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Musings on folk, Americana, country, bluegrass and newgrass

Monthly Archives: September 2021


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And that’s a wrap MerleFest 2021

I can’t remember a better MerleFest than 2021. The chance to finally return to the campus of Wilkes Community College after a LONG 2 1/2 years to hear live music and feel the sun on my face while sitting in front of the Hillside Stage (ok maybe it was a too hot) was balm to my pandemic-battered soul. The chance to catch up with old friends I typically only seem to see at MerleFest and the chance to make new ones. The chance to discover new music from first-time MerleFest visitors while enjoying new music from MerleFest veterans. And the chance to meet all those babies conceived during lockdown. I have many, many stories to share from this year’s festival but for now please enjoy this wrap-up video from the festival and stay tuned for more from me soon!

Watch at this link: https://fb.watch/8bm_ydqayo/


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MerleFest 2021 announces Late Night Jam hosted by Shinyribs and Music City Roots


Keeping with a longstanding tradition of MerleFest’s all-hands-on-deck late night jam, MerleFest, presented by Window World, is happy to announce their 2021 installment of the after-hours jamboree: Gulf Breeze: Songs Of The Third Coast. Co-presented by Music City Roots and hosted by the eclectic and enthralling Shinyribs, this year’s late night jam will focus on music from the broadly varied traditions along our countries third coast.

Jim Lauderdale, Hogslop String Band, Brittney Spencer, The Cleverlys, Donna the Buffalo, Peter Rowan, Los Texmaniacs, and Cordovas are slated to join Shinyribs for this momentous event. Tickets for the Gulf Breeze: Songs Of The Third Coast are available now at merlefest.org. Tickets are still available for MerleFest 2021 which will take place September 16-19 on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina

 
“The Gulf Coast region is and continues to be a driver of American culture. When one considers the collective musical history measured from the tip of Florida’s Keys to the tip of Texas’ Rio Grande Valley – with Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana in between – the very notion fills one with awe,” says Shinyribs’ front-man Kevin Russell. “Jazz, Blues, Rock ‘n Roll, Country, Southern Rock, Soul, R&B, Swamp Pop, Reggae, Tex-Mex, Zydeco, Cajun, Swing, Gospel, Bluegrass, Rap, Hip-Hop, Psychedelia, Conjunto, Tejano, Cumbia, Cuban, Bahamian, and all manner of hybrids made from those sub-tropical, humid, salty elements form an undeniable cultural Fertile Crescent that informs and inspires our American song bag to this day. I’ve long tried to pay tribute to this vast repertoire of Americana. MerleFest’s Late Night Jam is the perfect place to do it. I can hardly wait to experience the pastiche of grooves that will be emanating from MerleFest that night.


With the late night jam as well as the entire festival, MerleFest will continue to prioritize the safety of its artists, attendees, staff, vendors and volunteers. The festival will adhere to safety protocols set by local and state governments for a safe live music environment. Stay tuned to merlefest.org for safety protocol updates. 


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Raleigh Magazine: MerleFest 2021 Sticks to Its Roots

Despite changes, the 33rd annual MerleFest, which starts this afternoon, promises to be one fun-filled event.

The show must go on, as they say, and so too will MerleFest 2021, taking place Sept. 16–19 this year on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro. Albeit a little different this year (as most things are these days…) the 33rd annual MerleFest will bring the high energy and exciting performances seen in years past—and promises to be worth the 2.5-hour drive from Raleigh.

MerleFest, now synonymous with its mix of traditional roots-oriented music from the Appalachian region, will feature a plethora of world-class bands and artists on its 13 stages, including Sturgill Simpson, Tedeschi Trucks, Melissa Etheridge, Mavis Staples, Margo Price, LeAnn Rimes and so many more.

