An Appalachian State University student is organizing a music festival to be held in August that he hopes will rival other major music festivals in the region.
James S. Hunt, a senior management major, is hoping students come out in large numbers to see artists such as Sam Bush and Yo Momma’s Big Fat Booty Band at “Music on the Mountain,” a day-long music festival August 23 which will host local and national acts.
The mission statement of the festival aims “to establish an entertainment company with the ability to create and promote large scale events, such as Music on the Mountain, while still upholding a high regard for an ecological friendly mindset. Our festival will offer both national headliners and local bluegrass artists, with non-profit organizations receiving a portion of the proceeds.”
The idea for the music festival came about as an idea to bring good bands to the area, as well as promote a particular cause.
Sixty percent of the proceeds from ticket sales will benefit North Carolina Green Power, the Appalachian State University Energy Center and the High Country Conservancy.
“We wanted to bring high-quality live entertainment to Boone and also draw attention and financial support to the development of renewable energy sources in North Carolina,” Hunt said.
The music festival will take place at The Old Fairgrounds on Roby Green Road from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m.
There will be two stages at the festival. The main stage will have five bands and each band will perform 90-minute sets, with 30 minute set breaks in between each band.
The second stage will also have five bands but with only 30 minute sets.
“The second stage is being offered by ASU’s sustainable development center and is 100 percent solar powered,” Hunt said.
The Music on the Mountain festival will build on the musical tradition of Western North Carolina, which has its roots in blue grass, soul and acoustic sound.
Tickets are $30 for Appalachian students; however, the price will increase to $35 at some point during the summer, Hunt said.
“It’s really a great deal for students, especially considering the quality and amount of bands they’re going to see,” Hunt said. “Eighteen of the $30 is going directly to charity, which is really great.”
Hunt hopes students get interested in this opportunity and encourages anyone with questions to contact him at [email protected].
