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MerleFest adds Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Larkin Poe, Lukas Nelson & POTR, shares full lineup for April 25-28, 2024 event

From the good folks at MerleFest:

“MerleFest, presented by Window World, has added Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Larkin Poe, Lukas Nelson & POTR, Sierra Hull, Dan Tyminski Band, and more to its 2024 lineup. Taking place April 25-28 on the campus of Wilkes Community College, the 36th annual celebration of “traditional plus” music and founding legend, Doc Watson, promises an unforgettable weekend featuring a treasure trove of A-list talent, including first-time performers as well as familiar MerleFest veterans. Also joining this year’s docket is Grammy award winning outfit Béla Fleck My Bluegrass Heart, decorated songwriter Brandy Clark (up for a staggering six Grammy nominations this year), fast-rising country fixture Nick Shoulders, and over two dozen others. View the complete lineup below. 

“MerleFest continues to deliver one-of-a-kind programming that pays equal homage to pioneers of the folk movement alongside fresh and burgeoning voices. Last year, the festival commemorated both its 35th year in operation and Doc Watson’s 100th birthday. Drawing over 75,000 patrons to the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains each spring, MerleFest’s well-attested “traditional plus” experience maintains its title as one of the most iconic musical pilgrimages of its time.

“MerleFest’s full 2024 lineup includes Old Crow Medicine Show, Turnpike Troubadours, The Teskey Brothers, Nickel Creek, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Larkin Poe, Lukas Nelson & POTR, Steep Canyon Rangers, Dan Tyminski Band, Béla Fleck My Bluegrass Heart, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, The Earls of Leicester, Sierra Hull, Brandy Clark, Shinyribs, Nick Shoulders, Willie Watson, Peter Rowan, Scythian, Donna the Buffalo, Jim Lauderdale, Kruger Brothers, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, S.G. Goodman, New Dangerfield, Chatham County Line, Chatham Rabbits, John McEuen, Willie Carlisle, Adeem the Artist, The Last Revel, Twisted Pine, The Sensational Barnes Brothers, The Waybacks, Nefesh Mountain, Them Coulee Boys, Buffalo Nichols, Evan Honer, Jake Kohn, Wyatt Ellis, Colby T. Helms & the Virginia Creepers, Palmyra, Alexa Rose, Andy May, Arkansauce, Ashes & Arrows, “B” Townes, Banknotes, Bob Margolin, Carol Rifkin, Carolina Detour, Charles Welch, Corey Harris, Ettore Buzzini, Falling Timber Band, Goldpine, Gravity Check Juggling, The Harris Brothers, The InterACTtive Theater of Jef, Into the Fog, Jack Lawrence, Jeff Little Trio, JigJam, Joe Smothers, Josh Goforth, Kyshona, The Langan Band, Laura Boosinger, Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road, The Local Boys, Mark Bumgarner, Missy Raines & Allegheny, Mitch Greenhill & Mitch’s Kitchen, New Found Gap, Pete & Joan Wernick, Pixie & The Partygrass Boys, Presley Barker, Roan Street Ramblers, Roy Book Binder, The Silent Comedy, The Sullivan Sisters, T. Michael Coleman, The Tan & Sober Gentlemen, Tony Williamson, Uwade, and Wayne Henderson.”

For artist performance dates, visit merlefest.org/lineup.

MerleFest 2024 tickets are available now. For general admission passes, as well as patio seating, reserved seating, camping, parking, and more, please visit merlefest.org/purchase.

MerleFest volunteer applications are now open. As a volunteer, participants will receive free entry to the festival for the entire day of their shift, free parking and shuttle, and 10% off camping at River’s Edge Campground. Most importantly, volunteers will be supporting a major fundraiser for Wilkes Community College. Please visit merlefest.org/volunteer to sign up before the April 13th deadline.

Apply to be a MerleFest vendor! Vendors are carefully selected to provide a variety of quality and unique goods for every MerleFest fan. Included in the vendor fee is the cost of your tent, tent setup, fire extinguisher, gutters, table, chairs, lightbulb for night time illumination, on-campus security, as well as general admission passes for the entire festival and one on-campus parking pass. Simply put, it’s a great deal! Please visit merlefest.org/vendors to apply now before the application window closes on January 15th.


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N.C. Museum of History presents Tar Heel Troubadours music series beginnng Oct. 6

The North Carolina Museum of History will kickoff its newest music series, Tar Heel Troubadours, on Friday, Oct. 6, with the Blue Ridge Girls.

The new music series is a celebration of Americana, roots, bluegrass and traditional music performed by artists from or living and working in North Carolina, according to organizers.

The museum boasts an intimate 300-seat venue where every seat offers a good view, and the sound is even better. There will be merchandise for sale and a bar available with a special beer from Fullsteam Brewery plus wine for purchase.