Read more about the festival in my latest web exclusive for Raleigh Magazine at this link: https://raleighmag.com/2021/09/merlefest-2021-sticks-to-its-roots/

Stitched Panorama


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MerleFest 2021 Thursday High Notes

Not to snub any other acts at this year’s MerleFest but here’s my list of sets not to miss Thursday evening:

Scythian

I often refer to the boys from Front Royal, Virginia, as MerleFest’s unofficial house band whose lively sets are not to be missed. With a new album out and a year of virtual “quarantstreams” under their belts, Scythian is so excited to be back out on the road playing to live audience. The Celtic rock band promises on their social media that “this year’s MerleFest will be one of the best year’s yet!” Of that, I have no doubt. Learn more at https://www.scythianmusic.com/

Margo Price

In 2016 The Boot wrote: “If you don’t know who Margo Price is just yet, listen to the first track of her debut album, Midwest Farmer’s Daughter, and you’ll get a good idea. With ‘Hands of Time,’ Price shares the story of her life in just six minutes — and what a life it’s been.” ‘Nuff said.
Read More: Who Is Margo Price? 5 Things You Need to Know | https://theboot.com/who-is-margo-price/#photogallery-1=2?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral”

The Barefoot Movement

With roots in Oxford, North Carolina (just north of Raleigh/Durham for the geographically challenged) and a soon-to-be released album, “Pressing Onward,” The Barefoot Movement is poised to move from this year’s Cabin Stage to next year’s main Watson Stage. Their 10 new recordings are all produced by powerhouse industry veterans Chuck Plotkin (Springsteen’s Born in the USA, Bob Dylan’s Shot of Love, etc) and Hank Linderman (The Eagles, Chicago, etc). Their lead single “Someday” also hit digital and streaming retailers on Aug. 20 and was released via Bonfire Music Group. Learn more at http://www.thebarefootmovementofficial.com/

Sturgill Simpson

I’ve been looking forward to hearing Sturgill Simpson, who sounds surprisingly similar to the late, great Waylon Jennings, play live since his first genre-bending album, “METAMODERN SOUNDS IN COUNTRY MUSIC,” exploded on to the music scene. With his newest double entrendre and double-album, “Cuttin’ Grass” out, I am sure I won’t be disappointed. Learn more at https://www.sturgillsimpson.com/

Dance Tent with Donna the Buffalo

Donna the Buffalo joined forces with legendary Producer & Engineer Rob Fraboni to record their new album, “Dance in the Street,” at Sonic Ranch, the world’s largest residential recording studio built around an 80-year-old hacienda on a 3,300-acre pecan orchard right along the Mexican border, near El Paso, Texas. If you have ever been to their own Shakori Grassroots Festival, you know the Dance Tent will light up under their lively tunes tonight. Read more at https://www.donnathebuffalo.com/


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Full lineup, schedule announced for 2021 IBMA Bluegrass Live in downtown Raleigh

From the good folks at IBMA:

Organizers of the 2021 IBMA World of Bluegrass have revealed the full lineup of artists and daily schedule of performances for IBMA Bluegrass Live! powered by PNC. This live festival will take place at Red Hat Amphitheater and four additional stages in downtown Raleigh, NC, Fri., Oct. 1, and Sat., Oct. 2. Additionally, Capitol Broadcasting Company, which includes WRAL-TV, an NBC affiliate serving the Raleigh, Chapel Hill and Durham region, will be the exclusive media partner for the ticketed Main Stage performances at Red Hat Amphitheater, as well as the free performances at StreetFest Stages downtown.

Main Stage performances at Red Hat Amphitheater will include sets from bluegrass luminaries such as Béla Fleck’s My Bluegrass Heart featuring Michael Cleveland, Sierra Hull, Justin Moses, Mark Schatz & Bryan Sutton; The Del McCoury Band; Steep Canyon Rangers; Yonder Mountain String Band; and Jerry Douglas, Edgar Meyer & Odessa Settles. Main Stage performances at Red Hat Amphitheater for this year’s festival will begin at 4pm each day, and will feature premier bluegrass acts for seven hours.

Proof of vaccination will be required for entry to the Main Stage performances at Red Hat Amphitheater. Additionally, all sections of the Amphitheater will be ticketed, allowing organizers to control venue capacity.

