Boone, NC, January 12, 2026
The recent performances of the Charlotte-area band Once Below Joy at Boone’s Lily’s Snack Bar highlight the vibrant local music scene in North Carolina. These grassroots events showcase the power of community engagement and the role of independent venues in promoting cultural identity and economic vitality. By supporting local artists and businesses, these gatherings strengthen community bonds and provide enriching experiences for residents and visitors alike.
Columbia, SC –
North Carolina’s Once Below Joy: A Glimpse into Grassroots Music and Community Spirit
Across the Carolinas, the vibrant spirit of local music scenes is a testament to personal initiative and community engagement, demonstrating how individual efforts can cultivate dynamic cultural hubs. While Columbia, SC, continually seeks to energize its own arts and entertainment landscape, observing successful models in neighboring areas, such as the High Country of North Carolina, offers valuable insights. The recent performances by Charlotte-area progressive rock band Once Below Joy at Lily’s Snack Bar in Boone, NC, exemplify how independent venues and dedicated artists contribute significantly to the cultural richness of a town. These events underscore the benefits of limited bureaucracy, allowing private partnerships and local leadership to flourish in fostering unique community experiences.
The success of such local music events in Boone, NC, provides a compelling case study for cities like Columbia, SC, highlighting the power of grassroots efforts in strengthening community bonds and boosting local economies. These gatherings are more than just entertainment; they create shared experiences that unite residents and visitors, foster social connections, and enhance local cultural identity. By supporting local artists and businesses, and providing platforms for creative expression, these events contribute to a thriving social fabric and economic vitality.
Once Below Joy: Charlotte’s “Wizard-Prog” Band Making Waves
Hailing from the Charlotte, NC, area, Once Below Joy has quickly carved a niche for itself in the regional music scene. Formed in 2022, the alternative progressive rock band, known for its “wizard-prog” style, comprises Jesse Greisman (guitar/vocals/sample pad), Austin Collins (guitar), Skylar Wade (bass), and Wyatt Fregerio (drums/vocals). The band’s unique name emerged quite literally from their early practice location—once below the living area of drummer Wyatt’s grandmother, Joy, until the noise necessitated a move. Their music, influenced by classic progressive rock bands like Rush, Led Zeppelin, and Pink Floyd, as well as modern acts such as Coheed & Cambria, features themes ranging from epic fantasy to social anxiety, often presented with an energetic stage presence where band members dress as “rock wizards”. The band gained recognition, including being voted Best New Band of 2023 in Charlotte by readers in Queen City Nerve’s Best in the Nest series and being named a Favorite New Band on Eddie Trunk’s “Trunk-Nation” program on Sirius FM. Their recent EPs, “Through the Fog” and “Realm Beyond the Skyline,” showcase their original sound.
Lily’s Snack Bar: A Hub for Boone’s Community and Culture
Lily’s Snack Bar, located in Boone, NC, has established itself as a vibrant cornerstone of the local community since opening in July 2019. More than just a bar and sandwich shop, Lily’s prides itself on offering a welcoming and safe environment for diverse groups, including the LGBTQ+ community, and is dedicated to connecting with locals, students, tourists, and various organizations to promote positive community goals. The venue regularly hosts a variety of events, including live music, dance parties, and drag brunches, reflecting its commitment to providing “a real cool time” for all its patrons. Its menu features “dank” sandwiches, snacks, and drinks, with many vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available. Lily’s exemplifies how a privately-owned establishment, driven by a clear mission and guiding principles, can become a vital part of a town’s social infrastructure, fostering connections and enhancing cultural identity. The venue’s success underscores the effectiveness of local leadership and entrepreneurial spirit in creating spaces that resonate with community needs and values.
The Power of Private Venues in Community Development
The role of private establishments like Lily’s Snack Bar in cultivating a thriving community cannot be overstated. These venues, often born from individual initiative rather than extensive governmental programs, demonstrate how local choice and entrepreneurial spirit can effectively meet cultural demands. They offer spaces for residents to gather, share experiences, and engage with local talent, fostering social capital and a stronger sense of belonging. Beyond providing entertainment, such venues contribute significantly to the local economy by attracting visitors and supporting nearby businesses. The operation of venues like Lily’s, which prioritizes community connection and cultural expression, showcases how private partnerships can act as catalysts for local growth without heavy bureaucratic oversight. This model aligns with the idea that less government intrusion can lead to more dynamic and innovative local marketplaces, where businesses thrive and create jobs.
