May 29, 2008 issue
Boone Saloon Presents Inaugural Hullabaloo Music Festival June 7
Story by David Brewer
For the many patrons of popular restaurant and bar Boone Saloon, the waiting has truly been the hardest part. Since a fire sent dozens of patrons out the front door during the middle of a show by Athens, Ga.-based band Cosmic Charlie on April 10, a groundswell of support by its many regulars has virtually overwhelmed the owners of one of Boone’s busiest live music venues.
Despite the fact that the rebuilding process has not progressed as quickly as both owners and patrons would have hoped, that isn’t putting a stop to the music. On Saturday, June 7, Boone Saloon will host the Hullabaloo Music Festival at the High Country Fairgrounds on Roby Green Road. The one-day, family-friendly, rain-or-shine event will kick off at noon and last until 8:00 p.m. and will feature non-stop music throughout the day and into the evening.
Acts for the inaugural Hullabaloo Music Festival include Asheville Afrobeat boogie machine The Afromotive, up-and-coming live electronica trio Telepath, righteously ragged indie rockers Naked Gods, roots and dancehall reggae quintet Hope Massive and ragtime country blues veterans Lazybirds. DJs smallwonder and Fyah Babylon will spin throughout the day between sets.
Foothills Brewery will be on hand providing plenty of liquid refreshment, and Boone Saloon will team with Reid’s Catering to dispense plenty of festival food favorites and beverages for festivalgoers young and old. No coolers will be allowed onsite. Volunteers from Habitat for Humanity will also be present to lend a hand with the proceedings, but organizers are still seeking volunteers to work throughout the day.
According to part owner and Saloon booking agent Matt Johnston, the idea for the festival was born in the days shortly after the fire as a way to simply have some fun in the summer sun while providing a
gathering for all the individuals who have offered their help to the Saloon.
“So many people were offering to help, but it’s hard to harness everyone’s willingness to work,” said Johnston. “Hopefully it’s going to be one big party.”
Proceeds from Hullabaloo will benefit Boone Saloon’s rebuilding efforts. For those unable to attend but wishing to donate, festival organizers encourage that you purchase tickets online and enter the word donation as your first name and your real name for in the last name slot.
Since opening in 2004 in the spot most recently occupied by Caribbean Café, Boone Saloon has been a beacon to music lovers in the High Country. While providing patrons with a steady diet of funk, jambands, bluegrass, DJs, Americana, singer-songwriters, indie rock, reggae and more from local, regional and national acts, the King Street fixture has also a hosted steady stream of regulars who have gravitated to the bar’s laid-back atmosphere for tacos, burgers and beer.
Tickets for Hullabaloo are $20 and children under 12 will be admitted free of charge. Purchase tickets online at www.boonesaloon.com.
For more info including directions to the fairgrounds or to contact organizers about volunteering, click to www.boonesaloon.com.
Want To Go?
Date: Saturday, June 7
Time: 12:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Location: High Country Fairgrounds
Cost: $20 for adults/Free for children under 12
Hullabaloo Music Festival Lineup and Schedule
Boone Saloon booking agent and part owner Matt Johnston is keeping the inaugural Hullabaloo Music Festival a strictly mountain affair with all of the artists hailing from Boone or Asheville.
12:00 to 1:15 p.m. Hope Massive
1:45 to 3:00 p.m. Lazybirds
3:30 to 4:45 p.m. Naked Gods
5:15 to 6:30 p.m. Telepath
7:00 to 8:15 p.m. The Afromotive
DJs smallwonder and Fyah Babylon will spin between sets throughout the day.
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