In addition to access and capacity adjustments at Red Hat Amphitheater, changes are being instituted at other festival venues:

  • StreetFest Stages are moving to give attendees more space and reduce street congestion. The popular City Plaza Stage is moving to the parking lot across from the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts. The stage area will be surrounded by food trucks, a beer garden and spots for families to gather.
  • The Youth Stage, which provides a venue for youth and college bands to share their talent, is moving to City Plaza.

“We are overjoyed to be bringing the bluegrass festival back to Raleigh as an in-person event this year,” said David Brower, festival producer and executive director of PineCone, a Raleigh-based non-profit music organization. “There’s a magic that happens when our streets are filled with music that’s played from the heart. For folks who’ve never experienced this event, it’s a joyous sight to see when it all comes together. After this past year, we all could use a little bit of that festival magic.”

Schedules are subject to change and will be posted at each stage. QR codes will be posted throughout the festival, allowing festival-goers to access the full schedule and festival map on their phones. Participants who want a printed schedule and map are encouraged to print one ahead of time from the World of Bluegrass website.

For the ninth year, PNC Bank returns as the presenting sponsor of IBMA Bluegrass Live! powered by PNC. “This two-day festival brings so much spirit and enjoyment to the community, while supporting our local economy and tourism,” said Jim Hansen, PNC regional president for Eastern Carolinas. “All of us at PNC look forward to participating in this festive time again.

“We are excited to announce the full performance schedule for this year’s IBMA Bluegrass Live! powered by PNC,” said Pat Morris, executive director of IBMA. “It will be great to gather again to celebrate live music! Music fans will be able to enjoy artists ranging from Hall of Famers to award-winning rising stars to special collaborations with amazing guests. We’ve taken specific measures to safeguard the health and safety of attendees, so it’s our hope that these protocols will allow everyone to join us in downtown Raleigh this year.

“Partnering with Capitol Broadcasting Company, a respected media company in the region, is a great way to elevate our outreach, and make sure the music fans in the Triangle are aware of the many ways they can experience bluegrass during this year’s festival,” added Morris.

“Capitol Broadcasting Company is once again thrilled to join IBMA, PineCone, and the City of Raleigh as the exclusive media partner for IBMA Bluegrass Live! powered by PNC,” said Joel Davis, WRAL-TV/FOX 50 vice president and general manager. “Bluegrass Live! is such an important event in our community and WRAL-TV, wral.com and That Station all want to support this beloved event in a safe and responsible way.”

A portion of the proceeds from IBMA Bluegrass Live! powered by PNC supports the IBMA Trust Fund, which provides direct financial assistance to bluegrass artists and other industry professionals in times of emergency need. To date, the Trust Fund has distributed more than $800,000 in direct aid.

The schedule for the Main Stage performances at Red Hat Amphitheater:

Friday, October 1
4:00    Tray Wellington Band
4:55    Mile Twelve
6:00    Sister Sadie
7:30    Béla Fleck’s My Bluegrass Heart featuring Michael Cleveland, Sierra Hull, Justin Moses, Mark Schatz & Bryan Sutton
9:30    The Del McCoury Band

Saturday, October 2
4:00    The Gina Furtado Project
4:55    The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys
6:00    Jerry Douglas, Odessa Settles & Edgar Meyer
7:30    Steep Canyon Rangers
9:30    Yonder Mountain String Band

Friday, October 1 StreetFest Schedule:

Come Hear NC Stage (located on the flat parking lot in front of the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts)
Sponsors: Come Hear NC; Bud Light; WRAL
11:30am    Welcoming remarks from City of Raleigh, PNC, and IBMA
12:00  Chatham Rabbits
1:15    Sister Sadie
2:30    Rick Faris
3:45    Bluegrass Pride Presents: Jake Blount
5:15    Jim Lauderdale
6:45    Fireside Collective
8:15    Bowregard
9:45    Bluegrass Pride Presents: The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys

