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Musings on folk, Americana, country, bluegrass and newgrass

Author Archives: lsnedeker


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MerleFest shares initial 2023 lineup for 35th festival

Tickets on sale and volunteer opportunities are available

WILKESBORO, N.C. — It’s the most wonderful time of the year … and I’m not talking about the upcoming holidays. Instead, this is the season for finding out who will be performing at next year’s live music festivals and this week’s initial 35th edition of MerleFest‘s lineup announcement for April 27-30, 2023, did not disappoint.

Country music sensation Maren Morris is set to make her MerleFest debut on the campus of Wilkes Community College on Saturday along with the Black Opry Revue who will hit the stage on Friday. And the wildly popular North Carolina natives The Avett Brothers, who first performed at MerleFest in 2004 and are one of the most requested performers in the festival’s history, are set to return on Friday at the festival, which will also honor Doc Watson’s 100th birthday year.

To celebrate the historic milestone event, organizers intend to feature MerleFest’s unique history and present unique collaborations to honor the festival’s founding folk icon.  From the flatbed trailer stage at the 1988 Eddy Merle Watson Memorial Festival to today, and looking into the future, MerleFest, which has served as the unofficial kickoff of the annual outdoor festival season, is an annual homecoming of musicians and music fans. Since its inception, the festival has drawn fans from all over the world to the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains each spring to make music, moments and memories together.

Also joining the lineup, will be award-winning MerleFest veterans Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Peter Rowan, Jim Lauderdale and Scythian, in addition to many, many more including:

Andy May

Banknotes

Carol Rifkin

Charles Welch

Donna the Buffalo

Jack Lawrence

Jeff Little Trio

Joe Smothers

Kruger Brothers

Laura Boosinger

The Local Boys

Mark Bumgarner

Mitch Greenhill & Mitch’s Kitchen

Pete & Joan Wernick

Presley Barker

Roy Book Binder

T. Michael Coleman

The InterACTive Theater of Jef

The Waybacks

Tony Williamson

Wayne Henderson

To learn more, purchase tickets or to volunteer visit https://merlefest.org/.


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Carolina Country Music Fest announces lineup for June 8-11, 2023 in Myrtle Beach

Carolina Country Music Fest organizers the event will return to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on June 8-12, 2023.

Headliners for the four-day event are newest Vegas resident entertainer Miranda Lambert, bad boy Morgan Wallen and legendary duo Brooks & Dunn.

Joining the lineup are 90’s legend Travis Tritt and southern-rock superstars Whiskey Myers.

The fourth and final headliner will be announced this month, alongside 40 more of country’s biggest acts.

For more information and tickets, click here.


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Nitty Gritty Dirt Band returns to Carolina Theatre on Nov. 6

If you missed them at MerleFest earlier this year, fans of “Mr. Bojangles” and “Fishin’ In the Dark” can catch Americana’s original band — the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band — in Durham at the Carolina Theatre on Sunday, Nov. 6.

From the band’s bio: Many veteran bands trade on nostalgia, on replication of past glories, and on recycled emotions from younger, more carefree days.

The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band trades on a mix of reimagined classics and compelling newer works. The group formed in 1966 as a Long Beach, California jug band, scored its first charting single in 1967, and embarked on a self-propelled ride through folk, country, rock ‘n’ roll, pop, bluegrass, and the amalgam now known as “Americana.” The first major hit came in 1971 with the epic “Mr. Bojangles,” which, along with insistent support from banjo master Earl Scruggs, opened doors in Nashville. Behind those doors were Earl Scruggs, Roy Acuff, Doc Watson, Mother Maybelle Carter, Jimmy Martin, and others who would collaborate on a multi-artist, multi-generational, three-disc 1972 masterpiece: “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” went triple Platinum, spawned two later volumes and wound up in the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Was this a cutting-edge combo or a group of revivalists? Was the goal rebellion or musical piety? Yes, to all these things. In the 1980s, the Dirt Band reeled off 15 straight Top 10 country hits, including chart-toppers “Long Hard Road (The Sharecropper’s Dream),” “Modern Day Romance,” and “Fishin’ in the Dark (co-written by Jim Photoglo, who would join the band in the second decade of the new century). 1989 brought a second “Circle” album, this one featuring singer-songwriter talents including John Prine, Rosanne Cash and John Hiatt and garnering two Grammy awards for the band (it later won another, for a collaboration with Earl Scruggs and other fine folks). Circle II also won the Country Music Association’s Album of the Year prize. “Circle III” was released in 2003, featuring collaborations with Johnny Cash, Dwight Yoakam, Emmylou Harris, Taj Mahal and more.

