From Opera to Bluegrass
ASU Announces 2008-09 Performing Arts Series

By Jeff Eason

The High Country of western North Carolina is known throughout the world for vistas, outdoor adventures, and great bluegrass and old time music. But what if you’re in the mood for something a little more, how shall we say it, upscale?

Well, in addition to the plethora of gourmet restaurants, jazz bands and theater offerings, the High Country has one of the best resources for “big city” entertainment that one could wish for: Appalachian State University’s annual Performing Arts Series.

The 2008-09 Performing Arts Series offers something for everyone with eight distinctive performances in the realms of dance, theater, comedy, music and more. All events are held at Appalachian State’s Farthing Auditorium and begin at 8 p.m.

The series begins with the return of Capitol Steps, one of best musical satire troupes to ever hit the stage. Perfect for the run-up to the 2008 election, the troupe skewers Democrats, Republicans and Independents with equal zeal. With political skits and song parodies, the “Steps” take satirical humor to a new level. Capitol Steps will perform in Boone on Thursday, October 9th.

Fans of acoustic music will be thrilled by the “Hills of Home” concert starring Doc Watson, David Holt and special guest Riley Baugus, set for Friday, October 24. Based on Holt and Watson’s Grammy Award-winning album Legacy, “Hills of Home is an exciting musical event presenting the folk tunes and mountain wisdom of legendary singer/guitarist Doc Watson and storyteller/musician David Holt. The musical repertoire includes blues, ballads and bluegrass.

There are operas…and then there’s Carmen. Teatro Lirico D’Europa will bring its lavish production of George Bizet’s Carmen to Farthing Auditorium on Friday, November 14. Considered to be one of the most beloved operas of all time, Carmen tells the story of Spanish soldier Don José who falls in love with Carmen, a gypsy woman working in a cigar factory. With sensual movement, indelible melodies and colorful costumes, Teatro Lirico D’Europa turns this night of opera into an unforgettable experience. Carmen is performed in French with English subtitles and features a full orchestra and chorus, as well as the flamenco dance ensemble Ballet Arabesk.

The Grammy Award-winning vocal group The Blind Boys of Alabama come to Boone on Saturday, December 6 for a special holiday performance of Go Tell It on the Mountain. Since 1939 the Blind Boys have sung a wonderful blend of traditional and contemporary gospel and have enjoyed unprecedented popular success. Their holiday performance includes soulful versions of traditional favorites such as “Joy to the World,” “White Christmas” and “Away in the Manger.”

The Appalachian State University Performing Arts Series continues in the spring semester with presentations including The African Children’s Choir’s Journey of Hope on Tuesday, January 27, LA Theatre Works’ The Great Tennessee Monkey Trials on Wednesday, February 11, Blue Note Records 70th Anniversary on Tour featuring Ravi Coltrane on Tuesday, February 17, and the North Carolina Dance Theatre’s American Masterpieces on Thursday, April 2.

Tickets

Advance tickets for ASU’s 2008-09 Performing Arts Series events range from $10 to $18. Ticket prices increase at the door on show nights, if available. Flexible subscription packages are available, offering discounts as well as priority seating.

For tickets, or further information, call the Farthing Auditorium Box Office at (828) 262-4046, or visit www.pas.appstate.edu.