James Taylor is finally coming to Carolina, but this time it’s not in his mind.

Taylor will perform at the Westglow Spa in Blowing Rock on Friday, Oct. 12 at 7 p.m. The five-time Grammy-Award winner is putting on a fundraising dinner and concert in support of President Obama’s reelection this November with entry donations for students at a $500 minimum.

“James Taylor is extremely expensive and having him donate his time and talent for the benefit of the President’s re-election is tremendous,” Director of Westglow Marketing Linda Barbash said.

Sophomore communication disorders major Maddy Burns has been a fan of Taylor since she was a kid, but thinks the $500 price is too much to ask of students.

“I will not be able to go because I’m too poor,” Burns said. “And though I’m a fan of James Taylor, I cannot say that I’m on the Obama bandwagon that has swept Boone and would prefer to not support his campaign.”

Adult tickets are priced at $1,000 and student tickets were lowered to $500. Westglow said he realizes the price is high, and are encouraging people to sponsor students.

“This is a fundraiser and there is limited space and because the ticket prices are set by the campaign” Barbash said. “We realize it is expensive for most and would like to at least try to make this experience possible for some students.”

Both of the owners of Westglow and two of their friends, Kay and Charlie Trainor, are all sponsoring two students each.

“We are hoping many others will follow their lead and make the event accessible to students and have them be involved in the democratic process,” Barbash said.

This is not the first high-profile event Westglow has hosted. Four years ago when Hillary Clinton was running for president, the Westglow spa hosted events for both Hillary and President Bill Clinton.

For ticket and general information, call (828) 295-5146 or visit westglowresortandspa.com.

Story by: KALEY CAMPBELL, Intern A&E Reporter and MICHAEL BRAGG, A&E Editor