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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.


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MerleFest shares full lineup for April 24-27, 2025, event adding I’m With Her, Leftover Salmon, Stephen Wilson Jr., The Steel Wheels, and many more

Announcing the return of the Late Night Jam hosted by Sam Bush with special guests Peter Rowan, Tony Trischka, Woody Platt, T. Michael Coleman, and more



From the good folks over at MerleFest:

MerleFest, presented by Window World, has added I’m With Her, Leftover Salmon, Stephen Wilson Jr., The Steel Wheels, Tami Neilson, Becky Buller, and more to its 2025 lineup. Taking place April 24-27, 2025, on the campus of Wilkes Community College, the annual celebration of founding legend, Doc Watson, will play host to both legendary names and exciting up and comers, including fast-rising honky-tonk starlet Emily Nenni, Colorado-rooted newgrass ensemble The Fretliners, blues-drenched guitar virtuoso Cristina Vane, and dozens of others. View the complete lineup below. 
Making a surprise return in 2025, the Late Night Jam hosted by Sam Bush promises an unforgettable super-set featuring “only at MerleFest” collaborations. Among those joining in on the fun will be East Nash Grass, Jack Lawrence, Joe Smothers, Peter Rowan, T. Michael Coleman, Tony Trischka, and Woody Platt, with more to be announced in the coming weeks.

Lindsay Craven, MerleFest Artist Relations Manager, shares, “The Late Night Jam was always a unique and fun bonus set of music where you never knew who would show up or what you might hear. We took a pause on this offering so that we could revamp and revitalize it for our fans and bring it back bigger and better than ever. Late Night Jam with Sam Bush and Friends will embody the spirit of MerleFest with unique collaborations that you can only see here and the highest quality musical performances in the roots scene.”

MerleFest 2025 is shaping up to be another outstanding celebration of music and community, honoring the timeless legacy of its founding legend, Doc Watson. Tickets for the highly anticipated Late Night Jam with Sam Bush and Friends are on sale now. Jam enthusiasts must have a Friday or equivalent wristband to purchase a late night jam ticket. Secure your spot and explore the full festival lineup at merlefest.org/purchase.

The 2025 MerleFest Mobile App, is available now for Apple and Android devices. Start planning your weekend with performance schedules, reminders, and artist discovery through the official MerleFest 2025 Spotify playlist.


MerleFest 2025 will welcome The Avett Brothers, Bonnie Raitt, The Dead South, Watchhouse, Wyatt Flores, I’m With Her, Leftover Salmon, The War And Treaty, The SteelDrivers, Sam Bush, Asleep at the Wheel, The Lil Smokies, Brent Cobb, Stephen Wilson Jr., Tony Trischka’s Earl Jam, Alison Brown, Della Mae, Thee Sinseers, The Altons, Peter Rowan, Scythian, Donna the Buffalo, Jim Lauderdale, Kruger Brothers, The Steel Wheels, William Prince, The Cleverlys, TopHouse, Big Richard, John R. Miller, Emily Nenni, Woody Platt and the Bluegrass Gentlemen, John McEuen & The Circle Band, The Secret Sisters, Tami Neilson, The Waybacks, Andy May, “B” Townes, Banknotes, The Barefoot Movement, Becky Buller, Carol Mallett Rifkin, Carolina Detour, Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer with Chao Tian From China to Appalachia, Charles Welch, Cristina Vane, Dale Ann Bradley, Damn Tall Buildings, Denitia, East Nash Grass, Fancy Hagood, Flattop, Florencia & The Feeling, Fog Holler, The Fretliners, Full Cord, Gravity Check Juggling, The Hooten Hallers, Humbird, The InterACTive Theater of Jef, Jack Lawrence, Jeff Little Trio, Joe Smothers, Josh Goforth, Ken Crouse, Laura Boosinger, The Local Boys, Mark Bumgarner, Mattie Schell, Mitch Greenhill & Mitch’s Kitchen, Muireann Bradley, Paul McDonald, Pete & Joan Wernick, Presley Barker, The Resonant Rogues, Rev. Robert Jones, Roy Book Binder, Six String Soldiers, T. Michael Coleman, Theo Lawrence, Todd Albright, Tony Williamson, Wayne Henderson, and The Wilder Flower. For artist performance dates, visit merlefest.org/lineup.

MerleFest 2025 tickets are available now. For general admission passes, as well as covered patio seating, reserved seating, camping, parking, and more, please visit merlefest.org/purchase.
For media inquiries, contact Danielle Dror (danielle@teamvictorylap.com), Karaline Bailey (karaline@teamvictorylap.com) or Sarah Wilson (sarah@teamvictorylap.com) at Victory Lap Media.
To apply for media credentials to MerleFest 2025, please click here.

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 15th 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 nighttime 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.

Apply to be a MerleFest food vendor! MerleFest is looking for a few select non-profit organizations to fill availability in the main food tent!  If your civic organization or local non-profit has food service experience and would like to participate, please visit merlefest.org/vendors to apply. The application window closes on January 15th.

