Black Cat Burrito hosted a concert Friday, Aug. 21 to welcome incoming freshman to Boone. The Rubber Checks, Stud Ford, The Nude Party and White Wholly attracted a crowd of 200-plus to the venue.
The show was “for those who are terminally chill,” Rubber Checks band member Ben Mercer said. “The main objective and collective wish of the bands was for people to come out, have a good time and dance,” he said.
The Rubber Checks’ first performed at Black Cat came after their formation in 2010, and they’ve enjoyed it ever since, Mercer said.
“The appeal is the atmosphere,” singer and guitarist Matt Gaylord said. “It is underground, literally underground, which adds a lot to the vibe of this place.”
White Wholly is a new band in town composed of Charlie Hill, Evan Fowler, and Lean Outlaw. The band started in January and is gaining momentum after their first show in March, Outlaw said.
At Black Cat, the band showcased a new song and Outlaw said they are in the process of recording a nine track EP.
“[Black Cat] is awesome, the crowd is good and rowdier than other places,” drummer Evan Fowler said.
This was the band’s third appearance at the venue, he said.
Stud Ford, known for his “hill country” blues roots, hails from Como, Mississippi and described his music as “funky, boogie style blues.” Like Ford, The Nude Party are Black Cat favorites, and have played at Black Cat “maybe 20 times or more,” Nude Party member Alec Costello said.
For the future, The Nude Party hopes to come out with a new album and press a 45” vinyl. They are “still in pursuit of a hot tub.”
Appalachian State juniors Dominique Cuthbertson and Matt Mayernik said that “all the shows were great,” while junior Sarah Pack said White Wholly the best band in Boone.
Black Cat Burrito will be hosting live music the third Friday of each month.
Story: Katie Murawski, Intern A&E Reporter