An Appalachian Summer Festival 2026 Season Brochure

JUNE 27 - AUGUS T 1, 2026

BOONE, NC

THANK YOU

Generous support from our lead sponsors enables us to present diverse artistic programming and sustain a level of excellence An Appalachian Summer Festival has enjoyed since 1984!

Christine Petti Neil & Nancy Schaffel

Catsman Foundation

Support An Appalachian Summer Festival appsummer.org/support-us

SATURDAY, JUNE 27

7:30 PM

TICKETS $25-$70

SCHAEFER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

TUESDAY, JUNE 30

7:30 PM

CATSMAN FOUNDATION GLOBAL FILM SERIES

CALLE MALAGA

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.

Post-film

with

TICKETS $10

SCHAEFER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

CATSMAN FOUNDATION GLOBAL FILM SERIES

SENTIMENTAL VALUE

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/Showbiz Drama / 133 minutes

In this exploration of family, memories, and the reconciliatory power of art, two sisters navigate a complicated relationship with their estranged father (Stellan Skarsgård), a once-renowned director who casts a young Hollywood star (Elle Fanning) in what he hopes will be his comeback film.

Post-film talkback with film series curator Dale Pollock

TICKETS $10

SCHAEFER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

TUESDAY, JULY 14 7:30 PM

TUESDAY, JULY 21

7:30 PM

CATSMAN FOUNDATION GLOBAL FILM SERIES

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

CATSMAN FOUNDATION GLOBAL FILM SERIES

SIR˜T

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.

Post-film talkback with film series curator Dale Pollock

TICKETS $10

SCHAEFER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

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 Toha’s wealthy employer, has a successful birthday party in this poignant debut feature exploring classism, power, and belonging in modern-day Cairo.

Post-film talkback with film series curator Dale Pollock

TICKETS $10

SCHAEFER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

TUESDAY, JULY 28 7:30 PM

WEDNESDAY, JULY 1

7:30 PM

CHARLOTTE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

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. Dvo°ák’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 o˛ers a contrasting portrayal of a couple trying to establish their homestead in rural America in a work full of spirit and wonder.

Presenting Sponsorship provided by Bonnie and Jamie Schaefer, Christine Petti, and Neil and Nancy Scha˜el

Principal Sponsorship provided by App State Campus Store, Broyhill Family Foundation, Catsman Foundation, and Mast General Store

SCHAEFER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

THURSDAY, JULY 2

1:00 PM - Competition

7:30 PM - Winner’s Recital

15TH ANNUAL ROSEN-SCHAFFEL COMPETITION FOR YOUNG AND EMERGING ARTISTS

Undergrad and graduate collegiate musicians from across the Southeast, selected via a blind adjudication process this past spring, will compete in the final live round of the competition. A panel of esteemed judges will choose First, Second, and Third Place winners for cash prizes and patrons will select the Audience Choice winner.

WINNER’S RECITAL

The winner of the competition will perform a full 60-minute recital of the selected works they performed earlier that afternoon.

Support

THURSDAY, JULY 2

5:00-8:00 PM

SUMMER EXHIBITION CELEBRATION

JUNE 5 - NOV 7, Mayer Gallery

Community Contours in the Southern

Appalachian Mountains: Jill Pelto

Jill Pelto's paintings incorporate environmental narratives and science, using color, pattern, and perspective to visualize connections between environmental change and human action.

JUNE 5 - NOV 21, Bickers Gallery

Stitching the Natural World: Nancy Hershberger

Drawn to the tactile nature of fabric, art quilter Nancy Hershberger is captivated by the subtle interplay of light and shadow, the silent language of color, and the narratives hidden in ordinary moments.

Engage with visiting artists and fellow arts advocates, enjoy live music and refreshments, and discover the exciting exhibitions showcased across six galleries by local, regional, national and international artists. FREE

TURCHIN CENTER FOR THE VISUAL ARTS

TUESDAY, JULY 7

7:30 PM

MERZ TRIO

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.

