Boonerang: The Student Perspective

Susanna Goff, a senior at Watauga High School, enjoying the silent disco, one of the many exciting events offered at Boone's very own Boonerang Music Festival. Photo Creds: Ellie Hege. 

Vivian Kaufman, Staff Writer for The Powderhorn

The town of Boone is constantly growing, known for its flourishing local art. The Boonerang music festival is more than just a concert. It’s a celebration of creativity, an opportunity for many local artists, and a chance for students to connect with people within the community through art and music for free. 

“I was in high school, and now seeing kids that I went to high school with and then my sister's grade going, I would say it definitely is a great community builder,” said Hannah Rabinowitz, UNC Chapel Hill student who returned to Boone for the music festival. “It's always a free festival and just meant to bring the community together. I think it really is impactful to students who might not be able to see live music all the time.” 

Students of different ages share similar experiences at Boonerang, connecting with friends and unexpected people, coming together and bonding through creation, no matter the age. For example, many joined to listen to the band RedBud, a modern Bluegrass band from North Carolina. 

“ I think it really brings us together in music. It's great for people to meet each other, and see people they didn't expect to see,” said Lars Meier Servon, an 8th grader at Blowing Rock School. “It’s a great way to get out of the house and enjoy some music.” 

Boonerang provides a space for the students to dance, party, and connect. At Boonerang, students get a concert-like experience for free, but it’s more than just a free show, it’s a window for artists to introduce themselves and their art to the entire community. 

“I think it just brings us together, allows us to see the art, so people are able to get their name out there. I think that it's really important, especially since they passed a law not allowing artists to sell on the street,” said Qynn Klamborowski, a sophomore at Watauga High School. “I think it's really important to get their names out there and sell their art, which is some people's living.” 

Not only music artists are able to share their works at Boonerang. In fact, Boonerang is full of creators of all kinds, such as painters, knitters, chefs, bakers, farmers, and potters. 

“It was really fun to be able to come back. I also was able to bring three of my best friends from college, not only give them a really great experience showing them my hometown, but also showing them how amazing and vibrant our community is,” said Rabinowitz. “Seeing everyone out and about, where there's people I went to high school with, younger kids, even my teachers and family friends. I think that it is all so impressive to see that this event is able to bring together people of all ages.”

Students are surrounded by creativity at this event, whether that’s local bands or art vendors. Boonerang is an opportunity to meet and communicate with many different artists for students.

“I was walking around and I saw this painter, and I was like, I love your work,” said Klamborowski. “ He was like, ‘wait, I know, you. You used to sell your stuff downtown?’ I did. So that was probably my favorite moment. He recognized me, which was really cool.” 

Boonerang is popular with the youth of Watauga and has gained lots of attention recently. Many love the fun party-like aspect of it, but also are grateful for the polite community-based festival. 

“The respectfulness of everybody when I was in the crowds for the music, everybody was super respectful, and I was really impressed by that,” said Klamborowski. “At concerts I've gone to where it's just general admission, people can be very disrespectful. Everyone was super respectful and helpful.”

The celebration has unique aspects that make it differ from many other music events. While the event is highly appreciated by many, there were some recommended additions to make the festival more functional for the participants, such as charging stations, quieter activities, more food vendors, and a final music set. 

“I would add some things for little kids,” said Meier Servon. “More enjoyable quieter things, because they'd probably get overwhelmed really easily.”

The festival may have more success if there were more activities for younger children who may be inundated by the noisy crowds. But the festival is well suited for teens with events such as the silent disco and “the battle of the bands”.

“I had a really fun time, seeing a lot of people I knew, and a lot of new artists, up and coming at the stages.” said Meier Servon. “ I think it was a great experience. I will definitely come again next year.”