A feature-length documentary exploring how and why people return to Boone, NC. In particular, for the namesake celebration Boonerang Music & Arts Festival, which brings people back to the high country every summer.
The film features multiple different perspectives from the local artists, musicians, festival sponsors, festival goers, and organizers that make Boone shine. Through these unique points of view we celebrate a vibrant creative hub while learning how and why people return to the places they've loved in the past, all while exploring what it takes to plan and throw the high country's premier music & arts festival. After Boone and the surrounding areas suffered the devastation of Hurricane Helene in September of 2024, many locals are yearning for the community to come together again. This time supporting each other through positive celebration of art, music, and culture.
After filming and photographing content for the Boonerang Music & Arts Festival, former "boonie" Bradley Pearce realized he wanted to explore the idea behind the term "Boonerang" in a feature-length documentary film.
Having lived in Boone, NC for college from 2003-2007, Bradley and his wife (also an Appalachian State alum) have enjoyed returning to the area frequently over the years like many others who choose to "Boonerang." Some of the best years of their lives were experienced in this small mountain town, and the Boonerang Music & Arts Festival is the perfect way to celebrate for them and many others returning to the area in the summer.
This film is a passion project, made possible by the help of local sponsors and friends with ties to Boone. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of the film, please click the support button below.
We are grateful for receiving sponsor support from these local businesses in Boone: Town of Boone, The Jones House, Blue Ridge Tourist Court, Booneshine Brewing Company, Fizz Ed, Melanie's Food Fantasy, Vidalia Restaurant & Wine Bar, The Cardinal, Espresso News, Wildwood Community Market, Rooted on King, Sabeing Boone King, and more...
A special thanks to local leaders participating in the film including: Town of Boone, The Jones House, Blue Ridge Tourist Court, Booneshine Brewing Company, The Cardinal, Boone Area Community Radio, Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, Appalachian Theater, Watauga Arts Council, Mountain True - Watauga Riverkeeper, Q'Pasa Appalachia, BPM Strings, Kind Designs Screen Printing, ECRS, Mast General Store, F.A.R.M. Cafe, Becca Childress Creative, Across The Way Productions, and more...
A behind the scenes look at production on the Boonerang documentary film.
Director/DP: Bradley Pearce
Producer: Kim Carr
Sound: Joshua Stowe
Camera: Paige Marsicano
A free, open to the public, volunteer-run music & arts festival in the heart of the high country featuring artists and musicians with ties to Boone and the surrounding areas.
The Boonerang Music & Arts Festival is a homecoming for folks from all over the country who have fallen in love with Boone, NC and come back each June to celebrate this thriving and resilient creative community.
The official recap video for the 2025 Boonerang Music & Arts Festival.
Witnessing this community come together for such a special weekend celebrating the arts, culture, and music of the high country is the best feeling in the world.