Zwei Gesänge für Altstimme, Bratsche und Klavier, Op. 91 (1884) Johannes Brahms

Piano Trio No. 3 in G minor, Op. 110 (1851) Robert Schumann

Piano Trio in G minor, Op. 17 (1846) Clara Schumann

River Songs (2014) Chris Rogerson

Piano Trio No. 7 in B-flat Major, Op. 97 ‘Archduke’ Ludwig van Beethoven

Classic Concert Series

Presenting Sponsorship provided by Bonnie and Jamie Schaefer, Christine Petti, and Neil and Nancy Scha˜el

Principal Sponsorship provided by App State Campus Store, Broyhill Family Foundation, Catsman Foundation, and Mast General Store

TICKETS $20-$45

ROSEN CONCERT HALL

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8

7:30 PM

TICKETS $25-$75

SCHAEFER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

GLADYS KNIGHT

The great ones endure, and Gladys Knight has long been one of the greatest. Very few singers over the last 60 years have matched her unassailable artistry. This seventime Grammy Award winner has enjoyed #1 hits in Pop, Gospel, R&B, and Adult Contemporary, and has triumphed in film, television, and live performance.

Knight has recorded more than 38 albums over the years, including four solo albums: Good Woman (1991); Just for You (1994); the inspirational Many Di˜erent Roads (1999); and At Last (2001). The 45th Kennedy Center Honors recognized her for her lifetime contributions to American culture through the performing arts along with George Clooney, Amy Grant, Tania León, and U2.

Schaefer Spotlight Series

Presenting Sponsorship provided by Bonnie and Jamie Schaefer, Christine Petti, and Neil and Nancy Scha˜el

Principal Sponsorship provided by App State Campus Store, Broyhill Family Foundation, Catsman Foundation, and Mast General Store

Supporting Sponsorship provided by Appalachian Home Care, The Art Cellar Gallery, Dianne Davant & Associates, Explore Boone, Goodnight Brothers, Highstreet Insurance Partners, and SkyBest Communications, Inc.

FRIDAY, JULY 10

7:30 PM

STRAIGHT NO CHASER BEACH BASH

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. They have emerged as a phenomenon with a massive fanbase, 2 RIAA Gold Certified albums, over 1.5 million concert tickets sold, over 1 billion streams on Pandora, and over 2 million albums sold worldwide. 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.

Schaefer Spotlight Series

Presenting Sponsorship provided by Bonnie and Jamie Schaefer, Christine Petti, and Neil and Nancy Scha˜el

Principal Sponsorship provided by App State Campus Store, Broyhill Family Foundation, Catsman Foundation, and Mast General Store

Supporting Sponsorship provided by Appalachian Home Care, The Art Cellar Gallery, Dianne Davant & Associates, Explore Boone, Goodnight Brothers, Highstreet Insurance Partners, and SkyBest Communications, Inc.

TICKETS $25-$60

SCHAEFER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

SATURDAY, JULY 11

10:00 AM

40th MARTIN AND DORIS ROSEN OUTDOOR SCULPTURE WALK

Celebrating 40 years of the Martin and Doris Rosen Outdoor Sculpture Competition and Exhibition, the Rosen Sculpture Walk will kick o˛ at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts. After a brief welcome, juror and sculptor Sam Spiczka will lead guests on a guided tour of the 10 sculptures installed along Rivers Street. The group will then return to the Schaefer Center for the announcement of this year’s award winners, a complimentary lunch, and time to chat with friends about your favorite pieces.

The Rosen Outdoor Sculpture Competition and Exhibition is made possible by generous support from The Martin and Doris Rosen Giving Fund — courtesy of Debbie Rosen Davidson and David Rosen — and The Charles and Nancy Rosenblatt Foundation

Image: Harry McDaniel, “Braid,” 2022, 39th Rosen Outdoor Sculpture Competition and Exhibition

SUNDAY, JULY 12

2:00 PM

WINDSYNC presents PETER AND THE WOLF

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!

Young audience members are invited to dress as their favorite Peter and the Wolf character — a brave bird, a sneaky cat, a waddling duck, or even the mighty wolf — and help bring the story to life!

Classic Concert Series

Presenting Sponsorship provided by Bonnie and Jamie Schaefer, Christine Petti, and Neil and Nancy Scha˜el

Principal Sponsorship provided by App State Campus Store, Broyhill Family Foundation, Catsman Foundation, and Mast General Store

TICKETS $10-$20

ROSEN CONCERT HALL

SUNDAY, JULY 12

7:30 PM

WINDSYNC

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 to 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.

