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Thursday Highlights from MerleFest 2022

Country music phenom Josh Turner’s closing set on Thursday night at MerleFest 2022.

Day one of MerleFest 2022 is in the books, but the kickoff of the 34th annual musical homecoming will not soon be forgotten for those fortunate enough to gather again on the campus of Wilkes Community College.

Following are a few highlights:

Fireside Collective, who, you may remember, won the MerleFest Band Competition in 2016 with their unique roots sound, kicked off the Watson Stage sets and set the stage for a warm, sunny afternoon filled with a variety of musical stylings. I imagine Doc Watson and his son Merle, for whom the festival is named in his memory, smiling down on the sheer variety of what Doc like to refer as “traditional plus.” You can catch them later today on the Americana Stage and in the Dance Tent.

The Steel Wheels, one of my favorites, followed on the Watson Stage with their high-energy set and unique blend of rootsy Americana that has earned them a loyal fan base as well as their own Red Wing Roots music festival. The boys from Virginia closed out their set with the first song they ever played at MerleFest, a rousing rendition of “Rain in the Valley.” Catch them later today on the Americana Stage.

Durand Jones & The Indications then introduced the crowd to their unique soul, Motown-esque sound that originated in a basement in Indiana (true story).

Trampled By Turtles gave, in my humble opinion, what can only be described as a the perfect MerleFest set with each rousing fiddle performance — somehow blending rock and roll with bluegrass — filling the hills of campus with the notes that define MerleFest’s tagline, “Music, Moments and Memories.” It was a performance that will not soon be forgotten by longtime fans as well as those new to this group’s unique sound.

Josh Turner, who made his MerleFest debut to an appreciative crowd, did not disappoint. His signature voice rumbled across campus and brought the crowd to its feet as he performed hit after hit.

Another highlight was the amazing Canadian songwriter Tenille Townes, who also made her MerleFest debut on the Cabin Stage. It is no surprise that Townes is taking Nashville by storm with her insightful lyrics and award-winning vocals. There is no doubt that on her return to the festival she will be belting out even more hits from the Watson Stage.

Were you at MerleFest on Thursday? Would love for you to share your thoughts. Stay tuned for highlights from the rest of the jam-packed weekend!


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MerleFest announces Late Night Jam 2022 lineup

From the good folks at MerleFest:

MerleFest organizers and patrons have been counting down the days for the world-famous festival’s return to its usual Spring weekend. Some fans’ annual pilgrimages to MerleFest are already underway, and the Wilkes Community College campus is abuzz with festival staff excitedly readying the festival to take place just two days from now—April 28 through May 1.

MerleFest, presented by Window World, has announced the lineup for the fan-favorite Late Night Jam. The Waybacks, Jim Lauderdale, Allison Russell, Kaia Kater, Donna The Buffalo, Kruger Brothers, and Caleb Caudle will join jam hosts to explore the theme of this year’s jam: “The Times They Are A-Changin’ – Songs from the 60’s and 70’s Folk-Rock Revolution.” 


MerleFest has published the official festival schedule at merlefest.org/schedule so that fans can plan their weekend. Not to be missed traditions include The Waybacks’ Album Hour set on the Hillside Stage on Saturday afternoon, Sunday morning Gospel sets at the Creekside Stage, Thursday’s Late Night Dance Party with Donna The Buffalo on the Dance Stage, and MerleFest’s yet-to-be-announced band competition winners Sunday on the Hillside Stage. Be sure to check out MerleFest first-timers, including the R&B and soul revolution of Durand Jones & The Indications (Thursday on the Watson Stage), Nashville hit songwriter and 1/4 of The Highwomen Natalie Hemby is being replaced by Sierra Hull (not a first timer) after it was announced Hemby couldn’t make the festival (Friday on the Cabin Stage), Allison Russell’s ethereal, multi-instrument prowess (Saturday on the Cabin Stage), and Arlo McKinley’s eclectic blend of soul, country, punk, and gospel (Saturday on the Cabin Stage). 


