Boonerang Festival Guide 2024

FESTIVAL GUIDE

JUNE 14-15, 2024

BOONERANG GIVES BACK

In 2023, Boonerang partnered with the Watauga Arts Council and Casting Bread to help with organization and operation. In exchange for their hard work and support, Boonerang was able to contribute more than $4,000 to Casting Bread to help support food security needs in the High Country, and more than $10,000 to the Watauga Arts Council, including a fund that local art, music, and theater teachers can utilize to help raise the next generation of Boonerang performers and vendors.

2023 BY THE NUMBERS

Over $4,000 donated to Casting Bread to help support food security needs in the High Country

Over $10,000 donated to the Watauga Arts Council to fund local art, music, and theater

SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS

Boonerang takes sustainability seriously. The first year, the choice was made to use all aluminum, reusable and 100% recyclable cups for beer drinkers. We continued those efforts in 2023 and worked hard to find reusable options for signage and supplies; provide recycling throughout the festival grounds; and source as many of our needs locally. This year, the festival is partnering with Boone Sustainability, Appalachian State University’s Sustainability Program, and Republic Services to collect recycling and compost materials to divert as much waste from the landfill as possible. Please help by tossing your materials in the right bin around the festival. Want to help even more? Consider joining our team! Stop by the Volunteer Headquarters (in the official merchandise space) to learn more.

WELCOME TO BOONERANG

STORY BY HARLEY NEFE

he streets of downtown Boone have once again come alive as many attendees gather to enjoy the plethora of performances and activities at the third annual Boonerang Music & Arts Festival on

“We could not pull off this event without the generous support of our sponsors and partners, nor without the help of our many, many volunteers,” shared Mark Freed, Director of Cultural Resources for the Town of Boone. “Thank you to everyone in our community who has stepped up to help make this festival continue its success.”

According to Boonerang, the “Boonerang Music & Arts Festival celebrates Boone, North Carolina with a free downtown street festival; this community homecoming brings Boone-connected artists and fans together every third weekend in June to Boonerang back to the place we

A big part of what makes the Boonerang Music & Arts Festival a big hit is the variety of tunes that can be heard across several locations downtown. With seven different performance stages, including South Depot Stage, Jones House Stage, North Depot Stage, BACR/641 RPM Stage, Appalachian Theatre, Dance Stage and the Kids Zone, there is lots of entertainment to explore.

“We have something for everyone this year. For music, we have reggae, blues, rock, bluegrass, singer-songwriters, Americana, punk, alternative, mariachi, funk, and soul,” Freed described. “We have our dance lot for people who would like to square dance, salsa, or two-step. We have our Kids Zone for families and Boonerang International for those looking for world flavors. We have two nights of silent disco; a film festival; and an open drum circle. There are places for people to dance, sing, sit, join, watch, and experience the festival in many ways. We also have our open Boone’s Got Talent showcase on the Thursday night before the festival.”

The full lineup includes over 30 acts spanning genres from funk to folk and rock to reggae.

Freed explained that in order to select bands for Boonerang, the committee starts by referring to their growing list of bands that have a connection to Boone.

“We try to bring a mix of newer and older bands with a variety of styles represented,” he said. “We review requests and suggestions that people have made since we started the event. We then pull together a larger committee of people who have helped us conceive and produce the event. Then, our Town of Boone Cultural Resources staff starts reaching out to bands to explore what might work with schedules and budget.”

When it comes to the artist lineup, Boonerang is only just now starting to showcase repeat artists.

“In year two, we did not have any repeats from year one,” Freed explained. “This year, we are bringing back a couple of favorites from year one, including a set at the Dance Lot with Lazybirds and our Friday night headliner, Melissa Reaves. We also have some repeat artists performing at our Kids Zone this year. Otherwise, all of the acts are new to Boonerang. We continue to strive to bring a broad mix of genres, styles, and representation to our stages.”

Many musicians with ties to the High Country make a return for the popular event; however, other groups are traveling from longer distances just to make an appearance.

“The Boonerang crew extends our gratitude to all of the bands that come to Boone to help make the festival an incredible event,” Freed remarked “Boone holds a special place in the hearts of our performers, and we want them to be sure that we love having them participate –whether they live here, are returning for a reunion, or make the High Country a regular stop on their touring. When we all come together for the festival weekend, that extra special feeling of community and homecoming elevates us all.”