Classic Concert Series

Presenting Sponsorship provided by Bonnie and Jamie Schaefer, Christine Petti, and Neil and Nancy Scha˜el

Principal Sponsorship provided by App State Campus Store, Broyhill Family Foundation, Catsman Foundation, and Mast General Store

THURSDAY, JULY 16

7:30 PM

TICKETS $10-$45

SCHAEFER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

COMPLEXIONS CONTEMPORARY BALLET

Complexions Contemporary Ballet explodes onto the stage with boundarybreaking 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, guitardriven 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

Classic Concert Series

Presenting Sponsorship provided by Bonnie and Jamie Schaefer, Christine Petti, and Neil and Nancy Scha˜el Principal Sponsorship provided by App State Campus Store, Broyhill Family Foundation, Catsman Foundation, and Mast General Store

COMMUNITY MASTERCLASS WITH COMPLEXIONS

WEDNESDAY, JULY 15

5:30-7:00 PM

SATURDAY, JULY 18

7:30 PM

DARREN CRISS

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 the Broadway shows he’s starred in. Criss is currently starring in the Tony Award-winning Broadway hit Maybe Happy Ending, directed by Michael Arden. Now playing at the Belasco Theatre, the production opened to rave reviews and earned him the Tony Award for Best Leading Actor. Schaefer Spotlight Series

Presenting Sponsorship provided by Bonnie and Jamie Schaefer, Christine Petti, and Neil and Nancy Scha˜el

Principal Sponsorship provided by App State Campus Store, Broyhill Family Foundation, Catsman Foundation, and Mast General Store

Supporting Sponsorship provided by Appalachian Home Care, The Art Cellar Gallery, Dianne Davant & Associates, Explore Boone, Goodnight Brothers, Highstreet Insurance Partners, and SkyBest Communications, Inc.

TICKETS $25-$60

SCHAEFER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

SUNDAY, JULY 19

2:00 PM

THE OTHER MOZART

This award-winning 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, and inspired by the Mozart family’s hilarious and heartbreaking letters, this Drama Desk-nominated production by playwright Sylvia Milo ushers you into a world of opulence and delight, obscured by restriction and prejudice.

“strikingly beautiful” —The New York Times “This is a gem of a show” —The Stage (London) “dazzling, original performance … hauntingly beautiful” —LA Times

This show contains mature thematic elements and mild adult language.

Classic Concert Series

Presenting Sponsorship provided by Bonnie and Jamie Schaefer, Christine Petti, and Neil and Nancy Scha˜el

Principal Sponsorship provided by App State Campus Store, Broyhill Family Foundation, Catsman Foundation, and Mast General Store

RICK SPRINGFIELD

Over the past four decades, Grammy-winning singer-songwritermusician 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 A˛air 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.

Schaefer Spotlight Series

Presenting Sponsorship provided by Bonnie and Jamie Schaefer, Christine Petti, and Neil and Nancy Scha˜el

Principal Sponsorship provided by App State Campus Store, Broyhill Family Foundation, Catsman Foundation, and Mast General Store

Supporting Sponsorship provided by Appalachian Home Care, The Art Cellar Gallery, Dianne Davant & Associates, Explore Boone, Goodnight Brothers, Highstreet Insurance Partners, and SkyBest Communications, Inc.

THURSDAY, JULY 23

7:30 PM

SATURDAY, JUNE 27

TICKETS $25-$65

SCHAEFER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

7:30 PM TICKETS $25-$75

SCHAEFER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

WEDNESDAY, JULY 29

7:30 PM

CALIDORE STRING QUARTET

The Calidore String Quartet has been recognized for achieving an extraordinary cohesion of individual artistry and collective expression. The Washington Post proclaimed that “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.