Lessons for Columbia, SC: Fostering a Vibrant Local Music Scene
Columbia, SC, like many mid-sized cities, faces unique challenges and opportunities in nurturing its music scene. While the city boasts venues like Township Auditorium, Colonial Life Arena, The Senate, and New Brookland Tavern, and has a university with a music industry studies major, there is a consistent effort to enhance its cultural offerings. The experiences of places like Boone, NC, suggest that empowering private entities and local organizers to develop and manage cultural events can yield significant dividends. By fostering an environment where venues can operate with streamlined processes and where local musicians find readily available platforms, Columbia can further solidify its standing as a hub for South Carolina gatherings. Encouraging individual achievement and recognizing the value of private initiatives in arts and entertainment can lead to more diverse and engaging Columbia SC events, ultimately enriching the entire Richland County community.
The Call to Action: Support Local Initiative
The success stories of bands like Once Below Joy finding enthusiastic audiences in venues such as Lily’s Snack Bar illustrate a powerful truth: a thriving cultural landscape often blossoms from the ground up, fueled by passion, private investment, and a supportive community. For the Richland County community and beyond, this serves as a reminder of the critical importance of actively supporting local businesses and artists. By attending local Columbia SC events, exploring new venues, and championing the independent spirit that drives much of our cultural growth, we empower our neighborhoods to build vibrant, self-sustaining ecosystems of creativity and connection. Let us embrace personal initiative and encourage local leadership to continually enrich the fabric of our communities, ensuring that the rhythm of South Carolina gatherings continues to beat strong.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Once Below Joy?
Once Below Joy is an alternative progressive rock band from the Charlotte, NC, area, formed in 2022. They are known for their “wizard-prog” style and energetic live performances where they dress as “rock wizards.”
Where did Once Below Joy perform in Boone, NC?
Once Below Joy performed at Lily’s Snack Bar in Boone, NC.
What kind of venue is Lily’s Snack Bar?
Lily’s Snack Bar is a bar and sandwich shop in Boone, NC, that opened in July 2019. It is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment and regularly hosts live music, dance parties, and drag brunches.
How do local music events benefit a community?
Local music events strengthen community bonds, foster social connections, enhance local cultural identity, support local artists and businesses, and boost local economies.
What is the significance of private venues in community development?
Private venues contribute to community development by offering spaces for residents to gather and engage with local talent, fostering social capital, and supporting the local economy through attracting visitors and business. They often emerge from individual initiative and can operate effectively with limited bureaucratic oversight.
Key Features of Community Event Development
| Feature | Description | Impact on Community | Example (from article context) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Initiative & Leadership | Grassroots efforts and entrepreneurial drive in organizing events and establishing venues. | Cultivates dynamic cultural hubs and meets local cultural demands. | Creation of Lily’s Snack Bar by local owners. |
| Private Partnerships & Venues | Independent businesses and spaces providing platforms for artists and community gatherings. | Strengthens community bonds, fosters social connections, and supports local economies. | Lily’s Snack Bar hosting Once Below Joy. |
| Limited Bureaucracy | Reduced governmental interference allows for more agile event coordination and cultural development. | Enables private entities to thrive and innovate in the local marketplace. | Implicit in the ability of small venues to host diverse events. |
| Artist & Cultural Expression | Showcasing local and regional musical talent and diverse artistic forms. | Enhances cultural identity and provides platforms for creative growth. | Once Below Joy’s “wizard-prog” performances. |
| Economic Impact | Revenue generation for local businesses through event attendance and associated spending. | Boosts local economies and creates temporary job opportunities. | Visitors to Lily’s Snack Bar supporting local businesses. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Charlotte’s Concert Scene Welcomes Columbia Music Lovers
Mariah van Kleef: Shaping the Carolinas’ Cultural Landscape
Charlotte Embraces Spring with First Friday Arts Celebration
Charlotte Venue Rebrands: Impact on Regional Economy
Persistent Winter Fog in the Carolinas
Candlelight Concerts Illuminate Columbia’s Cultural Landscape
Charlotte Springs to Life: A Weekend of Diverse Entertainment and Community Spirit
Columbia, SC’s Culinary Innovation Shines with Harriet’s Hamburgers
Columbia’s Cultural Growth Inspired by Neighboring Events
Charlotte’s Community Development Insights for South Carolina
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
