The Kruger Brothers trio are releasing a remarkable new project, “The Roan Mountain Suite,” on April 28 as part of MerleFest’s 30th anniversary celebration that runs through April 30. This weekend also marks the trio’s 20th anniversary at the Americana music festival held on the grounds of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina.
Monthly Archives: April 2017
30 reasons to attend MerleFest’s 30th anniversary of making music, memories
MerleFest, one of the top Americana roots festivals, is known for its unique mix of traditional, roots-oriented music from the Appalachian region, including bluegrass and old-time music and four days of making memories, Americana, blues, country, Celtic, Cajun, cowboy, zydeco, rock and many other styles known as “traditional plus.” The festival, presented by Window World, is celebrating its 30th anniversary April 27-30, 2017, at in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. Founded in 1988 by the late, great Doc Watson in memory of his son Eddy Merle Watson as a fundraiser for Wilkes Community College. Tickets are available here.
The Steel Wheels to release newest album, ‘Wild As We Came Here,’ at MerleFest 2017
For The Steel Wheels, playing at MerleFest for the fourth time might just be a charm.
That’s because this four-piece Virginia-based string band is releasing its newest album, “Wild As We Came Here,” exclusively at the 30th anniversary of the Americana festival honoring the late, great Doc Watson, and his son Merle. The album will be officially released on May 5.
“There is no place better than MerleFest to release a brand-new album,” says Trent Wagler, who plays guitar and banjo in the band and writes most of its material. “It’s great to release a record in the spring time. It makes a lot of sense … you get something out right at the beginning of the touring year.”
Exclusive: Annabelle’s Curse leaves no ‘Doubt’ with new video release
Annabelle’s Curse is one of the best bands you probably haven’t heard. I am happy to predict that’s about to change with the release of the Bristol, Tennessee/Virginia-based alt-folk band’s newest album, “Beyond the Station.”
Scythian to release ‘Dance All Night’ at 30th anniversary of MerleFest
RW9 band schedule released, ticket prices increase May 1
The ninth iteration of Rooster Walk Music and Arts Festival will be held over Memorial Day weekend, May 25 – 28, 2017, at the idyllic Pop’s Farm, overlooking a lake in the countryside of Martinsville, Virginia. Rooster Walk was named one of the Top 5 Music Festivals in Virginia by the Richmond Times-Dispatch in 2016 and it’s one of my personal favorites.
Greensky Bluegrass will headline Rooster Walk 9 with a two-hour set on Saturday night. The Wailers (Reunited!), Anders Osborne, Anderson East, Mandolin Orange, The Motet, Pimps of Joytime, the Marcus King Band and many more will perform over the four-day festival.
The hourly stage schedules for RW9 are set. Check out the Band Schedule Page to see exactly when each of your favorite bands will perform.
Early bird tickets for MerleFest 30th anniversary celebration available through Wednesday, April 26
From the good folks over at MerleFest:
With only one week until the start of MerleFest 2017, presented by Window World, the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, is buzzing with activity. Starting next Thursday, April 27, at 2:30 p.m., and running through Sunday, April 30, an estimated 75,000 participants will gather at this year’s 30th homecoming of musicians and music lovers to celebrate the world renowned MerleFest.
Sarah Siskind and Sunliner shine with ‘LOVE’
North Carolina native Sarah Siskind and Sunliner will release their long awaited and latest collaboration,” LOVE,” on April 14, 2017.
In a handwritten note delivered with the album, Siskind wrote, “Well after all this time, here it is!”
Trust me when I say it’s worth your time to give a listen to this sampler to get just a taste of what this fresh and funky new album has to offer. It’s a mix of rock, folk, country, jazz fusion and delta blues, that all the while somehow manages to stick to its Americana roots. It ranges from the upbeat “By You” to the heartbreaking “Not Enough.”
“This whiskey is the closest thing I have to a friend … I wake up late at night and cry; I drink the bottle til it’s dry, but it’s not enough to make me forget how you love me.”
Rhythm N’ Blooms set for April 7-9 in Knoxville, Tennessee
Rhythm N’ Blooms set for April 7-9, 2017, is a festival that at its heart is just as much about the city of Knoxville, Tennessee, as it is about music.
Sponsored by Yee-Haw Brewing Company and produced by Dogwood Arts in partnership with Attack Monkey Productions, acts set to perform in the Old City area include John Paul White, Parker Millsap, Nikki Lane, Jon Stickley Trio, Wild Ponies and Dave Eggar.
The festival honors the identity and spirit of rich its East Tennessee history while providing a premium listening environment for top-notch musical performances, according to the festival’s Facebook page. Knoxville’s story has always been set to music. Rhythm N’ Blooms highlights that soundtrack and celebrates the crossroads of this city’s varied music history by showcasing popular national acts alongside the finest local musicians the area has to offer. Enjoy!
15th annual Spring Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance set for May 4-7, 2017
The Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival of Music and Dance will hold its 15th annual spring festival from Thursday, May 4, to Sunday, May 7. The festival will feature more than 40 bands and performers on two big outdoor stages, a large Dance Tent and an intimate Cabaret Tent. The festival, hosted by Donna the Buffalo, is located at 1439 Henderson Tanyard Road, Pittsboro, on 72 beautiful farmland acres in Chatham County, North Carolina, just down the road from Chapel Hill, Raleigh, Durham, Burlington and Greensboro. The festival also features local crafts, delicious food, various children’s activities, healing arts practitioners, dancing and music workshops, environmental sustainability forums and much more in a family-friendly setting. To get more details, visit Tickets & Info Page.
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