Davie Street Stage (located near the intersection of Davie and Fayetteville streets)
Sponsors: Booze It and Lose It; Central Carolina Chevrolet Dealers; Bud Light Seltzer; WRAL
12:00  Crying Uncle
1:15    Fair Black Rose
2:30    Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers
3:45    Jesse Brock & Streamliner
5:00    Missy Raines & Allegheny
6:30    The Wildmans
8:00    Special Consensus
9:30    Darin & Brooke Aldridge

Capitol Stage (located on Fayetteville Street between Martin & Hargett streets)
Sponsors: Ron and Nancy McFarlane; Stella Artois; That Station
12:00  Bill and the Belles
1:15    Songs From The Road Band
2:30    Hubby Jenkins
3:45    Bluegrass Pride Presents: Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer
5:15    Buffalo Commons
6:45    Henhouse Prowlers
8:15    Anya Hinkle
9:45    Mile Twelve

Youth Stage (located on Fayetteville Street across from the Marriott)
Sponsors: Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM); WRAL
12:30  Square Deal
1:45    Eliza Meyer
3:00    Crying Uncle
4:15    Mountain Highway
5:30    Berea College Bluegrass Ensemble (Berea, KY)
7:00    East Tennessee State University Bluegrass Pride Band (Johnson City, TN)
8:30    The Mountain Music Ambassadors from Morehead State University (Morehead, KY)
10:00  The Tigertown Roots – Clemson University Bluegrass Band (Clemson, SC)

Saturday, October 2 StreetFest Schedule:

Come Hear NC Stage (located on the flat parking lot in front of the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts)
Sponsors: Come Hear NC; Beverage: Bud Light; Media: WRAL
12:00  The Burnett Sisters
1:15    Danny Paisley and the Southern Grass
2:30    Nixon, Blevins & Gage
3:45    The Jakob’s Ferry Stragglers
5:00    Darin & Brooke Aldridge
6:30    Hank, Pattie & The Current
8:00    The Steel Wheels
9:45    Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen

Davie Street Stage (located near the intersection of Davie and Fayetteville streets)
Sponsors: Booze It and Lose It; Central Carolina Chevrolet Dealers; Bud Light Seltzer; WRAL
12:00  Bluegrass Pride Presents: Sinner Friends
1:15    Kristy Cox
2:30    Diamond Creek
3:45    Hubby Jenkins
5:00    The Ruta Beggars
6:30    Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road
8:00    Tray Wellington Band
9:30    Barbaro

Capitol Stage (located on Fayetteville Street between Martin & Hargett streets)
Sponsors: Ron and Nancy McFarlane; Stella Artois; That Station
12:00  Terry Baucom’s Dukes of Drive
1:15    Allison de Groot & Tatiana Hargreaves
2:30    The Price Sisters
3:45    Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen
5:00    Joe Newberry & April Verch
6:30    Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road
8:00    Chris Jones & The Night Drivers
9:45    The Gina Furtado Project

Youth Stage (located on Fayetteville Street across from the Marriott)
Sponsors: Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM); WRAL
12:00  Mountain Highway
1:10    Crying Uncle
2:20    Fair Black Rose
3:30    Square Deal
4:30    The Carolina Bluegrass Band from the University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill, NC)
5:30    The Denison University Bluegrass Ensemble (Granville, OH)
7:00    The Warren Wilson College Bluegrass Band (Swannanoa, NC)
8:30    The Colorado College Bluegrass Band (Colorado Springs, CO)
10:00  The Lawrence University Bluegrass Band (Appleton, WI)

Health and safety measures in effect for this year’s event include: 

