musicreporterblog

Musings on folk, Americana, country, bluegrass and newgrass

Tag Archives: bluegrass


by Leave a comment

MerleFest 2025 highlights include Bonnie Raitt, The Avett Brothers, The Dead South, Watchhouse, Wyatt Flores, Sam Bush’s Late Night Jam and a visit from N.C. Gov. Josh Stein

Mama & The Ruckus wins 10th annual band competition

From the good folks at MerleFest:

MerleFest 2025, presented by North Wilksboro-based Window World, wrapped up its 37th annual celebration with a romp-roaring tribute to the music and community that folk icon Doc Watson championed throughout his life.

Over the course of four vibrant days, nearly 100 acts ranging from rising stars to seasoned legends graced a dozen stages across the campus of Wilkes Community College, drawing thousands to the rolling hills that canvas the region.

Founded in 1988, MerleFest has grown into not only a musical cornerstone of North Carolina but also a vital economic engine for the area, fueling scholarships, capital improvements, and educational programs throughout the community. The 2025 edition continued that legacy, blending genre-defying performances with a deep sense of purpose rooted in place and people.

On Saturday, MerleFest welcomed a special guest: North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein, who toured the Wilkes Community College campus and took in the sights and sounds of the festival. Later that evening,Stein introduced North Carolina’s own The Avett Brothers ahead of their headlining set on the Watson Stage, highlighting the festival’s important role in supporting education and cultural life in the region.

“MerleFest is special to so many people, including my family and me,” said Stein. “It was great to enjoy the weekend with so many North Carolina music fans, and I appreciate the hardworking people who make it all happen year after year.”

Reflecting on this year’s event, Festival Director Wes Whitson shared, “What really stood out to me this year was the sense of connection. You could feel it everywhere—between the artists and the crowds, among the volunteers, and even in the little moments, like folks swapping stories in the food lines. MerleFest has always been about more than just the music, and this year really drove that home. I’m especially proud that the festival continues to support the mission of Wilkes Community College, which plays such an important role in our region. I’m so grateful to everyone who helped make it happen and kept the spirit of the festival alive. It’s quite possible we broke some attendance records this year. We could not be more appreciative of our fans who showed up in a really big way each day of the festival.”

See below for a day-by-day highlight reel of MerleFest 2025’s noteworthy moments:

Thursday: MerleFest weekend kicked off with returning local artist Presley Barker, whose impressive guitar work and heartfelt lyrics welcomed festivalgoers. Woody Platt and the Bluegrass Gentlemen followed with a masterclass in bluegrass tradition, leading into a powerful, blues-tinged set from The SteelDrivers. Wyatt Flores kept the energy high with his soulful songwriting and magnetic presence. Brent Cobb brought laid-back Southern rock vibes to the Cabin Stage, before The Dead South drew a massive crowd with their high-energy, foot-stomping bluegrass. The evening closed on the Dance Stage with Donna the Buffalo’s infectious rhythms, kicking off the weekend with heart, energy, and the signature sense of community only MerleFest can deliver.

Friday: Jim Lauderdale and The Gamechangers opened the day with a soulful set on the Creekside Stage, setting the tone for a memorable Friday. Big Richard brought powerhouse vocals and fierce energy to the Americana Stage, followed by Tony Trischka’s EarlJam, who took fans on a journey through bluegrass history. The War and Treaty delivered an emotionally charged Watson Stage performance, leading into a stunning set from I’m With Her. Friday night belonged to Bonnie Raitt, who captivated with her iconic slide guitar and timeless hits, before the tradition of the Late Night Jam, hosted by Sam Bush, brought a star-studded roster of pickers together for an unforgettable session.

Saturday: Saturday opened with Denitia’s soulful country sounds on the Hillside Stage, followed by the announcement of Band Competition winners Mama & The Ruckus. Alison Brown delivered a masterful blend of bluegrass, folk, and storytelling, and The Fretliners brought authentic, Colorado-infused roots to the Traditional Stage. Christina Vane stormed the Dance Stage with her roots-driven sound, while The Waybacks’ annual “Album Hour” reimagined The Rolling Stones’ Let it Bleed, electrifying the crowd. As evening set in, Sam Bush lit up the Watson Stage, paving the way for The Avett Brothers’ high-energy, heartfelt performance. Scythian closed the night with a raucous, high-octane dance party on the Dance Stage.