In May, the band released “Dirt Does Dylan,” just a few years after the Dirt Band’s Jeff Hanna paid $4 to see Bob Dylan play at his high school auditorium in Long Beach, California. The fire lit inside of Hanna that night still burns as strong as ever. Hanna and his Dirt Band bandmates have had quite a career of their own since then, introducing folk, bluegrass,and country music—what would later be termed “Americana”—to a whole new generation of fans.

Their latest effort, however, is a full-circle return with “Dirt Does Dylan,” a 10-track album highlighting some of the gems from Dylan’s vast catalog with the help of three new band members: fiddle specialist Ross Holmes; singer-songwriter and bass player Photoglo; and Dirt Band founder Jeff Hanna’s son, the absurdly talented singer and guitarist Jaime Hanna.

Produced and recorded by Ray Kennedy at Room & Board Studio in Nashville, Tennessee, “Dirt Does Dylan” finds a generation-spanning Dirt Band paying an appropriately great tribute to arguably the greatest songwriter of the 20th century with the help of friends like Jason Isbell, The War & Treaty, Steve Earle and Rosanne Cash, to name a few. 

For more information on Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and “Dirt Does Dylan,” visit nittygritty.com.


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Triangle-based genre-jumpin’ string band Into the Fog is on a roll

Into the Fog to take the stage at the N.C. State Fair after a whirlwind summer and winning the Jam In the Van contest in Austin, Texas.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This post originally appeared in the The Wake Weekly newspaper.

RALEIGH — Gigs ranging from their recent appearances at the 10th annual International Bluegrass Music Association World of Bluegrass conference and festival in Raleigh to OFest  in Summerfield on Oct. 16 to venues up and down the East Coast are keeping the band busy, says Wake Forest native Brian Stephenson, who plays guitar and sings for the fledgling group he helped found four years ago.

“We’re like a rock show in disguise,” Stephenson said during an interview at IBMA. “We like the rowdy crowds. We feed off the energy.”

You can catch their progressive funky take on bluegrass at the N.C. State Fair — Heritage Circle stage on Oct. 18 where they will play five sets at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

With its members having various backgrounds ranging from bluegrass, country, rock to funk, Into The Fog creates a musical melting pot of sounds in an acoustic/newgrass setting. The band is made up of Stephenson (acoustic guitar, vocals), Winston Mitchell (mandolin, vocals), Derek Lane (bass, vocals) and Connor Kozlosky (electric guitar, vocals.)

Originally formed in Wilmington, Into The Fog immediately hit the ground running as a band by heading across the country to compete at the 2018 Telluride Bluegrass Festival Band Competition only a few months after coming together. That cross-country trip was recorded by friend of the band and videographer Mason Godwin in his documentary, “Band #7: The Ride to Telluride.”

But their musical journey hasn’t been all smooth sailing.

“We were really just coming together as a band when we went out to the Telluride (Colorado) Bluegrass Festival in 2017 to compete in its annual band competition,” Stephenson explained after playing a set on the Hillside Stage at the recent 2021 MerleFest music festival in Wilkesboro. “We didn’t win the competition, unfortunately, and, then, well, you know, COVID.”

As COVID restrictions slowly diminished, the band got back to work playing as much as they could around North Carolina, becoming a mainstay at more than 30 different breweries. 

After the band’s pandemic-induced hiatus, the boys, who hail mainly from and around the Triangle, re-emerged as the winners of the coveted MerleFest Band Competition in 2021.

Into The Fog started to pick up momentum, exchanging brewery gigs for music venues and festivals with opportunities to play at Shakori Hills, The Big What, Groove in the Garden, RoosterWalk, FloydFest, Front Porch Fest and the N.C. Homegrown Music Festival along with opening slots for national touring acts Sam Bush, Larry Keel, Ghost of Paul Revere and Jon Stickley Trio.

“We’ve been staying really busy,” Stephenson said.

In March, the band traveled to Austin, Texas, to record a Jam in the Van session (www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eL8FNVLVOw) with the help of Mason Via of Old Crow Medicine Show, who flew out to play guitar for the session after Stephenson broke his arm. The band went on to win the competition, thanks in no small part to the help of Via, Stephenson said.

 “We called him the day before and we said if we pay for your flight, can you come and play with us?,” he said. “We had one day of practice for the Jam in the Van session and we won!”

Into The Fog solidified their sound further with their 14-track sophomore album “Runnin’ Blind and Chasin’ Time,” released in May of 2021.

“We feel good about playing in Raleigh and Wilmington, but now we’re looking to branch out and really expand our footprint,” Stephenson said. “That’s our next goal.”

To learn more, visit www.intothefogmusic.com


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Cary Live! presents free show by Southern Avenue on Saturday, Oct. 22

On Saturday, Oct. 22, the Town of Cary will present a free concert by Southern Avenue at 7 p.m. on the site of the old library (across from the Cotton House Brewery). In addition to the concert, there will be food and drinks available for purchase from local vendors.