  • Proof of vaccination (without exceptions) will be required for attendance at any IBMA World of Bluegrass activity requiring registration and ticketing: the IBMA Business Conference, the IBMA Bluegrass Ramble showcase series, the 32nd Annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards presented by Yamaha, and the main stage at the Red Hat Amphitheater for IBMA Bluegrass Live! powered by PNC. As in years past, IBMA World of Bluegrass indoor events will take place at the Raleigh Convention Center, the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, and at various venues downtown.
  • Masks will also be required at all indoor activities during IBMAWOB. During the festival, masks will be required indoors (e.g., bathrooms, hallways, green rooms, etc.) and strongly recommended for outdoor shows.
  • IBMA Bluegrass Live! powered by PNC: For both the main stage at Red Hat Amphitheater and the StreetFest, all artists, stage managers, crew and staff will be vaccinated.
  • Frequent sanitation and enhanced cleaning protocols will be in place at all World of Bluegrass locations.
  • Hand sanitizer and free mask stations will be provided at various World of Bluegrass locations.
  • For those not able to attend in person, IBMA will be streaming select content throughout the week on Swapcard. Virtual attendees will have access to the virtual exhibit hall, conference sessions, music performances, and more. Details for virtual tickets will be announced in the coming weeks.
  • Anyone experiencing a fever, cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, or other symptoms related to COVID-19 will be asked to stay home or leave the venue.
  • For more information on the IBMA World of Bluegrass and IBMA Bluegrass Live! powered by PNC safety protocols, please visit the Health and Safety page on the IBMA World of Bluegrass website.

Additional sponsors who helped make this year’s festival and World of Bluegrass week events possible include: PNC, Come Hear NC, WRAL, That Station, Stella Artois, Wicked Weed, Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Bud Light, Bud Light Seltzer, Babe, Devil’s Backbone, Ron and Nancy McFarlane, Martin Guitar, Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM), Yamaha Guitar Group, WakeMed, Parker Poe, Catapult, NC Lottery, NCDOT, Central Carolina Chevrolet Dealers, Virginia is for Music Lovers, D’Addario, Pepsi, Cheerwine, Nature’s Twist, Deep Eddy Vodka, Lunazul Tequila, Larceny Bourbon, Art Menius Radio, Evan Williams, Fishman, Deering Banjos, Compass Records, Calton Cases, The Recording Academy, ETSU, Lowes Foods, Yep Roc Music Group, The Pit, Campbell Law School, Peterson Strobe Tuners, Duke Energy, Rounder, Boston Bluegrass Union, BMI, Ear Trumpet Labs, and Pre-War Guitars.

More info about IBMA World of Bluegrass and the IBMA Bluegrass Live! powered by PNC Festival 

IBMA’s World of Bluegrass is a five-day annual bluegrass music homecoming and convention. World of Bluegrass encompasses four events: the IBMA Business Conference, September 28-30; the IBMA Bluegrass Ramble, an innovative series of showcases, taking place September 28-29 in downtown Raleigh and at the Raleigh Convention Center; the 32nd Annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards, scheduled for Thursday evening, September 30; and IBMA Bluegrass Live! powered by PNC, Oct. 1-2, a two-day festival that features the best of the best in bluegrass today, benefiting the IBMA Trust Fund—a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that assists bluegrass professionals during financial emergencies—and introducing the music to thousands of new fans every year.

As in years past, events during World of Bluegrass will take place at the Raleigh Convention Center, the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, the Red Hat Amphitheater and at various venues in town.

Volunteer for IBMA Bluegrass Live! and other World of Bluegrass events: https://worldofbluegrass.org/participate/volunteer/

Learn more about accessibility efforts that are part of the whole World of Bluegrass, including IBMA Bluegrass Live!: https://worldofbluegrass.org/accessibility/

IBMA – the International Bluegrass Music Association – is the non-profit music association that connects, educates, and empowers bluegrass professionals and enthusiasts, honoring tradition and encouraging innovation in the bluegrass community worldwide.

PineCone, the Piedmont Council of Traditional Music, is the largest, most active presenter of home-grown music in the state. Since 2013, PineCone has served as the official Local Host organization for the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) and its World of Bluegrass events, and as the producers of the two-day IBMA Bluegrass Live! powered by PNC. Founded in 1984 with a mission to preserve, present and promote all forms of traditional music, dance and other folk performing arts, PineCone programs highlight and celebrate the rich and diverse musical heritage of Raleigh and the greater Piedmont region by focusing on music traditions that have been passed down informally through generations within our various cultural communities. PineCone presents more than 200 programs annually, including concerts, youth programs, participatory jams and sessions, workshops, documentary projects, a weekly radio show and more. pinecone.org.