Sunday: The festival’s final day began with a family-friendly sing-along led by Josh Goforth and Laura Boosinger. The Jeff Little Trio honored Doc Watson with heartfelt gospel songs at Creekside, followed by The Secret Sisters’ haunting harmonies on the Hillside Stage. Leftover Salmon got the Watson Stage crowd moving with their jam-infused bluegrass, while Wayne Henderson & Friends showcased Appalachian roots mastery at the Traditional Stage. Watchhouse closed out MerleFest 2025 with a breathtaking, soul-stirring set, wrapping up a weekend full of music, community, and unforgettable memories.

As MerleFest 2025 comes to a close, excitement is already building for next year’s return to Wilkes Community College, set for April 23-26, 2026. Stay tuned for ticket details and the full lineup announcement coming soon.
About MerleFest
MerleFest, presented by Window World, was founded in 1988 as a fundraiser for the Garden of the Senses at Wilkes Community College to memorialize world-renowned flatpicker Doc Watson’s late son, 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.


by Leave a comment

Wake Forest Listening Room presents ‘A Doc Watson Evening’ author and music event on Thursday, Feb. 13

This special event combines an author event featuring Eddie Huffman, author of the new Doc Watson biography, followed by a performance from Joseph Terrell of Mipso, who’ll play some Doc tunes and a few of his own.

Wake Forest Listening Room

 6 p.m. on Feb. 13, 2025

Doors Open: 5:30 PM

Tickets are $16.95 in advance.

About the Book:

The story of a small-town man who changed music forever

Arthel “Doc” Watson (1923–2012) is arguably one of the most influential musicians Appalachia has ever produced. A musician’s musician, Doc grew up on a subsistence farm in the North Carolina mountains during the Depression, soaking up traditional music and learning to play guitar even though he was blind. Rising to fame in the 1960s as part of the burgeoning folk revival scene, Doc became the face of traditional music for many listeners, racking up multiple Grammys and releasing dozens of albums over the course of his long career. Eddie Huffman tells the story of Doc’s life and legacy, drawing on extensive interviews and hundreds of hours of archival research. In making the most comprehensive biography of Watson ever, Huffman gives us an affecting and informative portrait of the man they called Doc.

Full of fascinating stories—from Doc’s first banjo made from his grandmother’s cat to the founding of MerleFest—this promises to be the definitive biography of the man and how he came to be synonymous with roots music in America and shows how his influence is still felt in music today.

About the Author: 

Eddie Huffman is a writer, reporter and author of “John Prine: In Spite of Himself.” He lives in Greensboro, North Carolina.

About Joseph Terrell:

Joseph Terrell has spent 10 years singing, writing songs, and playing guitar with Americana quartet Mipso. His debut solo album “Good For Nothing Howl” (Sleepy Cat Records) features talking roses, screaming oak trees, and the fortune-telling powers of persimmons. The result is a kaleidoscope of folk tradition and sonic playfulness with images of Terrell’s native North Carolina woods sparkling in the foreground, calling you to pay attention.


by Leave a comment

Tico Time Bluegrass Festival announces lineup and tickets on sale for May 16-18, 2025

From the good folks at the Tico Time Bluegrass Festival:

The 5th annual Tico Time Bluegrass Festival, nestled in the heart of the stunning Animas River Valley, is the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse yourself in the sweet sounds of live bluegrass music. Whether you’re jamming with your fellow festival-goers at a campsite, taking a dip in the river, or dancing up a storm on the beach, this festival promises to be an adventure filled with unforgettable moments, lifelong friendships, and cherished memories.

The festival will take place May 16-18, 2025 at the Tico Time River Resort, 20 Road 2050, Aztec, New Mexico (20 minutes south of Durango, Colorado) with performances by some of the finest bluegrass musicians around, including The Infamous Stringdusters, Railroad Earth, Leftover Salmon, Peter Rowan & Sam Grisman Project playing music from Old & In the Way and more, Tim O’Brien & Jan Fabricius, Rebecca Frazier (2 Sets) ft. Grateful Strings & Original Set, The Fretliners (2 Sets), Stillhouse Junkies, Liver Down The River, High Country Hustle, Magoo, Foggy Memory Boys, Silas Herman & The Tone Unit, La La Bones, Robin Davis Duo, Hunker Down, Slay & Stinson, Still House String Band, The Little Moon Travelers, Andrew Cooney & Derek Dames Ohl, Alex Graf Duo, All She Wrote, Timber!, San Juan Circus, MC Alex Blocker, Bob Hemenger and Steezy Strings. Tickets on sale now at https://ticotimebluegrass.com

New this year at the event will be Zipline Tours, rental cabins with air conditioning and premium car camping with water and 120V power.