String Quartet in E-flat Major, Op. 33, No. 2, Hob.III:38, “The Joke” Joseph Haydn Selections from At the Octoroon Balls Wynton Marsalis

String Quartet No. 14 in C-sharp minor, Op. 131 Ludwig van Beethoven

Classic Concert Series

Presenting Sponsorship provided by Bonnie and Jamie Schaefer, Christine Petti, and Neil and Nancy Scha˜el

Principal Sponsorship provided by App State Campus Store, Broyhill Family Foundation, Catsman Foundation, and Mast General Store

FRIDAY, JULY 31

7:30 PM

AARON DIEHL

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. Selections will be announced from the stage and include the following pieces (subject to change):

From the Southland

St. Martin de Porres

Piano Sonata in E minor

New World A-Comin’

Classic Concert Series

Harry T. Burleigh

Mary Lou Williams arr. A. Diehl

Florence Price

Duke Ellington

Presenting Sponsorship provided by Bonnie and Jamie Schaefer, Christine Petti, and Neil and Nancy Scha˜el

Principal Sponsorship provided by App State Campus Store, Broyhill Family Foundation, Catsman Foundation, and Mast General Store

SATURDAY, AUGUST 1

7:30 PM

Photo by Steve Cohen

THE JAYHAWKS

Over the course of four decades and countless memorable live shows, 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 three memorable albums — including Paging Mr. Proust, a true classic coproduced by Peter Buck. 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.”

Schaefer Spotlight Series

Presenting Sponsorship provided by Bonnie and Jamie Schaefer, Christine Petti, and Neil and Nancy Scha˜el

Principal Sponsorship provided by App State Campus Store, Broyhill Family Foundation, Catsman Foundation, and Mast General Store

Supporting Sponsorship provided by Appalachian Home Care, The Art Cellar Gallery, Dianne Davant & Associates, Explore Boone, Goodnight Brothers, Highstreet Insurance Partners, and SkyBest Communications, Inc.

TICKETS $25-$60

SCHAEFER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

ARTtalks

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, film curator

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-Assoc. 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.

TURCHIN CENTER FOR THE

ARTS LECTURE HALL | 4:00˛5:00 PM

PLAN YOUR VISIT PLAN

From arts to adventure, enjoy a unique mountain experience like no other. An Appalachian Summer Festival and its hotel sponsors come together to make a trip to the High Country unique, relaxing, and a˛ordable! Contact our hotel partners for special rates and packages available to App Summer patrons.

Now: GraystoneLodge.com Special Rate: Save 10% direct on Choice Hotels with "Book Now" link.

hilton.com

Rate Code: 003350757

SUMMER FESTIVAL

Become a Supporter

Artistic excellence, accessibility, and audience engagement make An Appalachian Summer Festival unique. Because the series is committed to affordable ticket prices, revenues from ticket sales cover only about 43% of its annual costs. Private support from donors must fill the gap in order to ensure a continued commitment to both quality programming and a˛ordable ticket pricing.

Creativity Takes Community

Our rewards are measured in impact. Because of your generosity, we remain committed to…

• A˛ordable ticket prices and free events, ensuring arts access for all.

• Seeing the arts grow and flourish while building the next generation of arts lovers.

• Programming that emphasizes education and enrichment as well as entertainment.

• Artistic excellence that celebrates both established and emerging artists.

• Events that foster conversation, bridge communities, and strengthen social ties.

Ways You Can Help

• Attend events and share the power of the arts with friends and family.

• Become a supporter and enjoy benefits that include priority purchasing, parking privileges, and special events.

• Consider making an outright gift or a planned gift. Gifts may be targeted to specific programming and designated in honor of the donor or in recognition of friends or family.

BUY TICKETS

ACCESSIBILITY & SEATING

for patrons with disabilities

Seating for our patrons with disabilities is available on both levels of the Schaefer Center and in all other event venues. The Schaefer Center is equipped with an audio system for the hearing impaired. Headsets are available at the box office. For questions or assistance: Contact Maura McKenzie, Director of Audience Services, at 828-262-2248 or mckenziemc1@appstate.edu.

PARKING

Due to construction, parking is limited, especially for sold-out events. Please allow extra time to ensure you arrive at the venue well ahead of show time.

• Free parking is available after 5pm weekdays and all day Sat and Sun in campus parking lots.

• Metered parking is free in downtown Boone after 5pm Mon-Sat and all day Sun.

• Covered parking is available at the Rivers Street and College Street parking decks. Maps can be found at maps.appstate.edu.

SUGGESTED

SCHAEFER CENTER

PARKING:

• For live performances at the Schaefer Center, a shuttle service from the Rivers Street parking deck will be available beginning 90 minutes before showtime.

• Stadium Parking Deck (behind the Schaefer Center, across from Stadium Drive).

• Rivers Street or College Street parking decks (approx. 5-minute walk).

• Peacock lot (parking is limited)