Tickets for this year’s festival are still available and may be purchased at www.MerleFest.org or by calling 1-800-343-7857. MerleFest also encourages festivalgoers to download the official MerleFest mobile app ahead of this year’s festivities to keep up to date with schedules, events, and on-site information.


Additionally, MerleFest would like to remind patrons of this year’s safety protocol. The major points are as follows: MerleFest 2022 will be mask-optional in general, but masks will be required while riding on all festival shuttle buses and transportation and in the artist-secured backstage area. Buses will be sanitized periodically, and hand sanitizer will be available prior to boarding shuttle buses. Proof of vaccination/negative COVID-19 tests will not be required for 2022. A full list of MerleFest 2022 safety guidelines can be found at merlefest.org/safety. MerleFest continues to follow the state health guidelines as directed by North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper along with the CDC and state/local health agencies, so these protocols are subject to change pending state rulings. “Our number one priority has always been to produce a safe and family-friendly event, and that certainly is the goal for MerleFest 2022,” said this year’s festival organizers. 


About MerleFest: MerleFest was founded in 1988 in memory of the son of the late American music legend Doc Watson, renowned guitarist Eddy Merle Watson. MerleFest is a celebration of “traditional plus” music, a unique mix of traditional, roots-oriented sounds of the Appalachian region, including old-time, classic country, bluegrass, folk and gospel, and blues, and expanded to include Americana, classic rock, and many other styles. The festival hosts a diverse mix of artists on its 12 stages during the course of the multi-day event. MerleFest is the primary fundraiser for the WCC Foundation, funding scholarships, capital projects, and other educational needs.


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MerleFest 2022 promises many new as well as familiar faces

Spring has sprung in North Carolina and that means, In just a few short weeks, music fans from around the world will make their annual pilgrimage to the campus of Wilkesboro Community College, for one of the country’s most beloved weekends of live music, MerleFest.

If you haven’t already blocked off the weekend of April 28 – May 1, 2022, on your calendar, trust me on this, you’re are going to want to because this year’s lineup is one of the festival’s most impressive. And if you consider the fact we all met for this storied festival less than six months ago, it’s even more impressive.

While I know many festival goers will purchase tickets because they want to see the headliners — Emmy Lou Harris, Josh Turner, Old Crow Medicine Show, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Greensky Bluegrass, Trampled By Turtles, Steep Canyon Rangers, Jerry Douglas and many other talented acts — it’s the myriad “other” acts you are not going to want to miss. I often find that it’s the acts in the small print at the bottom of the festival poster that become the headliners of the future and each new festival gives you a chance to “discover” them before anyone else!

Caleb Caudle, a newcomer to MerleFest, is just such a performer for me. I first heard him perform at the now unfortunately defunct Phuzzfest in Winston-Salem. I knew immediately I wanted to hear more from this young talent. He later introduced me to another favorite band, Raleigh-based Jack the Radio, who opened for Caudle at another Winston-Salem show in another sadly defunct music space, The Garage. I have been writing about Caudle long before Rolling Stone finally caught on to his amazing talents and for good reason.

It’s been said that MerleFest is a homecoming, a reunion of sorts for fans and musicians alike. Familiar faces include the one and only Sam Bush, who has never missed a MerleFest since it first started on the back of a flatbed truck in the middle of a then-field, MerleFest’s house band Scythian and their friends from across the pond We Banjo Three, The Wood Brothers, The Steel Wheels, Darrell Scott, and, well you get the picture.

There are too many other great acts to mention but you can find a full lineup at this link.

Additionally, this year’s Late Night Jam hosts Hogslop String Band, whose unique sound and amazing energy I had the pleasure of experiencing at IBMA in October, will be joined on Saturday by myriad guests for a night of “The Times They Are A-Changin’ – Songs from the ‘60s and ‘70s folk-rock revolution.” 

And I am personally excited to announce that Will Easter, a native son and recent graduate of WCC, will be among those performing this year and also competing in this year’s Battle of the Bands, one of my favorite things to check out at MerleFest along with the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest.

