Originally reported by Derek Halsey, The Mountain Times — representing the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina
Recreation of original article by Shane Chalke
Jazz is having a moment across America, and the High Country is no exception. Thanks in part to the explosion of music-focused YouTube channels and podcasts, the genre is finding new audiences while also blending with modern styles and attracting a fresh generation of performers.
Right here in Boone, the High Country Jazz Festival stands as a shining example of that growth. Now entering its 5th year, the festival returns to downtown Boone June 10–14, 2026.
But the festival isn’t the only jazz happening in our mountains this summer. For 17 years running, trumpeter Shane Chalke has made the resort town of Banner Elk his summer musical home — and he’s back again.
Who Is Shane Chalke?
Chalke is a retired mathematician who originally lived in Northern Virginia. A motorcycle trip through the region introduced him to the stunning landscapes of the High Country, and he eventually relocated here permanently. He soon established a summer and fall music residency at the Chef’s Table at Sorrento’s, part of the Village of Banner Elk entertainment complex.
Where and When to See Him
His BE Jazz band — featuring Jim Fleri on piano, Andy Page on guitar, Mike Willis on drums, and either Ben McPherron or Adam Booker on bass — performs free Wednesday evening concerts from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Chef’s Table at Sorrento’s, located at 140 Azalea Circle in Banner Elk, near Sugar Mountain Resort and the Grandfather Mountain Nature Preserve. Shows run through October 28. Reservations are recommended but not required.
As a bonus, Chalke and his Swing Set Big Band will perform free outdoor concerts every Thursday evening from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Village of Banner Elk, beginning June 4 and running through September 3.
The Philosophy Behind the Music
Chalke is a firm believer in the power of playing live over rehearsing. “Bands that gig a lot get good while bands that only rehearse a lot don’t get good,” he has said. Under that philosophy, his groups learn new charts on the bandstand each week, playing them live right away rather than polishing them behind closed doors.
He’s equally devoted to keeping his chops sharp on the trumpet year-round — no small feat for a brass player. “The trumpet is a harsh mistress,” Chalke has noted. Even in the off-season, he practices daily, sometimes 45 minutes to an hour, knowing that even two weeks away from the horn can mean months of recovery.
His musical touchstones are Chet Baker, Blue Mitchell, and Lee Morgan, and he’s currently focused on capturing Baker’s distinctive sound.
The Swing Set Big Band
Chalke took over leadership of the Swing Set Big Band after its founder, Steve Frank, passed away in December 2022. He’s honored the group’s traditions while bringing his own vision, including a signature closing number — a Ray Charles–style arrangement of “America the Beautiful” — that gets the whole audience on its feet. The band plays a full 90-minute set without a break, ending early enough for audiences to catch the free Thursday night concerts at Banner Elk Tate-Evans Park or head to dinner.
The band draws on a talented mix of App State music professors, App State students, and community musicians, with Musical Director Rod Berry helping lead the ensemble.
Come Out and Listen
Whether you’re a lifelong jazz fan or just curious, this is a rare opportunity to hear world-class jazz for free in one of the most beautiful settings in the Blue Ridge Mountains. For more information, visit facebook.com/ShaneChalke BEJazz.
