in Science Fiction," stretched their limbs further, building on the shadowy psychedelia and intricate, experimental R&B of 2022's "The Alien Coast."The festival will also feature a special appearance by opening act HARPER O'NEILL, whose debut album, "Dark Bar Daisy," was hailed by Billboard for its "wisened vocals, which expertly bends notes and imbues the lyrics with the husky realism of someone who has lived, loved, lost and seen a few things." The Nashville-based singer-songwriter has cultivated a fresh take on Texas soul music, with a smokey and signature "night cap country sound."

Simone Dinnerstein and Awadagin Pratt: A Captivating Piano Duet

On Sunday, July 21st at 2 pm, the festival will present a captivating piano duet featuring Simone Dinnerstein and Awadagin Pratt. These two acclaimed pianists will come together to deliver a mesmerizing performance, showcasing their exceptional artistry and musical synergy.With a diverse lineup of events and a range of ticket prices, from to 5, as well as several free events and discounts for children, students, and Appalachian State faculty and staff, An Appalachian Summer Festival offers a unique opportunity for residents and visitors alike to immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestry of the region. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts box office, online at AppSummer.org, or by phone at 828-262-4046.