Come and enjoy live music in a beautiful natural setting at Tico Time River Resort along the Animas River Valley. This resort offers various accommodations such as shaded riverside camping, full hook-up RV spots, glamping tents with real beds, car camping, and access to fun activities like swimming, SUPs, kayaking, hiking, zipline tours and waterslides. You can also check out the cafe, food trucks, craft vendors, and general store, as well as permanent bathroom and shower facilities. There is daily yoga, workshops, and kids activities available to make this a fun family-friendly event. Everything has been thoughtfully designed to ensure your comfort and convenience during this family-friendly musical adventure.

The Tico Time Bluegrass Festival is all about fostering a sense of community and companionship in the world of Bluegrass Music. The event strives to create an environment where we can all come together and express ourselves through our shared love for music, nature, and adventure.

“A magical festival weekend experience,” says Festy Go Nuts, join the celebration of three days of community, friendship, and the best of Bluegrass, Roots and Americana music.

For more information and to purchase tickets https://ticotimebluegrass.com 


by Leave a comment

IBMA’s 2024 Momentum Award winners include DownRiver Collective, Heather Berry Mabe, Wyatt Ellis and Gibson Davis

The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) 2024 Momentum Awards, sponsored by Campbell University School of Law, were presented on Wednesday during the World of Bluegrass convention in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina. Jaelee Roberts served as host and Master of Ceremonies during the luncheon. A number of the band of the year nominees gave toe-tapping performances including DownRiver Collective, Jackson Hollow, Jake Leg, JigJam and The Price Sisters.

The following awards are given to artists and those in the business of bluegrass during the early years of their career. The purpose is both to recognize special talent on the way up, and to give a boost to their efforts at this crucial stage. And the winners are:

Band of the Year – DownRiver Collective, a group of Belmont University alumni out of Nashville, Tennessee

Continue reading →


by Leave a comment

IBMA announces move to Chattanooga in 2025, Raleigh to host Wide Open Bluegrass Festival

The popular International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) World of Bluegrass annual conference and music festival has announced it is moving to Chattanooga, Tennessee, after a decade in downtown Raleigh thanks to a $25 million incentive from The Volunteer State after this fall.

But that doesn’t mean the Oak City is going to stop hosting a bluegrass festival. Instead, Pinecone announced last fall it would partner with the City of Raleigh to introduce the Raleigh Wide Open Bluegrass Festival, which will debut in downtown Raleigh on Oct. 3-4, 2025.

PineCone, the Raleigh music organization that has coordinated much of the free music at IBMA’s event, plans to resurrect the branding of a previous street festival with the help of the City of Raleigh, the Greater Raleigh Convention & Visitors Bureau and the State Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

The new name is a tribute to a 2005 Raleigh festival that was launched to bring life to downtown at the time, PineCone says.

The goal, organizers say, is that festivalgoers won’t feel like Raleigh Wide Open is a completely new festival. The plan includes a mix of performances along Fayetteville Street and other downtown areas, with sights on keeping it a primarily free event. The festival will focus on bluegrass but will also include genres like Americana, alt-country and other folk music, especially those with North Carolina ties.

For more information, visit https://pinecone.org/


by Leave a comment

Dan Tyminski takes the stage at the ‘Mother Church’ for new live concert album out Aug. 16

You know and love him from his signature tunes in the movie “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” as well as seeing him on stage as the longtime guitarist for Alison Krauss & Union Station. But did you know that Tyminski is among this year’s IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year nominees?

Take a listen of today’s release of the first single from his latest concert album, “Dan Tyminski: Live from The Ryman,” and you’ll have no doubt as to why he is nominated along with other standout bluegrass voices Greg Blake, Del McCoury, Danny Paisley and Russell Moore.