The Tar Heel Troubadours series works to keep music accessible to the community by keeping ticket prices affordable, organizers said in a press release. There series features nine concerts, including Jim Lauderdale, Fireside Collective, Dawn Landes, Cane Mill Road, Blue Cactus, Paige King Johnson and more. Visit the museum’s website for up-to-date information and tickets.

The Blue Ridge Girls, like their name, invoke a picturesque simplicity with their take on traditional mountain music. The trio of Martha Spencer, Jamie Collins and Brett Morris features a variety of old-time, bluegrass and country songs. They showcase their original songwriting and unique take on other familiar crowd-pleasers. All three women grew up in musical families; they are working to preserve and promote the Blue Ridge’s rich musical heritage. After signing with 629 Music Group in 2022, they went to Muscle Shoals, Alabama, to record at the historic Muscle Shoals Sound Studio. They stay busy writing, recording, touring, and sharing their musical talents across the globe. The group’s first single was released in September. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/blueridgegirls/.

The series is co-sponsored by Come Here NC and That Station.

IF YOU GO

Tar Heel Troubadours: The Blue Ridge Girls

Friday, Oct. 6, 6:30 p.m. doors open, 7 p.m. performance

Tickets: MOHA/museum members $12; general admission $15


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Appaloosa Roots Music Festival 2023 features something for every musical taste

FRONT ROYAL, VIRGINIA — The Appaloosa Roots Music Festival lineup set for Sept. 2-3 is now complete, and features an exciting mix of artists from various genres to provide an unforgettable musical experience. Here’s the updated lineup:

  1. Carbon Leaf: A perennial favorite from Virginia, Carbon Leaf brings their unique blend of folk, rock, and Celtic influences to the stage.
  2. Christian Lopez: Hailing from West Virginia, Lopez is a talented singer-songwriter and guitarist known for his dynamic performances and soulful sound.
  3. Low Water Bridge Band: Representing the Shenandoah Valley, Low Water Bridge Band offers heartfelt troubadour-style music that resonates with audiences.
  4. Hillary Klug: An internet sensation with her Old-Time Buck-Dancing skills, Klug adds a touch of traditional entertainment to the lineup.

These artists, along with previously announced performers, are set to deliver a diverse range of musical styles that will captivate and entertain festival-goers. Get ready to have your socks knocked off at the Appaloosa Music Festival!

For tickets and more information, visit https://appaloosafestival.com/


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‘My Name is Merle’ documentary premier set for Saturday at 35th annual MerleFest

WILKESBORO, NORTH CAROLINA — From the good folks at MerleFest:

2023 marks MerleFest’s 35th festival and, as previously announced, will honor Doc Watson’s 100th birthday year through musical collaboration and commemoration over the weekend of April 27-30, 2023, in Wilkesboro, North Carolina.

As part of this year’s celebration, MerleFest, presented by Window World, will premiere”My Name Is Merle,” Director Robert Kinlaw’s latest documentary, on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. at the Walker Center. 

Chronicling the rise and continued legacy of North Carolina’s favorite community fundraiser turned renowned music festival, “My Name Is Merle” was produced by EducationNC.

Immediately following the premiere at the festival, EdNC will be publishing the documentary online, freely accessible by all at EdNC.org and on the MerleFest YouTube channel.


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IBMA announces initial performers for Red Hat Amphitheatre at IBMA Bluegrass Live! powered by PNC

The Del McCoury Band and The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys featuring Bobby Osborne are among the featured acts

RALEIGH – The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) has announced the initial lineup of artists and ticket information for IBMA Bluegrass Live! powered by PNC, a two-day festival at the 2023 IBMA World of Bluegrass®. Tickets for the festival, which will be held Sept. 29-30 in Raleigh, N.C., will go on sale in April, a press release.

The live weekend performances will take place at Red Hat Amphitheater and on additional stages in downtown Raleigh. Reserved tickets for the Red Hat Amphitheater performances start at just $50 for IBMA members.

The initial lineup of performers at Red Hat Amphitheater for IBMA Bluegrass Live! powered by PNC includes The Del McCoury Band; The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys featuring Bobby Osborne; Kruger Brothers play Doc Watson; Jake Blount, Kaia Kater & Tray Wellington; and AJ Lee & Blue Summit. Additional main stage acts will be announced at a later date.

IBMA Bluegrass Live! powered by PNC is part of the five-day IBMA World of Bluegrass event, billed “The Most Important Week in Bluegrass,” which also includes the IBMA Business Conference, the IBMA Bluegrass Ramble showcase series and the 34th Annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards, Sept. 26-30. Tickets and hotel reservations will open for IBMA members in April. More information is available at the IBMA World of Bluegrass website, worldofbluegrass.org.

