Appalachian State University

Commencement is the ultimate celebration of one of the most significant accomplishments of our students' lifetimes. We are proud to honor your achievement.

Join us at the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts every First Friday of the month as downtown Boone comes alive with creativity, community, and celebration! Explore our captivating galleries featuring contemporary art exhibitions, meet local artists, and enjoy free admission. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply looking for an inspiring night out, the Turchin Center is the perfect place to start your First Friday Art Crawl adventure.

Philadelphia-born singer-songwriter Amos Lee released his gold-selling self-titled first album in 2005 and has been known for his association with a long list of collaborators and touring partners, from Paul Simon and Bob Dylan to Zac Brown Band and Willie Nelson. The force behind such acclaimed albums as “Mission Bell” and “Mountains of Sorrow, Rivers of Song,” Lee’s recent years have been wildly productive.

The winner of the 14th Annual Rosen-Schaffel Competition for Young and Emerging Artists will perform a full recital of the works they performed during the competition held earlier that morning.

Bring the whole family to an inspiring musical event! Faculty from the Hayes School of Music and young musicians from Cannon Music Camp’s 57th season present an interactive concert for all ages. Celebrating Country and Community through Music kicks off the lead-up to the U.S. Semiquincentennial, marking 250 years since the Declaration of Independence. Enjoy familiar tunes performed by soloists, chamber groups, singers, bands, and keyboardists, concluding with a thrilling full-orchestra finale.

Ranky Tanky (a Gullah phrase for “get funky”), whose jazz-influenced arrangements of traditional Gullah music NPR calls “lively, soulful honey to the ears” joins forces with Grammy winner Lisa Fischer, who the Minneapolis Star Tribune says brings “soul, jazz, rock, gospel, folk, pop, and classical … [and] cuts loose with funk and fierceness and rocks with abandon.”

Grammy-nominated violinst Tessa Lark, acclaimed cellist Joshua Roman, and virtuoso bassist Edgar Meyer combine talents for an unparalleled evening of music.

Lisa Loeb and Joan Osborne, two unmistakable voices of the ’90s,team up for a special evening marking the 30th anniversaries of their breakthrough albums — Loeb’s “Tails” and Osborne’s “Relish.” Revisit the songs that shaped a generation, alongside new music and career-spanning fan favorites.

Tony and Grammy winner Heather Headley, accompanied by Western Piedmont Symphony and a 12-piece choir, performs a selection of popular tunes from the Broadway and pop songbooks. “Heather Headley is among the top singers with a vocal that absolutely astounds with its intensity… This woman is one of the great entertainers of the day, on record and on stage.” – Billboard Magazine

Possessing a beautifully rich, almost operatic voice, two-time Grammy Award winner Peabo Bryson celebrates 50 years in music. Viewed in touring and pop culture as one of music’s iconic vocalists, Bryson has earned two Academy Awards, two Grammy Awards, eight Grammy nominations, five gold albums, 25 top 20 singles, and six #1 singles. His newest album, “Missing You,” is his 20th.

Alonzo King LINES Ballet travels to Boone with a soulful work created in collaboration with Grammy Award®-winning vocalist Lisa Fischer and Kennedy Center Artistic Director for Jazz Jason Moran. At the forefront of artistic innovation in ballet, the celebrated San Francisco-based company is recognized for its impeccable technique, captivating dancers, and rich visual works.

The 5 Browns are a classical ensemble consisting of five pianos whose repertoire ranges from beloved concert hall staples to lesser known works.