Tickets for this year’s festival are on sale now and may be purchased at www.MerleFest.org or by calling 1-800-343-7857. Short on cash? The volunteer application window is also open for sign ups at merlefest.org/volunteer.


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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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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.


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MerleFest announces 2021 Chris Austin Songwriting Contest finalists

The finalists of MerleFest’s 2021 Chris Austin Songwriting Contest (CASC) were announced in an Aug. 9 press release by IVPR.

The finalists have been invited to the final round of the competition, which will be held on Friday, Sept. 17, as part of MerleFest. First-place winners will receive $1,000 cash and a performance slot at MerleFest. This year’s panel of music industry professional judges includes Dolph Ramseur, Amythyst Kiah, Darin & Brooke Aldridge and The Milk Carton Kids. CASC is one of the most acclaimed songwriting contests in roots and Americana music and has a reputation for launching careers as well as drawing attention to important new talent.

Following are the full list of finalists:

Bluegrass: Jeff McClellan (Kingsport, Tenn.), Scott Patrick (Christiansburg, Va.) – “One Black Rock At A Time,” Gregory Poulos (Northville, Mich.) – “Sunny Days (Are Comin’ Once Again)” and Andrew Small (Floyd, Va.) – “Yesterday’s Blues.”

Country: Carly Burruss (Atlanta, Ga.), Mike McFadden (Nashville, Tenn.), Scott Terry (New York, N.Y.) – “Wheel of Fortune,” Calista Garcia (Arlington, Va.) – “Nobody Digs a Wallflower” and Ian Meadows (Higganum, Conn.), Dustin Meadows (Old Saybrook, Conn.) – “Trouble.”

General:Brieana Capone (Asheville, N.C.) – “Rainbow Stained”Shay Martin Lovette (Boone, N.C.) – “For Rose Marie”David Morris (Benton, Penn.), Amanda Fields (Madison, Tenn.) and Dawn Kenney (Waltham, Mass.) – “If I’m Gonna Be Lonely.”

Gospel/Inspirational: Louisa Branscomb (Asheville, N.C.), Dale Ann Bradley (Middlesboro, Ky.) – “I’ll Take Love” Daniel Davis (Bristol, Va.) – “Dear Lord” and Cathy Fink (Silver Spring, Md.) – “Hold Each Other Up.”

About MerleFest 
MerleFest was founded in 1988 in memory of the son of the late American music legend Doc Watson, renowned guitarist Eddy Merle Watson. MerleFest is a celebration of “traditional plus” music, a unique mix of traditional, roots-oriented sounds of the Appalachian region, including old-time, classic country, bluegrass, folk and gospel, and blues, and expanded to include Americana, classic rock, and many other styles. The festival hosts a diverse mix of artists on its 13 stages during the course of the multi-day event. MerleFest is the primary fundraiser for the WCC Foundation, funding scholarships, capital projects and other educational needs.
 For more information, visit www.MerleFest.org.


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Catch Mandolin Orange playing live on a social media platform of your choice April 26

Fans of Mandolin Orange, listen up:

Chapel Hill, North Carolina’s own Andrew Marlin and Emily Frantz, who make up one of today’s premiere American roots duos, will be playing live at 8:30 p.m. EDT on Sunday, April 26 on Instagram, Facebook and Youtube!

Any donations that come in via PayPal or Venmo (@mandomarlin) will be split 50/50 with the Compass Center for Women and Families, an organization that provides resources and shelter to those experiencing domestic violence.

In the meantime, check out this interview with Mandolin Orange I published a while back on Huffington Post.

 

 


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MerleFest announces plan to stream 2012 festival on April 23-26

From the good folks over at MerleFest:

Wilkesboro, N.C. – In lieu of their annual gathering of music fans and musicians from across the globe, MerleFest presented by Window World has announced a rebroadcast of the Watson and Cabin stages from the 2012 MerleFest weekend.

