Apple Festival entertainment

A full plate of music accompanies the 56th annual North Carolina Apple Festival, including a special concert sponsored by the High School Ministry of Hendersonville at Henderson High’s football stadium Sunday night. Coyly titled The Core, the free concert features the “encouraging and positive” music of young acts Skillet, Sonic Flood, Monday Morning and KJ-52, according to the festival’s Web site. All other acts can be found at the festival proper in downtown Hendersonville. Xpress’ pick? Don’t miss ueber-lively bluegrass mensch David Via, with members of his band Corn Tornado, Saturday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. For updates in the entertainment schedule, visit www.ncapplefestival.org.

Friday, Aug. 30

• 10-11 a.m.: Opening Ceremonies

• 11 a.m.-noon: Dean Moore Bluegrass Band

•Noon-1 p.m.: TBA

• 1-1:45 p.m.: Randy Smith (singer/songwriter)

• 1:45-2:45 p.m.: Jennifer Scott

• 2:45-3:45 p.m.: Rock Killough (Music from the Cottonbelt)

• 3:45-4:30 p.m.: Studio L — Dance

• 4:30-5:15 p.m.: The Carburetors Band (Mark Warwick)

• 5:15-6:15 p.m.: Sassafras Bluegrass Band

• 6:15-7 p.m.: Southern Lights Square Dance Team

• 7-10 p.m.: Buddy K Big Band

Saturday, Aug. 31

• 9:30-10:15 a.m.: Merle’s Dance Place

• 10:15-11:15 a.m.: Rock Killough

• 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.: Pat’s School of Dance

• 12:15-12:30 p.m.: Dickens the Clown

• 12:30-1:30 p.m.: Hendersonville Community Band

• 1:30-2:30 p.m.: David Via (bluegrass, blues, jazz & funk)

• 2:30-3:15 p.m.: Appalachian Mountain Cloggers & Green Valley Cloggers

• 3:15-4 p.m: Dickens the Clown

• 4-5 p.m.: Sis Landreth & The Rhythm Method (blues and R&B)

• 5-5:15 p.m.: Dickens the Clown

• 5:15-6:15 p.m.: The Lonesome Road Band (traditional bluegrass)

• 6:15-6:45 p.m.: Jack Roper (WSPA-TV Weather Personality; magic and comedy)

• 6:45-10 p.m.: The Mighty Kicks

Sunday, Sept. 1

• 9:45-10:15 a.m.: Christian Mariachi Music

• 10:30-11:30 a.m.: Provision (contemporary Southern gospel)

• 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.: To Know (Christian music)

• 12:15-1:15 p.m.: His Praises/First Baptist Church

• 1:15-2:15 p.m.: Larry Weaver (comedian, singer/songwriter)

• 2:15-3 p.m.: Appalachian Valley Cloggers and Green Valley Cloggers

• 3-3:45 p.m.: The Pearls (Emily Anderson)

• 3:45-5:15 p.m.: Rock & Roll Reunion

• 5:15-6:15 p.m.: The Cataloochee Boys (bluegrass and old-time)

• 6:15-7 p.m.: Southern Lights Square Dance Team

• 5:30-10 p.m.: The Core (at Hendersonville High School Football Stadium w/Skillet, Sonic Flood, Monday Morning and KJ-52)

• 7-10 p.m.: Peralta (Latin/soul band)