Make sure to tag us in your festival adventures!

VENDORS

SOUTH DEPOT ZONE

ARTS VENDORS

▷ Plant Bustique

▷ Off the Hook by Linda and Hope

▷ Kattagast Jewelry

▷ Solita Designs

▷ Rachel Salmon Photography

▷ Noodlecakes

▷ Willow Hollow Atlier

▷ Old Made New

▷ Moonshine Mountain Soap Company

▷ Upcycled Everything

▷ Stony Fork Dyes

▷ Brown Paper Bling

▷ Art by Bunny Eaton

▷ Alysa Cantor Art

▷ tree of life designs

▷ Tsuga

▷ Naiart Henna & Face Painting

▷ Creations x Court

▷ Taylor Kennedy Art

▷ Cali.nco

▷ Old North Candle Co

▷ bgoodstudio

▷ Boonebarndog

▷ The Pearled Squirrel

▷ H2O Tie Dyes

▷ Distant Daydreams Jewelry & Gifts

▷ Spencer Steppe Pottery

▷ Mooncraft Botanicals

▷ Creative Compulsion

▷ Nefarious Knots

▷ Integral Disc Dyes

BOONERANG INTERNATIONAL

▷ Immigrant Connection of the High Country

▷ Q’Pasa Appalachia

▷ La Monarca Tienda Mexicana

▷ Mountain BizWorks

▷ Escobar Rustic Crafts and Creations

▷ Friends of Copal AA

▷ Edge Nonprofit

▷ Attagirl Boutique

▷ Zosh

▷ Vista Tranquila

▷ Immigrant Justice Coalition

FOOD & BEVERAGE

▷ The Cardinal

▷ The Ham Shoppe

▷ Spudwings

▷ Taqueria La Monarca

▷ Simple Wtr

▷ Ben & Jerry’s

▷ Pops & Pucker

▷ Lemon Lips Lemonade

▷ Raleigh Popsicle Co

MELLOW LOUNGE

▷ Let’s Be Artsy

▷ Boone’s Fly Shop

▷ Neighborhood Yoga

FESTIVAL SERVICES

▷ Boone Drug First Aid Tent

▷ Mobile Baby Basecamp

▷ Info & Water Refill Station

NONPROFITS/SPONSORS

▷ Mountain True

▷ 828 Real Estate

▷ Tristan’s Chimney Service

▷ Carolina West Wireless

NORTH DEPOT ZONE

ARTS VENDORS

▷ Seed & Sow Design Co

▷ Morning Wool

▷ AllysonMurphyArt

▷ Wooded Wilds

▷ Designs by Disa

▷ Creative Paths

▷ Future Relic Designs

▷ Clay Town Pottery

▷ Becca Childress Creative

▷ Gala Crafts

▷ Davis Dyes

▷ Gold Dust Creative

▷ Blowing Rock Creations

▷ Ollie + Gwinnie

▷ Adam Dehus Art

▷ Re-Fashioned

▷ Sweet Carolina Soap

▷ R. Bowers Design and Crafts

▷ Sister of Mother Earth

▷ McLean Co

▷ Emma Jayne Embroidery

▷ Appalachian Metal Smiths

▷ Aru Paper Co

▷ BeeSymmetry Designs

▷ Katherine Graham Raku

▷ Jacob’s Jewelry

▷ The Nightingale’s Nest

▷ Caricatures by Brian

FOOD & BEVERAGE

▷ That’s a Wrap

▷ Little Wing Ice Cream (Kids Zone)

▷ Carolina Food Monger

FESTIVAL SERVICES

▷ Boonerang Merchandise & Information

NONPROFITS/SPONSORS

▷ Watauga Arts Council

▷ Partners! Canines Rescue - Pet water station

▷ Snips of Watauga Humane Society

▷ Cheap Joes Art Stuff

▷ High Country Association of Realtors (Kids Zone)

POST OFFICE

▷ Watauga Compassionate Community Initiative

▷ End Overdose in Watauga

▷ Community Care Clinic

▷ Art of Living RetreatCenter

▷ Watauga Voting Rights Task Force

JONES HOUSE

FOOD/BEVERAGE

▷ Big Brose’s Family BBQ

▷ Frosties Ice Cream Express

NONPROFITS

▷ Mountain Home Music

▷ Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture

▷ Appalachian Voices

▷ Blue Ridge Fiber Guild

▷ Watauga County Historical Society

BOONE BAGELRY LOT

VINTAGE MARKET

▷ Anna Banana’s

▷ Off the Rack

BE SURE TO VISIT DOWNTOWN

BOONE RETAILERS, GALLERIES, AND RESTAURANTS DURING THE FESTIVAL!