According to his publicist, “Live From The Ryman” out on Aug. 16 shines a light on Tyminski’s acclaimed live show. Recorded in Nashville at the world-famous Ryman Auditorium, the album showcases the sharp songwriting, full-throttle vocals, and guitar chops that have powered Tyminski’s music for decades. It’s also a showcase for his ace band, a young group of fiery flat-pickers, hotshot instrumentalists, and harmony singers whose sheer talent is matched only by the band’s frontman. The result is a blend of old and new: a record that makes room for traditional influences, progressive energy, cover songs, originals, and unreleased material.

But don’t take my word for it, you can hear the 14-time Grammy winner sing “Whiskey Drinking Man” at this link: https://music.apple.com/us/album/whiskey-drinking-man-single-version-live/1756815951?i=1756815954

From his publicist, “Why would I settle down when I’m this good at ramblin’ ‘round?” sings Tyminski in his unmistakable voice on the song’s opening line, setting the stage for the good-time, uptempo number that highlights his stellar band of young musicians as much as it does his own commanding vocal performance. Cascading from verse to verse, solo to solo, Tyminski and company wrap up “Whiskey Drinking Man” right on the raucous edge of control, it seems, though a quick and tidy ending reminds listeners that it is all by design and this is one of the finest outfits touring today. Fans can stream or purchase “Whiskey Drinking Man” today at this link and be sure to pre-order or pre-save Dan Tyminski: Live From The Ryman ahead of its August 16th release right here. Tyminski’s tour continues in August with Canadian appearances in New Brunswick and Quebec before heading back to the States for a slew of late summer festival appearances. Tour dates can be found below.
Catch Dan Tyminski On Tour:
Aug. 24-25 – Rogersville, NB – Rogersville Bluegrass Festival
Aug. 30-31 – New Richmond, QC – New Richmond Bluegrass Festival
Sept. 20 – Louisville, KY – Bourbon & Beyond
Oct. 5 – Doswell, VA – State Fair of Virginia
Oct. 11-12 – Big Stone Gap, VA – Blue Highway Fest
Oct. 18-19 – Farmers Branch, TX – Bloomin’ Bluegrass Festival
Oct. 20 – Brownwood, TX – Brownwood’s Lyric Theatre
Nov. 16 – Rochester, NY – Kilbourn Hall

For ticket information, please visit dantyminski.com.

About Dan Tyminski
Dan Tyminski is an icon of modern-day bluegrass. In addition to reaching Number 1 on the Billboard Bluegrass Albums chart with solo albums like 2008’s Wheels and 2023’s God Fearing Heathen, he has won 14 Grammy Awards, released multiple records as a member of Alison Krauss & Union Station, and topped the charts in more than 10 countries with “Hey Brother,” his genre-bending collaboration with DJ Avicii. Tyminski sang “I Am A Man Of Constant Sorrow” on O Brother, Where Art Thou?’s multi-platinum soundtrack, inspiring a new generation to discover bluegrass and traditional American folk music. 2024’s Dan Tyminski: Live From The Ryman captures him onstage in Nashville, Tennessee, performing a mix of songs from throughout his career with a string band. 


by Leave a comment

N.C. Museum of History presents bluegrass powerhouse Henhouse Prowlers on Saturday, July 20

The North Carolina Museum of History will host the Henhouse Prowlers as part of its Tar Heel Troubadours series, a celebration of Americana, roots, bluegrass and traditional music performed by artists from or living and working in North Carolina, on Saturday, July 20.

A music performance at the North Carolina Museum of History is unlike any other, according to the museum. “You’ll enjoy an intimate experience with an artist in our 300-seat venue. Every seat in the house has a fantastic view and the sound is exceptional.

“Our Tar Heel Troubadours series works to keep music accessible to our community by keeping ticket prices affordable. Visit the museum’s website for up-to-date information and tickets.”

The Henhouse Prowlers are bluegrass ambassadors. Founded nearly two decades ago with the simple desire to play original and powerful bluegrass, this Chicago-bred quartet now finds itself at the intersection of performance, diplomacy, and education.

Onstage, the group’s enthralling performances give audiences a sense of how much the musicians love what they do. On records — including their latest offering, 2023’s “Lead and Iron,” released via Dark Shadow Recording — the band explores their collective life experiences through songwriting and intricate instrumentation. While bluegrass is the undeniable foundation of the Prowlers’ music, the band bends and squeezes the traditional form into a keenly developed sound all their own.