“We are excited to announce the initial lineup of special world-class performances featuring IBMA Hall of Famers for this year’s IBMA Bluegrass Live! powered by PNC,” said Pat Morris, executive director of IBMA. “The IBMA experience in Raleigh, for fans and professionals alike, is unmatched and we look forward to an exciting week of fantastic music from award-winning artists with amazing guests. We are so thrilled to feature two beloved Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame members – Bobby Osborne and Del McCoury. If you love bluegrass, this is a week you won’t want to miss! Stay tuned for more exciting announcements.”

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

“When people in Raleigh talk about this festival they often refer to the event simply as Bluegrass,” says David Brower, Executive Director of PineCone and Producer of the Festival.  “They’ll say, ‘Are y’all going to bluegrass in September?’  I love it and think it’s perfect shorthand as in Raleigh the word bluegrass means fun, family and good vibes. We’re proud that the music is so rooted in our town.”

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. IBMA Bluegrass Live! powered by PNC, featuring the best of the best in bluegrass today, helps benefit 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.

PineCone is the Piedmont Council of Traditional Music. It is a Raleigh-based nonprofit that serves as the official local host and festival producer for IBMA’s World of Bluegrass. It was founded in 1984 by a group of friends looking to preserve, present and promote music and dance that’s rooted in the Piedmont. PineCone hosts year-round events that highlight rich and diverse musical traditions that’ve been passed down informally for generations. There’s more about PineCone’s concerts, jam sessions, workshops, camps, youth programs and weekly radio show at pinecone.org.

Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex is home to four pristine venues in Raleigh, North Carolina. Owned and operated by the City of Raleigh, the Raleigh Convention Center, the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, and Red Hat Amphitheater are located within a two-block radius in the heart of Downtown Raleigh and welcome approximately one million visitors annually. Nearby, the City of Raleigh-owned Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek welcomes roughly 300,000 people each season.

Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (Visit Raleigh) — As the official destination marketing organization for Wake County, the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (Visit Raleigh), is responsible for promoting Wake County as an attractive travel destination and enhancing its public image as a dynamic place to live and work. Through the impact of travel, the organization strengthens the economic position of and provide opportunity for people throughout Wake County. Raleigh, N.C./Wake County welcomes nearly 16 million visitors annually whose spending tops $2.3 billion. The visitor economy supports more than 21,000 local jobs in Wake County and generates $243 million in state and local tax revenues, saving each Wake County household $592 in taxes annually. visitRaleigh.com

PNC Bank, National Association, is a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). PNC is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking including a full range of lending products; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For information about PNC, visit www.pnc.com.

The City of Raleigh is the capital of North Carolina, home to several colleges and universities, with a vibrant performing arts community. Fueled by an impressive mix of education, ingenuity and collaboration, North Carolina’s capital city has become an internationally recognized leader in life science and technology innovation.


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2023 MerleFest Band Competition participants announced

WILKESBORO, NORTH CAROLINA — The annual MerleFest Band Competition  participants have been announced by organizers of the 35th festival, which will be held April 27-30 on the campus of Wilkesboro Community College.

Since the festival’s inception, MerleFest has fostered and provided opportunities to up-and-coming musicians, songwriters, local and regional artists, and other unknown talents from around the country. MerleFest continues that tradition each year by inviting eight groups to not only perform during Saturday’s events but also compete for the chance to perform on the Cabin Stage in front of thousands of festival goers.

The Band Competition performances will take place on MerleFest’s Plaza Stagefrom 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 29, and the winner of the coveted spot on the Cabin Stage’s Sunday lineup will be announced at 4 p.m. 

This year’s Band Competition will include:
Ashes & Arrows (Asheville, NC)
Casey Noel (Greensboro, NC)
Crystal Fountains (Charlotte, NC)
Colin Cutler (Greensboro, NC)
The Greenliners (Asheville, NC)
The Letter Show (Charleston, SC)
Red Eye Gemini (Charlotte, NC)
Reedy River String Band (Greenville, SC)

“For some, performing at the nation’s largest Americana music festival is a springboard for their musical careers, while for all the participants it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said longtime MerleFest Band Competition host Mark Bumgarner in a press release. “The level of talent has been incredible and continues to wow the crowds each year.”

To learn more, visit merlefest.org.


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Catch Sam Bush, Annabelle’s Curse at ‘Farm and Fun Time’ variety show on March 16 at Paramount Bristol

Hosted by Kris Truelsen and his house band Bill and the Belles, “Farm and Fun Time” is recorded for broadcast television on Blue Ridge PBS, East Tennessee PBS and PBS North Carolina

Sam Bush
There was only one prize-winning teenager carrying stones big enough to say thanks, but no thanks to Roy Acuff. Only one son of Kentucky finding a light of inspiration from Bill Monroe and his Blue Grass Boys and catching a fire from Bob Marley and The Wailers. Only one progressive hippie allying with like-minded conspirators, rolling out the New Grass revolution, and then leaving the genre’s torch-bearing band behind as it reached its commercial peak.