KIDS ZONE

SATURDAY 11 AM - 3 PM

LITTLE WING - ICE CREAM ($)

CASTING BREAD - DUCK RACES

CHILDREN'S PLAYHOUSE - BUILDING FUN

TWO RIVERS SCHOOL - TEMPORARY TATTOOS

HIGH COUNTRY REALTORS - COLORING BOOKS

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY - BOOKS AND SNACKS

WATAUGA CO. LIBRARY - HANDMADE INSTRUMENTS

TWIST THE BALLOON MAN - BALLOON CREATIONS

AYLA THE DREAMS FAIRY - BUBBLER EXTRAORDINAIRE

PERFORMING ARTISTS

Boonerang

Music & Arts Festival was born in a meeting at the Jones House, when Town of Boone’s Cultural Resources staff made a list of bands with a connection to Boone and decided it was high (country) time to launch

FRIDAY, JUNE 14

ECRS STAGE @ SOUTH DEPOT

HOPE MASSIVE (5:30)

@hopemassive

Boone’s own roots reggae ensemble formed in 1995, when fate brought together a vibrant group of musicians during their time at Appalachian State University. Bound by a shared vision of spreading peace and positivity through music, they formed Hope Massive. During their height, the band released an acclaimed album, shared stages with revered reggae

a new street event featuring groups from the list. The festival continues to feature - almost exclusively - bands with a Boone connection, while also ensuring there is something for everyone - rock, roots, blues, international

and dub artists, and embarked on tours spanning the Eastern US and even reaching Japan. They reunite to unite with an uplifting message – and possible special guests – to open the 2024 Boonerang Friday night party.

EMPIRE STRIKES BRASS (7:00)

@empirestrikesbrass

Hailing from Asheville, and including drummerand-former-Boonie, Nik Hope, this Brass-FunkRock powerhouse delivers a larger-than-life sound fueled by a thumping rhythm section and rich horn arrangements. Starting in 2012 as a group of friends who liked to jam, ESB brings a collective of incredibly

flavors, songwriters, reggae, bluegrass, funk, and more.

If you are a music lover, there is a Boonerang band that will get your groove going.

talented musicians, blending New Orleans-inspired second-line and funk with elements of rock and jam.

MELISSA REAVES (8:30)

@melissareaves

Melissa Reaves rocked the High Country for many years, and she returns to Boonerang this year with her soulful vocals, dynamic guitar skills, and a group of musical cohorts well-versed in rock, funk, and rhythm & blues. After packing the North Depot tent in 2022 with a super funky and soulful set, Boonerang is excited to host the Queen of Action on the ECRS Stage at South Depot for a headlining set with her great band.

SATURDAY, JUNE 15

ECRS STAGE @ SOUTH DEPOT

MAC ARNOLD & PLATE

FULL O’ BLUES (11:00)

macarnold.com

With a career spanning several decades, Mac Arnold is a true icon of the blues genre, known for his exceptional talent as a vocalist, guitarist, and harmonica player. Alongside his band Plate Full O’ Blues, Mac Arnold delivers electrifying performances that pay homage to the rich traditions of the blues while infusing them with his own unique style and energy.

SNAKE OIL MEDICINE SHOW (1:00) @snakeoilmedicineshow

Snake Oil Medicine Show formed in Boone decades ago, and has since become an institution in the region’s music scene. Now based in

Asheville, SOMS is a vibrant musical collective that seamlessly blends elements of folk, bluegrass, jazz, and world music into an eclectic sonic and visual tapestry with fiddles, banjos, guitars, percussion, and live on-stage painting.

FLORENCIA & THE FEELING (3:00)

@florenciaandthefeeling

Fronted by the magnetic Florencia Rusiñol, a Latin American singer songwriter from East Tennessee, Florencia & The Feeling combines influence from jazz, pop, funk, and the rich musical landscape of Argentina. As they continue to garner attention both regionally and internationally, Florencia & The Feeling are poised to make a lasting impact on the music scene and the 2024 Boonerang audience.