Working with the U.S. State Department and under their own nonprofit, Bluegrass Ambassadors, the Prowlers have toured more than 25 countries across the globe. The group’s experiences with people and musicians across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East have shaped the band’s worldview and broadened the group’s direction toward bridging cultural gaps with music, educational programs, and workshops. Using traditional American music as a foundation while connecting folk music, customs, and history the world over, including in North Carolina classrooms, the Prowlers incorporate international elements into their already robust repertoire of unique traditional American music.

Whether playing live or presenting seminars, the Henhouse Prowlers find and spread the commonality we share as human beings through the universal language of music.

IF YOU GO

Tar Heel Troubadours: Henhouse Prowlers

Saturday, July 20, 6:30 p.m. doors open, 7 p.m. performance

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

Purchase tickets at this link.


by 1 Comment

Listen Up: You don’t want to miss N.C. State Fair’s amazing 2018 musical lineup

The North Carolina State Fair always sports a great music lineup and this year is no exception. Its “Homegrown Music Fest” concert series features 11 days, three stages and 117 performances from Oct. 11-21. My advice is that while you’ll certainly want to catch some of the headliners — Raleigh’s own American Aquarium, the War and Treaty, New Reveille, Summer Brooke and the Mountain Faith Band, RaeLynn and Bucky Covington — make sure you catch some of the lesser-known acts on the Waterfall andHeritage Circle Bluegrass stages.

It wasn’t that many years ago that I discovered country, rock superstar singer-songwriter Eric Church, who as you may recall is a North Carolina native, playing for a small crowd at the fairgrounds’ Dorton Arena. Tickets were $5 because at the time you had to pay extra for concert tickets. Good luck finding a $5 or even $50 ticket to one of Church’s shows today.

Dorton Arena shows begin at 7:30 p.m. each night. Lineup for the show begins no earlier than 6 p.m. and doors are at 7 p.m. Each show is free with State Fair admission, and seating in the arena is first-come, first-served general admission.

I recommend making time to see Jack the Radio, the Pinkerton Raid, Katie Basden, Jump Mountain, David Childers, Big Fat Gap and Carolina Line Bluegrass Band among many others too numerous to list on the Waterfall and Heritage Circle Bluegrass stages.

For specific show times visit http://www.ncstatefair.org/2018/Attractions/HomegrownMusic.htm

 

 

 

 

 

 


by 1 Comment

Women poised to dominate 2018 International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) awards

In 2017, Hazel Dickens and Alice Gerrard were inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Hall of Fame. With the exception of women who were part of a band, and usually a family band, ie. the famous Carter Family, who were inducted in 2001, only one other woman — Louise Scruggs in 2010 — has received solo recognition by the hall of fame organizers since 1991. And this week, songwriter Dixie Hall will be inducted as the fourth.

Let’s face it. Bluegrass has been a good old boys genre since Bill Monroe picked up a mandolin, Louise’s husband Earl Scruggs met Lester Flatt and the Stanley Brothers became the Clinch Mountain Boys. But as Bob Dylan once wrote, “the times they are a changin.'”

Fast forward to 2016, when Sierra Hull and Becky Buller became the first women to win Instrumental Performers of the Year awards for mandolin and fiddle, respectively. Hull came out on top in the same category in 2017, and Molly Tuttle, who appears poised to be among the next female superstars of bluegrass, won Instrumental Performer of the Year for her guitar picking prowess — the first woman to ever top that particular chart. Continue reading →


by Leave a comment

Carolina Bible Camp Bluegrass Festival announces area ticket locations for 7th annual festival set for Sept. 8, 2018

From the good folks over at the Carolina Bible Camp Bluegrass Festival:

 

MOCKSVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – Organizers for the seventh annual Carolina Bible Camp Bluegrass Festival announced statewide locations for purchasing tickets to the Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, event featuring musical artists Alison Brown, Bobby Hicks and Mark Kuykendall and Asheville Bluegrass, Song of the Mountains emcee Tim White and Troublesome Hollow, Fireside Collective, The Snyder Family Band, The Trailblazers, and Dwight Hawkins.

Continue reading →