How Billy Strings is Striking a Chord at Watauga

A custom-made “Billy Strings in Boone” tour poster created by a local Appalachian State fan. Atop the poster lay custom stickers for the band Widespread Panic, also renowned for their live show presence. Photo Credits: Miller Hining 

Isaac James, Staff Writer for The Powderhorn

Bluegrass is a genre close to the heart of many people in Watauga County. You can look no further than downtown Boone to see that love reflected through the Doc Watson statue. Artists like Doc Watson are icons in bluegrass, and the cultural impact of bluegrass music still persists throughout the community.  These days, a new artist, Billy Strings, has been making waves on the bluegrass scene. Originally hailing from Michigan, Billy Strings has struck a chord through countless listeners in the land of bluegrass: Appalachia. His live shows in particular have gained serious traction, with many Watauga High School students regularly attending his performances. 

“The first Billy show I went to was the Doc Watson 100th Birthday Tribute concert on March 3rd, 2023,” said Calvin Zwetsloot, Watauga senior. “This show was such an amazing experience, and I got to hear Billy play some of the music of my childhood.”

Part of what makes Billy Strings’ shows so exciting for fans is his dynamic stage presence. Billy frequently alternates between jam sessions, covers of classics, and his own hits. This sense of not quite knowing what each show will look like helps keep fans coming back again and again. 

“The best Billy show I have ever been to is hard to narrow down. For the best performance it was April 14, 2025 at the Koka Booth amphitheater,” said Zwetsloot. “This show was the perfect blend of jams and his popular songs. With his time on stage, he covered all the bases and did a little bit of everything he is known for.” 

Obviously most people can’t follow Billy around catching all of his shows in person, but dedicated fans can still keep up with his live events through online streaming platforms. This ability to follow shows online makes enjoying live music much more accessible for the average person, forgoing ticket fees and the need for travel.  

“Nugs.net is a subscription service that works with artists to provide livestreams for their shows,” said Miller Hining, Watauga junior. “It really is a life saver, allowing me to tour all 84 Billy shows of the year that I didn’t have the chance to attend.”

This expansion to the accessibility of Billy’s shows has certainly helped grow his fanbase here in Watauga, but his rise in popularity is far from a local phenomenon. Billy hosts live shows abroad too, attracting thousands of fans in countries across the planet and helping to foster a love for bluegrass across the globe. 

“I’ve definitely noticed a rise in bluegrass popularity not only here in the high country or across America, but really the whole world,” said Hining. “I think the time I really realized how much Billy Strings had spread the music from this area was during one of his shows in Australia, when he told the crowd about Doc Watson and Deep Gap, NC.”

While his music is exciting and his shows are too, one thing is clear among fans of Billy Strings: the community is the highlight. Billy has allowed people at the school to share their passion for his music, given families a space to bond, and empowered human connection. 

“My entire family loves his music and his shows so it is a common occurrence that you could see the whole Zwetsloot family at a nearby show,” said Zwetsloot. “Billy is a way that my family can come together and share an amazing experience and through that we have grown so much closer.”

Not only has Billy brought friends and families closer, but his shows have also been a great vessel for meeting new people and finding communities of like-minded bluegrass lovers. 

“I’ve met so many incredible people through his shows,” said Hining. “Whether it’s the super chill old head sitting next to you, a family friend of the late great Tony Rice, or the lady who, like you, was gifted a free ticket to the sold out show at the Schafer Center, you’ll always meet someone new.”