THE TAN & SOBER GENTLEMEN (5:00)

@tanandsober

Hailing from North Carolina, The Tan & Sober Gentlemen is a six-piece band deeply rooted in the musical traditions of their beloved state, while blending Irish tunes, ballads, and pub songs with Appalachian fiddle tunes to create their signature style of “Irish-American hillbilly music.” Since their formation in 2017, The Tan & Sober Gentlemen have become known as one of the South’s most energetic live acts, delivering highenergy performances that ignite audiences with drinking, dancing, and merriment. Their raucous celebrations of the Carolinas’ Irish heritage have earned them a reputation as one of the hardesthitting bands on the scene.

THE NUDE PARTY (7:00)

@thenudeparty

Formed in 2012, while attending App State, these longtime friends played some infamous impromptu performances in the buff at their lake house outside of town. The Nude Party quickly rose to the top of the Boone music scene and has since become a nationally-touring act with a trio of acclaimed albums, hallmark performances at festivals like Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo, and warming up stages for the likes of Jack White and Orville Peck. These days based in New York, The Nude Party boonerangs back to the High Country to headline the 2024 ECRS Stage at South Depot.

JONES HOUSE STAGE

ASHES & ARROWS (11:30)

@ashesandarrowsofficial

A band born in the Blue Ridge, Ashes & Arrows has burst onto the music scene since their chance formation in 2021. Forged in the style of household Americana names like the Avett Brothers, Tyler Childers, and Jason Isbell, Ashes & Arrows is a breath of fresh air to the genre. This trio has quickly gained recognition for their vocals – with soaring melodies, tight harmonies, and resonant tones. Moreover, they’ve proven their savvy at songwriting, recently releasing a number of original EPs, including the smooth and playful “Sexy” and the heart-stirring “Bones in the Breeze” (one of many songs written right here in Boone).

TAMBÉM (1:30)

@tambemband

Também, a trio based in Durham, North Carolina, delves into a fusion of Brazilian and American musical styles, incorporating a diverse array of rhythms and textures. Pianist and founding member, Ingrid Nora Knight, is a Watauga High grad and App State alum

with a background in jazz studies. Rounded out by Uruguayan drummer and percussionist Gastón Reggio and bassist Andy Powell, “Também,” meaning “also” or “as well” in Portuguese, underscores the project’s emphasis on incorporating diverse influences to create something unexpected, unconventional, and fresh.

SHAY MARTIN LOVETTE (3:30) @shaymlovette

There is something quintessentially Appalachian about Shay Martin Lovette, a self-described wayfaring songwriter. Lovette’s craft is inspired by a deep respect for the region’s rich musical heritage, and this is clearly reflected in his style of playing. Likewise, the natural beauty and surroundings of his mountain home is a source of creative energy in his songwriting. With a resume that includes a pair of critically acclaimed albums and performances across the region, including Merlefest and Bristol Rhythm & Roots, Lovette has made a name for himself as one of Boone’s most prolific singer-songwriters.

ORVILLE HICKS (5:00)

Master storyteller, Orville Hicks, grew up around Beech Mountain listening to the Jack Tales and mountain songs of his family, including his mother, Sarah Ann Harmon Hicks, and neighbor Ray Hicks, another storytelling legend. Orville brings the Jake Tales, stories, and songs he heard on the porches and fields to the stage for a unique High Country experience. If you have not had a chance to hear Orville tell about “Jack and the Heifer Hide” or sing “The Cabbage Head Song,” be sure to visit the Jones House lawn at Boonerang this year!

SUREFIRE (5:30)

@surefirebluegrassband

Surefire radiates the spirit of traditional bluegrass music with tight harmonies, virtuosic instrumental solos, and rhythms that evoke the spirit of the mountains. This four-piece stringband formed back in 2007, when a few of Watauga’s own local fellas got together to pick some tunes, drawing upon some of their influences which include The Stanley Brothers, Bill Monroe, Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs, and of course Doc Watson. Now, more than 15 years later, Surefire is the highlight of the High Country bluegrass scene.