Apply to be a food truck vendor! MerleFest will now be accepting applications for food trucks. Starting in 2025, a select number of food trucks will be placed in the shoppes at MerleFest. These vendors will be hand picked in order to bring only the best offerings and service to our fans. Please visit merlefest.org/vendors to apply now before the application window closes on January 15th.
The WCC Foundation is pleased to announce that we’ve added a new twist to our Silent Auction! This year’s Silent Auction offers mobile bidding so that festival guests and supporters can view items and place bids even before the festival begins. During the festival, you will be able to place bids from the comfort of your seats. New for this year, MerleFest fans will have the opportunity to take part in a 50/50 Raffle which will take place during the festival. Stay tuned for more details at merlefest.org/silent-auction.
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Blue Ridge Music Center presents Doc Watson tribute concert on Saturday, Aug. 19

MerleFest fans listen up: The Blue Ridge Music Center is presenting a tribute to the late, great Doc Watson with “Doc at 100” at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, in the outdoor amphitheater just south of Galax, Virginia.

The Music Center is located at milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, 30 minutes from Sparta and Mount Airy, North Carolina.

According to the Erwin Record, “Doc at 100” explores the history and legacy of Doc Watson, who was born in Deep Gap, North Carolina, in 1923, and went on to become one of the most influential acoustic guitar players in the world of folk music. Hosted by author Ted Olson, the concert program celebrates the anniversary of what would have been Doc Watson’s 100th birthday and honors his life and legacy with performances, stories and songs by artists who performed with him, who were profoundly influenced by his music and who called him a friend.

“Doc at 100” includes T. Michael Coleman and Jack Lawrence, who performed, recorded and toured with Doc longer than any other musicians he worked with. Joining them are fellow guitarists Wayne Henderson and Jack Hinshelwood, who were both heavily impacted by Doc’s music through his many recordings and performances.

T. Michael Coleman toured with Doc and Merle Watson from 1974 to 1986 and continued recording with Doc after Merle’s death. Coleman rejoined him on the road, along with David Holt, during the final years of Doc’s life. Over the many years of traveling and playing with Doc, he amassed a treasure trove of stories as well as music.

Go to this link for tickets and to learn more about Saturday’s event.


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21st Doc and Rosalee Watson Music Fest in Sugar Grove set for July 15

The 21st Doc and Rosa Lee Watson Music Fest celebrating Doc’s 100th Birthday will be held at Historic Cove Creek School in Sugar Grove, North Carolina on July 15 beginning at 9 a.m. The festival is sponsored by Cove Creek Preservation and Development. Visit https://www.docwatsonmusicfest.org/ for more information and tickets!

2023 Festival Lineup

  • The Kruger Brothers
  • Dan Tyminski Band
  • Scythian
  • Wayne Henderson
  • Jack Lawrence
  • The Grascals
  • Charles Welch
  • Bill and the Belles
  • Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road
  • The Burnette Sisters Band
  • Brooks Forsyth
  • Shay Martin Lovette Trio
  • Swingbillies of Boonetown
  • VIP – $55
  • Includes reserved seating under the tent, access to VIP restroom facilities and some MusicFest merch!
  • RESERVED TICKETS
  • Reserved – $40
  • Includes reserved seating under the tent.
  • ​
  • GENERAL TICKETS
  • General – $30
  • Bring your own chair/blanket. No tent coverage. 
  • **Children 12 years and younger are admitted free to the general admission seating area when accompanied by a ticketed adult. Tickets are required for all seats in the VIP & Reserved seating area.

Arthel Lane “Doc” Watson was an 8-time Grammy award winning musician from Deep Gap, North Carolina. He was considered a “national treasure” by President Jimmy Carter and was awarded with the National Medal of the Arts by President Bill Clinton. To the residents of Watauga County and many others, he was an “American Hero,” but if you were to ever ask Doc himself, he would say that he was “just one of the people.”

Doc Watson started playing on the streets of Boone, NC when he was young but quickly rose to fame as a musician playing nationally and internationally. He became a master of flatpicking guitar and was steeped in folk, traditional, and bluegrass music. Despite his ongoing fame and recognition, Doc was a humble man who always made fellow musicians he played with and audiences he played for, feel as if they were sitting in his living room. 

In 1998, the first Doc Watson Appreciation Day was held at the grounds of the Historic Cove Creek School in Sugar Grove, NC. Doc would often play benefits and concerts in and around Watauga County in order to raise money for local families and organizations. The intent of the Doc Watson Appreciation Day was to honor Doc and his many contributions to our community, but the festival was also used to raise money to help restore the Historic Cove Creek School, which is now on the National Register of Historic Places. Doc Watson was instrumental in helping to preserve Western Watauga County history and the facility is now used for continued community programs. 

The festival has continued for many years and is now titled, Doc & Rosa Lee Watson MusicFest. The festival is still held on the grounds of the historic Cove Creek School in Sugar Grove, which is also home to the Doc and Merle Watson Folk Art Museum. The music festival has hosted multiple World-renown and Grammy nominated and award-winning performers, including Sam Bush, Rhonda Vincent and the Rage, Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, and of course, Deep Gap-native Doc Watson. The music festival has also been the starting point for many local and regional Grammy Award winning artists including, Old Crow Medicine Show, the Steep Canyon Rangers, and the Carolina Chocolate Drops. 
Although Doc passed away on May 29, 2012 at age 89, the Cove Creek Preservation and Development Board continues to promote the legacy of Doc Watson and his impact on our community and the music world. 


