Appalachian Theatre expands live performance schedule, success of fall events paves way for holiday programming

Performer Matt Lewis, photo via Appalachian Theatre

BOONE, NC - The Appalachian Theatre of the High Country (ATHC) has announced an  expanded series of performances in celebration of the upcoming holiday season, with  events ranging from music concerts to choral ensembles and live theatre. These shows  are in addition to the ATHC’s popular Cinema Classics series that is screening seasonal  favorites from Halloween through the Christmas season.  
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“The success of recent in-person performances by artists such as Roger McGuinn, John  McEuen and his String Wizards have clearly demonstrated that High Country audiences  are ready to resume events at the Appalachian Theatre,” said Executive Director Laura  Kratt, who noted that attendance has been building steadily since the venue resumed live  programming on September 3.  

“Patrons have responded quite favorably to our commitment to the safety and well-being  of our community, particularly our audience members,” said Kratt. “We will continue to  follow the guidance of health and governmental officials in the development and  implementation of COVID related policies,” which are detailed on the ATHC website,  www.apptheatre.org.
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Dr. Everett McCorvey and the American Spiritual Ensemble, photo via Appalachian Theatre

Artists, too, have commented on the newly-renovated and restored facility.  
“This is the best theatre I’ve played in 50 years,” said John Cable, former member of the  Nitty Gritty Dirt Band after his October 14 performance at the App Theatre. Cable said  that he was particularly impressed with the acoustics, house and stage crew, and  enthusiastic audiences. 
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The expanded slate of live offerings begins at 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 5 with the Christmas with Darin & Brooke Aldridge concert, sponsored by Mast General Store.  The husband and wife duo drew on the traditions of their native North Carolina, the savvy  of a young, gifted band and their own dedication to ingenuity to create the most  adventurous album of their career with their latest critically acclaimed release, “Inner  Journey.” Both are highly acclaimed vocalists in their own right. Brooke is the four-time  reigning International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Female Vocalist of the Year.  Together, Darin and Brooke combine rich harmonies with impeccable musicianship to  create the unmistakable sound that has made them one of the hottest young acts in  acoustic music. Tickets are $25.  

At 7:30 p.m. on Friday, December 17, the Appalachian Theatre and Piedmont Federal  Bank invite the High Country to celebrate Christmas with Elvis. This holiday show by  Presley tribute artist Matt Lewis pays homage to the King of Rock and Roll. Acclaimed as  “The Best Elvis in Vegas” by USA Today, “there is no better talent than Matt Lewis to pay  tribute to the great legacy of Elvis Presley.” Lewis is accompanied live by his 12-piece  band, “The Long Live the King Orchestra,” also known as Big Ray and the Kool  Kats. Tickets are $35. 

Looking ahead to 2022, ATHC continues ringing in the New Year at 7:30 p.m. on  Saturday, January 22 with acclaimed artist Dan Tyminski. Honored with 14 Grammy  award wins and the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) “Male Vocalist of  the Year” award, this modern Bluegrass musician is most famous for his performance of  “I’m a Man of Constant Sorrow” in the film, “Oh Brother Where Art Thou?” Tyminski has  been a mainstay for Allison Kraus and Union Station playing the mandolin and guitar, and  has previously collaborated with artists such as Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, Brad  Paisley, Kenny Chesney, and LeeAnn Rimes. Tickets are $32.

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Performer Dan Tyminski, photo via Appalachian Theatre

Following soon after is the American Spiritual Ensemble at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, January  28. Sponsored by Creekside Electronics, this choral group is comprised of some of the  finest classically-trained singers in the United States and preserves the traditions of the  American Negro spiritual. Founded in 1995 by Dr. Everett McCorvey, this vocal ensemble 
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has thrilled audiences around the world with their dynamic repertoire ranging from  spirituals to classical to jazz, with Broadway showtunes that highlight the Black  experience, which will be the focus of their programming for the App Theatre  performance. Tickets are $35. 

At 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 8, ATHC partners with Wells Fargo to present the  acclaimed Aquila Theatre Company (ATC) and their production of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s  The Great Gatsby. Founded in London in 1991, Aquila Theatre is one of the foremost  producers of classical theatre in the United States, visiting fifty to sixty American cities  each year. ATC is traveling to Boone as part of their current 2021-22 U.S. National  Tour. Tickets are $35 for adults and $25 for students with a valid ID. 

For more information on these events and COVID policies, or to join the theatre’s eblast  list, get tickets, or purchase memberships, please visit the ATHC website at  www.apptheatre.org.