As a thank you to every fan who has attended and supported MerleFest over the years, this broadcast is being presented free of charge. Simply visit MerleFest.org and click the live stream link on the homepage to view the broadcast over the course of the originally scheduled MerleFest 2020 weekend, April 23-26.

MerleFest 2012 holds a special place in the history of the festival.  Music legend Doc Watson played the Watson Stage alongside lifelong friends for the final time in 2012.  The love and support for Doc shines bright during these performances that also mark the 25th year of the festival he and others started in memory of Doc’s late son, Eddie Merle Watson. “We are thrilled to be able to bring MerleFest 2012 to our loyal fans during the days that we would normally be celebrating MerleFest 2020,” says festival director Ted Hagaman. “Reliving Doc’s final festival will bring back wonderful music, moments, and memories for all to enjoy. We appreciate Window World for making this happen.”

Continue reading →


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Annual Rooster Walk Music and Arts Festival 12 postponed until 2021

This isn’t an April Fool’s joke, unfortunately. As the live music festival and concerts cancellations continue to pour in, it breaks my heart to announce that Rooster Walk Music and Arts Festival 12 has decided to postpone this year’s event to Memorial Day Weekend 2021.

From the good folks at Rooster Walk:
“After a lot of careful thought, research and discussion, Johnny, William and the Rooster Walk board of directors have made the very difficult decision to postpone RW12 until Memorial Day weekend of next year (May 27-30, 2021). We are heartbroken that we won’t get to see you at Pop’s Farm this spring, but ultimately the health and safety of everyone involved with the festival is our top priority. Like everyone, we’re hoping daily life will be getting back to “normal” by the late summer/fall, but we’ve decided there are too many unknowns, and therefore too much risk, to try to put on Rooster Walk later this year. We are hoping to host several live concerts at Pop’s in the late summer/fall, with on-site camping, if it’s safe to do so. Stay tuned in the coming weeks for updates on that front.

“This decision will have some very tough financial consequences on our nonprofit company, but we are determined to survive 2020 and put on our best festival ever in 2021. We know everyone is hurting right now, and we respect the fact that some patrons may NEED a refund. For those who can make do without asking for a refund, we humbly ask that you do us that HUGE favor because it might be the difference in our ability to put on a couple fall events instead of strictly going into “survival mode.”

“If you’ve already bought a ticket to Rooster Walk 12, you have three options related to your ticket purchases:

1) If you’d like to keep your tickets to use at Rooster Walk in 2021, you don’t need to do anything. All tickets already sold will be honored at Rooster Walk in 2021, even if ticket prices increase in the future.

2) If you need a refund, email info@roosterwalk.com with REFUND in the subject line by 5 pm EST Friday, April 17th, and tell us which tickets you are requesting a refund for. We will refund these tickets in full, less the service fees charged by the ticket company.

3) If you’d like the ticket money to be considered a donation to us, please shoot an email to info@roosterwalk.com with DONATION in the subject line. We are a 501c3 nonprofit, and we will send you a tax donation letter for your records.

“Thank you for your support. We’re lucky to have such a strong festival family! We look forward to seeing you at upcoming events.”

Indeed.


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Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival cancels Spring 2020 festival

More sad news as music festivals continue to cancel in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, this time from the good folks over at Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival:

CHATHAM COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA — “The time has come to make a tough decision regarding the 18th Annual Spring Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance.

“As you all know, Shakori Hills is a very special place that brings together music and dance fans twice a year to celebrate life and art. Therefore, you know how painful it is to announce the cancellation of the Spring 2020 festival due to the coronavirus.

“Carol Woodell, board president of the Shakori Hills Community Arts Center (SHCAC), would like you to know, “In the interest of slowing the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and with particular concern for the health of our festival family, the performers, staff, and our Chatham County community, it is with deep sadness that we are canceling our Spring festival,” said Carol Woodell, board president of the Shakori Hills Community Arts Center.

“The SHCAC is also cancelling all other programs until further notice, including all Road to Shakori shows, the Junior Appalachian Musicians classes, and multiple voice and art classes.”

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