There is only one consensus pick of peers and predecessors, of the traditionalists, the rebels, and the next gen devotees. Music’s ultimate inside outsider. Or is it outside insider? There is only one Sam Bush.

In 2009, the Americana Music Association awarded Bush the Lifetime Achievement Award for Instrumentalist. Punch Brothers, Steep Canyon Rangers, and Greensky Bluegrass are just a few present-day bluegrass vanguards among so many musicians he’s influenced. His performances are annual highlights of the festival circuit, with Bush’s joyous perennial appearances at the town’s famed bluegrass fest earning him the title, “King of Telluride.”

Annabelle’s Curse

Electrified Appalachian folk band Annabelle’s Curse has gathered quite the following in the mid-Atlantic region and beyond with a reputation for captivating, high-energy shows. After more than a decade together, the band has become a staple at Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion and tickets for their performances are always in high demand. Annabelle’s Curse makes its first appearance on Farm and Fun Time for this special Paramount Bristol edition of the program. A great venue in which to experience the music of this original and captivating act. 

Bill and the Belles
Based in Johnson City, Tennessee, Farm and Fun Time house band Bill and the Belles is known for combining a stringband format with their signature harmonies, candid songwriting, and pop sensibilities. Composed of Kris Truelsen on guitar, fiddler Kalia Yeagle, banjo/banjo-uke player Aidan VanSuetendael, and bassist Andrew Small, the group has a knack for saying sad things with a bit of an ironic smirk and revels in the in-between.




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2nd annual Boonerang Music and Arts Festival set for June 15-17 in downtown Boone, North Carolina

Boonerang is a free music and arts festival in downtown Boone. The festival includes multiple concert stages, primarily made up of artists with Boone connections. Other festival highlights include local food and beer, a vendor market, a kids zone, silent discos, and afterparties. To volunteer or learn more visit: https://www.boonerangfest.com/


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RoosterWalk 13 announces initial musical lineup for Memorial Day Weekend 2023

Tickets for the 13th annual Rooster Walk Music & Arts Festival on May 25-28, 2023, are officially on sale at www.RoosterWalk.com! Grab yours today to get the cheapest prices of the year for this outdoor family friendly festival at Pop’s Farm just outside of Martinsville, Virginia.

Festival organizers have announced the first 16 bands including headliners progressive jamgrass rockers Greensky Bluegrass. Other artists join the initial Memorial Day weekend band lineup include Marshall Tucker Band, Kitchen Dwellers, Trouble No More, Doom Flamingo, Kitchen Dwellers, Yarn, Neighbor, Mike & The Moonpies, Crawford & Power, Sol Driven Train, The Wilson Springs Hotel, Isaac Hadden Organ Trio, Sneezy, TC Carter Band, Big Fat Gap and Pirates of the Piedmont.

More than 30 additional bands will be added to the lineup in the coming weeks and months, organizers said in a press release.

Tickets for Rooster Walk 13 went on sale on Tuesday, Nov. 22, at the newly redesigned http://www.roosterwalk.com, which also features all the information needed to plan for an amazing experience: band bios and music, ticket descriptions, festival experiences, frequently asked questions, a venue map and more.

The festival will take place Thursday-Sunday of Memorial Day weekend in the rolling foothills surrounding Martinsville. Rooster Walk is a four-day festival celebrating music, art and the great outdoors at the idyllic Pop’s Farm venue. With roughly 50 bands performing on six different stages, an amazing roster of stellar music steers the Rooster Walk experience. 

In addition to approximately 80 sets of live music, the family-friendly Rooster Walk will offer a wide variety of kids’ activities, craft beer, great food, arts and numerous opportunities to enjoy Virginia’s great outdoors with kayak river floats, bike rides, yoga, a disc golf course and beautiful on-site camping.

Rooster Walk has been named one of the Top 5 festivals in the state by the Richmond-Times Dispatch. It also was voted the region’s Most Creative Charitable Event by readers of Virginia Living Magazine for three consecutive years. The festival was created in memory of late Martinsville natives Edwin “The Rooster” Penn and Walker Shank, who graduated from Martinsville High School in 2000.

A portion of proceeds from the festival will be donated to local and regional charities, including Rooster Walk’s own Penn-Shank Memorial Endowment Scholarship Fund for students at Martinsville High School, and the Rooster Walk Music Instrument Program for public band programs in the local city and county school systems.

The festival is produced by Rooster Walk Inc., a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to promoting music, arts and education in its home of Martinsville-Henry County. Since 2009, Rooster Walk Inc. has donated more than $270,000 to local and regional charities.

Head on over to the website to get more info, updates, buy tickets or volunteer at www.roosterwalk.com.


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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.