Memphis-based, GRAMMY®-nominated Southern Avenue inked their first record deal with legendary Stax Records in 2016. The first Memphis band signed to Stax in over 40 years, their self-titled debut was an immediate phenomenon, reaching #1 on iTunes’ “Top Blues Albums” chart before being honored with the 2018 Blues Music Award for “Best Emerging Artist Album.” 2019’s KEEP ON proved an even greater success, debuting among the top 5 on Billboard’s “Top Blues Albums” chart amidst worldwide critical acclaim, ultimately earning Southern Avenue their first GRAMMY® Award nomination, for “Best Contemporary Blues Album.”

In addition to the early success that the band has had with their recordings, they have also found a home on the road. The band has performed in 15 countries on three continents and averages over 150 shows in a typical year, making the group one of the most sought-after live performance experiences.  Their high-energy shows have captivated audiences around the globe, making this eclectic group a must-see at venues and festivals alike.

Learn more at this link.


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MerleFest to celebrate 35 years April 27-30, 2023

Tickets go on sale Nov. 15, when initial 2023 artist lineup will be announced

Photo by Brent Keane on Pexels.com
WILKESBORO, NORTH CAROLINA — MerleFest, presented by Window World, is planning a 35th celebration on April 27-30, 2023, and a 100th heavenly birthday celebration for Doc Watson.

MerleFest started in 1988 as a fundraiser for the Garden of the Senses on Wilkes Community College to memorialize world-renowned flat picker Eddy Merle Watson, Doc Watson’s son. In keeping with the MerleFest traditions, 2023 will offer jams honoring MerleFest’s past, present and future.

The celebration also aligns with the late Doc Watson’s 100th heavenly birthday. The festival plans to celebrate the life of Doc Watson and the history of MerleFest both visually and musically through vintage videos and artist collaborations.

MerleFest, an annual homecoming of musicians and music fans, occurs on the campus of Wilkes Community College.

Volunteers may choose to work a specific number of days or the entire four-day festival. In exchange for working a four-hour shift, volunteers will receive free entry into the festival for that day, free volunteer parking and shuttle, and a 10% discount on camping at the River’s Edge Campground.

We will begin accepting online applications for its popular volunteer program on Oct. 1.
Those who are interested in volunteering can apply online at www.merlefest.org/volunteer.
Additional information about MerleFest 2023 can be found at www.merlefest.org.


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2022 IBMA Bluegrass Award winners announced

The. 2022 International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA)’s Bluegrass Music Awards were announced on Thursday, Sept. 29, amid three-plus hours of performances ranging from bluegrass royalty to newcomers held at the Duke Energy Performing Arts Center in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina.

Both nominees and winners were chosen by the professional voting membership of the IBMA.

And the winners are…

  • Mandolin Player of the Year – Sierra Hull
  • Bass Player of the Year – Jason Moore
  • Instrumental Recording of the Year – “Vertigo” – Béla Fleck featuring Sam Bush, Stuart Duncan, Edgar Meyer, and Bryan Sutton (artists); Béla Fleck (writer); Béla Fleck (producer); Renew Records (label)
  • Gospel Recording of the Year – “In the Sweet By and By” –Dolly Parton with Carl Jackson, Larry Cordle, Bradley Walker, and Jerry Salley (artists); S. Fillmore Bennett/Joseph Webster (writers); Jerry Salley; (producer), Billy Blue Records (label)
  • Collaborative Recording of the Year – “In the Sweet By and By” –Dolly Parton with Carl Jackson, Larry Cordle, Bradley Walker, and Jerry Salley (artists); S. Fillmore Bennett/Joseph Webster (writers); Jerry Salley; (producer), Billy Blue Records (label)
  • Fiddle Player of the Year – Bronwyn Keith-Hynes
  • Banjo Player of the Year – Béla Fleck
  • Guitar Player of the Year – Cody Kilby
  • Resophonic Guitar Player of the Year – Justin Moses
  • Male Vocalist of the Year – Del McCoury
  • Female Vocalist of the Year – Molly Tuttle
  • Vocal Group of the Year – Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
  • Song of the Year – “Red Daisy” – Billy Strings (artist); Jarrod Walker/Christian Ward (writers); Rounder Records (label); Jonathan Wilson/Billy Strings (producers)
  • Instrumental Group of the Year – Béla Fleck’s My Bluegrass Heart
  • New Artist of the Year – Rick Faris
  • Album of the Year – Béla Fleck’s “My Bluegrass Heart”
  • Entertainer of the Year – Billy Strings


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IBMA announces Momentum Awards 2022 winners

Full Cord performs at IBMA Momentum Awards lunch on Wednesday, Sept. 28.

