I discovered two of my favorite bands — Yarn and Will Overman Band — at the annual Rooster Walk Music and Arts Festival just outside Martinsville, Virginia. Rooster Walk 9 is set for May 25-28, 2017. Yarn, a perennial favorite will be there, but unfortunately, Will Overman Band will not. Rooster Walk needs to work on that for RW10.
Author Archives: lsnedeker
Sound Sessions from Smithsonian Folkways to air on Radio Bristol starting Wednesday, May 3
Starting Wednesday, May 3, 2017, Radio Bristol will begin airing “Sound Sessions from Smithsonian Folkways.” The program will air weekly on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. EST and again on Sundays at 4 p.m. EST, according to The Birthplace of Country Music E-Newsletter.
Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion music festival to announce 2017 lineup on May 4
The Birthplace of Country Music (BCM) will present “The Big Lineup Reveal” for the 17th annual Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion music festival set for Sept. 15-17, 2017, at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 4, at an invitation-only event. The festival is held at a variety of venues in downtown Bristol, Tennessee/Virginia.
The Kruger Brothers trio to release ‘The Roan Mountain Suite’ at MerleFest 2017
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.
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.
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