MAST GENERAL STORE STAGE

NORTH DEPOT

LOOSE ROOSTERS (12:00) @loose_roosters_band

The concept of Boonerang is something different for the guys from Loose Roosters, all four of whom made western Watauga their home, and never found a reason to leave. Playing original roots rock and revamped outlaw country, the Roosters add a distinct Appalachian flavor to their music – something a little gritty and unrefined, but entirely genuine and relatable. Add in a few rooster motifs and undo an extra shirt button or two, and you’ve got a quintessentially Boone-feeling band. CONTINUES ON PAGE 20.

FESTIVAL MAP

OTHER FESTIVAL HAPPENINGS

THURSDAY, JUNE 13

BOONE'S GOT TALENT

APPALACHIAN THEATRE, 7:30 PM

$5 ADULTS, $10 STUDENTS

BOONERANG TALENT SHOWCASE

BOONERANG WARM-UP EVENT

BOONE SALOON, 9 PM

$5 COVER - 21+

FUNKUPATION W/ SPECIAL GUESTS AND JACOOZY

SATURDAY, JUNE 15

BOONERANG SILENT DISCO WITH AIRMEN AUDIO, 8-11 PM

MAST GENERAL STORE STAGE AT NORTH DEPOT

FREE - ALL AGES

BREWER WORLD TOUR

RAHEIM ANDREWS DJ CHAYO

BEER AND BANJOS

SOUTHEND BREWING CO.

FREE - ALL AGES

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8 PM - PRESLEY LATON BAND

ROOTS IN THE GARDEN

D.B. NATIVE GARDENS, 5:30 PM

FREE - ALL AGES

ADAM CHURCH

FREE ENTRY JUNK JAM

EVERYBODY'S BRUNCHEON, 8-11 PM

HOSTED BY BRADLEY TURNER

DOOMERANG - DAY 1

LILY'S SNACK BAR, 7:30 PM

TICKET REQUIRED - 21+

SUNBEARER | BONGFOOT

WEEDEATER | APPALACHIATARI

OFFICIAL BOONERANG AFTERPARTY

APPALACHIAN THEATRE, 7:30 PM

FREE - ALL AGES

THE TREE OF FORGIVENESS BANDA JOHN PRINE TRIBUTE

BOONE SALOON AFTER PARTY

BOONE SALOON, 9 PM

$5 COVER - 21+

UPSTAIRS: RANDY'S ARMY AND KEITH ALLEN'S CIRCUS

DOWNSTAIRS: DJ MUZ

LATIN DANCE NIGHT

FIZZ-ED (WITH LATIN DANCE BOONE)

FREE - 21+

8 PM - INSTRUCTION

9 PM-MIDNIGHT - SOCIAL DANCE

FRIDAY, JUNE 14

BOONERANG SILENT DISCO WITH AIRMEN AUDIO, 8-11 PM

MAST GENERAL STORE STAGE AT NORTH DEPOT

FREE - ALL AGES

BOONE AREA COMMUNITY RADIO DEEJAYS

LOCAL SHOWCASE

BOONE SALOON, 9 PM

$5 COVER - 21+

FUNKELSTILTSKIN AND WEASELS

AFTERPARTY AT FIZZ-ED

FIZZ-ED, 9 PM - MIDNIGHT

FREE - 21+

SQUIRREL JAM (90S COVER BAND)

DOOMERANG - DAY 2

LILY'S SNACK BAR, 7:30 PM

TICKET REQUIRED - 21+

MIDNIGHT PANTHER | AUSTIN ROYALE

DOPE SKUM | COLO | PIE FACE GIRLS

THE AFTER EVERYBODY'S BRUNCHEON CLUB, 9:30 PM

$10 COVER - ALL AGES

RANFORD ALMOND W/ SPECIAL GUESTS

JACOOZY AND SATELLITE DOG

DOOMERANG - DAY 3

LILY'S SNACK BAR, 7:30 PM

TICKET REQUIRED - 21+

BABE HAVEN | REVILER

ORPHAN RIOT | BANGZZ | L.O.C

Did You Know?

The Hellbender Salamander,

Salamanders live under rocks found in rivers and streams. To help preserve their habitat, refrain from stacking stones found in these areas.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14.

lund (2:00)

@lund-music

Singer-songwriter lund comes back to the place where her musical journey started. A graduate of Appalachian State University’s Music Industries program – Nicole Lund (as an artist, simply and elegantly stylized as lund) ultimately made Western NC her adoptive home, after spending much of her adult life in New York City. lund has gracefully mastered her craft as a singer-songwriter, releasing her aptly named debut album, “Right This Time,” in 2022. What it always comes down to for lund is soul; in her vocals, in her lyrics, and in her delivery, lund has a way of captivating listeners and showing them a part of her soul.