The annual International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Momentum Awards lunch has historically been one of the best places to discover new talent and Wednesday’s event was no exception.

Sponsored by Campbell University School of Law, the luncheon included live and recorded performances from the five groups nominated for Momentum Band of the Year, which was won by Full Cord of Grand Haven, Michigan, whose members were shocked and surprised they beat out who they considered very tough competition, frontman Brian Oberlin said after the awards were announced. Full Cord was also this year’s winner of the Telluride Bluegrass Competition.

Oberlin asked the crowd just before the band started playing for a Raleigh Convention Center ballroom packed full of artists, fans, promoters, record label producers, music writers and marketers, “Raise your hands … Who here is hearing bluegrass for the first time?,” which was met with a hearty round of laughter and apparently a single raised hand.

Other Momentum Award winners were:

Vocalist of the year – Rebekka Nilsson, lead songstress of the Norway-based Hayde Bluegrass Orchestra, which was also up for band of the year. Her haunting performance of “Wayfaring Stranger” left no doubt as to why she was chosen for this year’s award in this particular category.

Rebekka Nilsson

Industry Involvement – Lillian Werbin, president and co-owner of Elderly Instruments, who is on the board of directors of the IBMA Foundation and Bluegrass Pride. She also serves on IBMA’s Arnold Shultz Advisory Committee.

Mentor of the Year – Della Mae’s Kimber Ludiker. In addition to touring and performing, she serves as the director of the California Bluegrass Association’s Youth Academy, co-coordinator of IBMA Kids on Bluegrass, director of the Bluegrass Camp at Ashokan and producer-host of the Bluegrass Academy and Bluegrass Campout.

Instrumentalist(s) of the Year – The first award went to Harry Clark, a mandolin and guitar player who performs with East Nash Grass (also up for band of the year), the Dan Tyminski Band and the Wooks. The second award was presented to George Jackson, a fiddle and banjo player, who has performed with Front Country, Peter Rowan and Missy Raines, among others.

ABOUT THE IBMA MOMENTUM AWARDS

The Momentum Awards recognize impressive new talent in the bluegrass world, on both the musical side of our community. These awards focus on artists and businesspeople who are in the early years of their careers in bluegrass music. Learn more at this link.


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IBMA moves indoors for second time in 10 years in anticipation of Hurricane Ian

In 2015, bands of rain from Hurricane Joachin came down on Raleigh, soaking artists, vendors and attendees of bluegrass music’s biggest week and leaving organizers scrambling to move the International Bluegrass Music Association’s IBMA Bluegrass Live! festivities indoors to the relative comfort of the city’s convention center.

Fast forward seven years and IBMA’s organizers announced today all of the outdoor festivities associated with this week’s IBMA Bluegrass Live! will move indoors, due to expected rain and wind from Hurricane Ian as it approaches the western shores of Florida.

“The music will go on,” said IBMA Executive Director Pat Morris at this afternoon’s IBMA welcome reception celebrating the festival’s 10th year in North Carolina’s capital city. “We have a fantastic week lined up.”

This year, however, will be different than 2015, when the ticketed festival and the free street events were all suddenly forced into the confines of the convention center. What won’t change is several days of bluegrass tunes ringing throughout the facility — some planned in ballrooms and convention rooms, others spontaneously erupting into  jam sessions filling up the facility’s not-so-hidden corners and even in hallways and on staircases.

One major difference will be the ticketed Main Stage performances, originally planned for the outdoor Red Hat Amphitheater adjacent to the convention center, will take the stage in the Raleigh Memorial Auditorium at the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts. Reserved seating bought in advance will be honored. Unfortunately, fans hoping for a free general admission ticket to see headliners such as the Infamous Stringdusters, Jerry Douglas and Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway may be out of luck. Organizers are still working out details to try to make some free seating available.

On a positive note, there is still a lot of free entertainment to take in. All previously scheduled performances at the five free Street Stages are moving into the Raleigh Convention Center  along with all 115 vendors including the Art Market, Shop Local and Black Friday Market. Also on tap indoors will be the beer garden, PNC Porch, jam “tents” and other activities planned for this weekend.

Raleigh Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin said the resiliency of the organizers and the City of Raleigh is similar to that often sung about in bluegrass music as well as the genre itself, which celebrated its 75th anniversary during the height of the pandemic.

“Whether you have been here before or it’s your first time, you are in for great entertainment,” she told the crowd in the RCC ballroom. “We did this in 2015 and it turned out great, and it’s going to be great again.”

Baldwin added she hopes IBMA will return to Raleigh for another 10 years. “The best part of IBMA is you get to be part of this unique experience and community,” she said. “It’s about bringing people together.”For tickets and more information, visit https://worldofbluegrass.org.