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/