GRINGO STAR (4:00)

@gringostarmusic

Brothers Nick and Pete Furgiuele, founding members of Gringo Star, grew up in Boone and formed the band in 2007, after moving to Atlanta,

GA. Over the last 15 years, these indie rockers have released numerous albums and performed at too many musical festivals to name. And maybe Boonerang is no Super Bowl Village, SXSW, or Lollapalooza (yeah, they’ve played there), but we can just about guarantee that the atmosphere of this hometown festival will rival these events – because Boonies love their own!

JERRY’S DEAD (6:00)

@jerrysdeadband

Covering the gamut of the Jerry Garcia songbook, from well-known Grateful Dead hits to JGB deep cuts, Jerry’s Dead is a fan favorite here in Western NC – featuring former Boonie and App State alum, Tim Marsh on guitar and vocals. The band hosts weekly Thursday night performances at French Broad River Brewery in Asheville and has started a tradition of sharing their setlist following each performance; with such an expansive repertoire to choose from, there are several weeks, even months, without any repeats – so you never know what you might get.

641 RPM/BACR STAGE @ ESPRESSO NEWS

DISSIMILAR SOUTH (12:00)

Dissimilar South is breathing fresh life into an American folk genre that is being redefined, especially here in this region. At the band’s center are the duo of Maddie Fisher and Carter Hodge, whose close relationship in music and life have helped shaped the band’s direction. Professional and personal breakups, along with a few of life’s hard knocks, saw the group transform their oldtime sound to one with a distinctly more Indie pop feel, culminating in a 2022 debut album. And, as an all-queer band made up of women and nonbinary musicians,

a tenor saxophonist and a percussionist, this band creates a one-of-a-kind jazz sound. Terms like “improvisational” and “avant-garde” really don’t do Ghost Trees justice. At times subtle and smooth, at other times chaotic and cacophonous, Ghost Trees pushes the boundaries of artistry, drawing listeners in and keeping them expectantly on the edge of their seats.

SETTING (4:00)

Based out of central NC, Setting is a trio of multi-instrumentalists who began performing together in 2021. Since then, they have been performing at venues and festivals up and down the East Coast and Midwest, and have released a pair of albums. With a harmonic blend of stings, keys, synthesizers, and percussion, Setting creates an atmosphere, an ambience, and well…a setting. Check them out for yourself at the 641 RPM / BACR Stage at Espresso News.

6:00)

Formed in 1996, The Karloffs were torchbearers in a renaissance of underground rock in Boone, playing in venues like Rafters,

the Caribbean Café, and Murphy’s, plus an epic trailer set for the opening of the original Appalachian Skate Park (RIP). The Karloffs remain one of Boone’s favorite high-octane bands, and their Boonerang set will not be one to miss.

BOONERANG INTERNATIONAL

MARIACHI MEXICO 2000 (2:00)

Based out of the NC Piedmont, Mariachi Mexico is the region’s premier mariachi band for events of all kinds – weddings, quinceañeras, parties, festivals, and more. This ensemble has all the traditional staples – violins, trumpets, guitarrón, and vihuela – and dresses in the customary charro suits and wide-brimmed sombreros.

THE SWINGBILLIES OF BOONETOWN (4:00)

Blending old-time Appalachian styles with musical traditions from around the globe, The Swingbillies of Boonetown present a fusion of music at its mountain finest. Featuring a trio of Boonies, with Meade Richter on violin, Sabas Altuntas on guitar, and Jonathan Priest on percussion, the Swingbillies play some of the most eclectic music in the High Country.

WILD CRAFT DANCE LOT LAZYBIRDS (4:30)

A true Boone favorite, the Lazybirds bring their Appalachian-inspired roots music back to Boonerang for a special appearance in the Dance Lot. Founded

in Boone in the 1990s, the Lazybirds blend blues, jazz, swing, and country styles with an arsenal of Jay Brown’s original songs with time-honored covers. Bring your dancing shoes. And, be sure to check out Brown performing piano to a silent Charlie Chaplin film in the Appalachian Theatre at 1:00 p.m.

THE APPALACHIAN THEATRE

THE TREE OF FOREGIVENESS BAND (8:30)

What started as a one-off tribute performance has turned into something momentous – and then enduring. The Tree of Forgiveness Band is an all-star collection of some of North Carolina’s most talented musicians that perform songs from the expansive catalog of the late, great John Prine. The Boone connection is strong with this group, with members from popular area bands like the Luke Mears Band, Big Daddy Love, and Time Sawyer, among other experienced musicians. t

MELLOW LOUNGE

TIE DYE WORKSHOP WITH BOONE'S FLY SHOP & MELLOW MUSHROOM

BEGINNING AT 11:00 AM WHILE SUPPLIES LAST

FLOW YOGA SESSIONS AT NEIGHBORHOOD YOGA AT 9:30 AM & NOON

STREET MAGIC & MORE INTERACTIVE ART WITH LET'S BE ARTSY

ALCOHOL AT BOONERANG

OPEN CONTAINERS ONLY PERMITTED INSIDE FESTIVAL ZONES AND WITH ID CHECK WRISTBAND.

NO OUTSIDE ALCOHOL OR COOLERS ARE ALLOWED IN FESTIVAL ZONES.

WRISTBANDS MAY BE PURCHASED AT AN ID CHECK STATION AT SOUTH DEPOT, NORTH DEPOT, OR THE JONES HOUSE.

ONE REUSABLE ALUMINUM CUP WILL BE PROVIDED WITH WRISTBAND.

YOU MUST KEEP THIS CUP FOR ALL OF YOUR POURS AT THE FESTIVAL.

SOUVENIR STEEL CUPS CAN BE PURCHASED AT THE MERCH STATION (WHILE SUPPLIES LAST).

LOCAL HARD CIDER AVAILABLE AT TAP TRAILERS, AND WINE AVAILABLE AT BENCHMARK PROVISIONS

PARTICPATING BREWERIES

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NEW THINGS ABOUT BOONERANG 10

Boone’s Got Talent – In collaboration with the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country and Mountain Home Music, Boonerang kicks off on Thursday, June 13, with Boone’s Got Talent, a showcase of local talent with selected acts performing on the Doc Watson Stage at the historic Appalachian Theatre. The showcase will feature music, dancing, juggling, magic, and more!

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Boonerang continues its sustainability efforts by partnering with App State's Office of Sustainability’s Sustainability Program and Republic Services to offer composting options, in addition to recycling.

The inaugural Boonerang Film Fest will take place throughout the day in the Appalachian Theatre, including a silent Charlie Chaplin film with live piano accompaniment by Jay Brown, a screening of Mountain Minor, which includes local graduating senior Asa Nelson as a youngster in his film debut, and Everybody Loves Maako about a Japanese woman's experience learning fiddle while attending App State.

Non-profit participation increased in 2024, and a new “non-profit row” has been added in front of the historic downtown Post Office.

The Boonerang Vintage Market makes its debut in the Boone Bagelry lot, featuring upcycled clothes from some of Boone’s best retailers.

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Friday night street party expansion – This year’s Friday night street party will be held in the South Depot Zone, with performances on the ECRS Stage, expanded art vending, and plenty of room for dancing!

Boonerang will partner with Watauga Arts Council this year for beer and hard cider sales, allowing patrons to purchase tickets that are redeemable at all festival pouring locations throughout Friday and Saturday.

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Artist Andi Gelsthorpe created a new design for the 2024 Boonerang Poster and art shirts, and there are lots of new items available at the Boonerang Merch station in the North Depot Zone – including posters, shirts, and Tarpestries made right here in the High Country.

Boonerang’s philanthropic footprint expands in 2024, with new partners helping with festival operations in exchange for financial support (the 2023 festival provided local organizations with more than $14,000 in support!).

Boonerang International moves to the Hope Lot on Howard Street, and this year will include more vendors and a performance stage with dancing, a mariachi band, and a concert with Swingbillies of Boonetown, which combines global influences with Appalachian music.

MERCH MAST GENERAL WAREHOUSE

*EXCLUSIVE 2024 ART PRINT MERCH AVAILABLE ONLY AT BOONERANG* -DISCOUNTS ON PREVIOUS YEARS MERCHON NORTH DEPOT

Thank you

to the Town of Boone and greater High Country community for 125 years of partnership in serving our region