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And that’s a wrap: Doc Watson’s 100th Birthday drives MerleFest 2023

From the good folks at MerleFest:

As the stages are broken down and the gear is packed up, fans from across the country and the world are coming down from their annual MerleFest excitement. The centerpiece of MerleFest 2023—which took place this past weekend, April 27-30, in Wilkesboro, North Carolina — was the all-encompassing celebration of what would have been MerleFest founder Doc Watson’s 100th birthday. In addition to the Doc-themed jam, artists from all genres of music paid homage to the man himself and his spirit echoed through the hills of Wilkes Community College where his legacy thrives in festival form. From Thursday to Sunday, across twelve stages, MerleFest magic unfolded with world-class performances, spontaneous sit-ins, and unforgettable collaborations from the likes of Jerry Douglas, Black Opry Revue, The Waybacks, and The Travelin’ McCourys and friends featuring Del McCoury. 

Festival Director Wes Whitson commented, “MerleFest 35 was something special. We can’t thank everyone enough for their support of Wilkes Community College and MerleFest. To the Artists and to the fans that support them, and to our amazing staff and the small army of dedicated volunteers who work hard each and every year to make MerleFest the premier roots based music festival in the country – please know you made a big difference for our students by being a part of MerleFest. MerleFest is back and firing on all cylinders, and we are so excited for what is already in the works for 2024. See you next spring!”

MerleFest, presented by Window World and held on the campus of Wilkes Community College, is the primary fundraiser for the WCC Foundation, which funds scholarships, capital projects, and other educational needs.

Thursday: Local rising star Presley Barker opened MerleFest 2023 on the Watson Stage with a bluegrass set paying homage to Doc Watson, followed by guitar virtuoso Tommy Emmanuel. Rock legends Little Feat brought a star-studded jam, inviting Tommy Emmanuel back up on stage as well as Miko Marks and Jerry Douglas. Brothers of a Feather with Chris & Rich Robinson of the Black Crowes closed out the Watson Stage, performing a special acoustic set. 

Friday: Yasmin Williams wowed festival-goers at the Hillside stage with her incredible guitar skills; the clouds cleared just in time and a rainbow appeared above the Cabin Stage for sets from Dom Flemons, John Paul White, and Bee Taylor. Black Opry Revue kicked off the night on the Watson Stage with a cavalcade of special guests including fan-favorite Miko Marks. Marcus King infused the crowd with energy and soul with his signature electric, horn-forward set, inviting his dad Marvin to join for closer “Goodbye Carolina.” North Carolina natives The Avett Brothers closed out the night, performing an hour and a half of fan favorites along with a tribute to the late Calypso legend Harry Belafonte, adding their unique twist to “Jump In The Line.” 

Saturday: Mark Bumgarner hosted the Band Competition, crowning Ashes & Arrows as the 2023 winners on the Plaza Stage. The Waybacks played an hour and a half long set with their renditions of The Who’s Who’s Next for the annual Album Hour, another highly-anticipated MerleFest tradition. “My Name is Merle,” a documentary chronicling the rise and continued legacy of MerleFest, premiered at the Walker Center; if you missed it, you can watch here via EducationNC’s YouTube channel. Hosted by the Kruger Brothers, Doc’s 100th Birthday Jam featured a variety of special guests including Jerry Douglas, Mitch Greenhill, Peter Rowan, T. Michael Coleman, and many more. Acclaimed songwriter Lori McKenna charmed the crowd at The Cabin Stage with the massive hits that she’s penned and co-written, including “Girl Crush.” Maren Morris closed out The Watson Stage with her energetic, larger-than-life vocals and instant country-pop classics. Scythian kept the party going with their eclectic jam at the Dance Tent. 

Sunday: The Travelin’ McCourys and friends featuring Del McCoury took to the Watson Stage in the afternoon, taking the place of Nickel Creek who unfortunately had to cancel due to a doctor-mandated vocal rest for Chris Thile. Del McCoury, the living link to Bill Monroe, charmed fest goers while his sons, Rob and Ronnie McCoury, proved yet again that the future of bluegrass is in good hands. The “and friends” portion was a who’s who of the best pickers and playing, including Sam Bush, Peter Rowan, and more. Country royalty Tanya Tucker had fans up and dancing, her signature sass and spunk on full display closing out the festival on a high note. 

About MerleFest

MerleFest, presented by Window World, celebrates its 35th celebration on April 27-30, 2023. MerleFest started 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. 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 & Merle Watson and the history of MerleFest both visually and musically through vintage videos and artist collaborations.


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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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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.”

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Steep Canyon Rangers shine at MerleFest 2019 with ‘North Carolina Songbook’ debut

MerleFest 2019 attendees received a special treat on Sunday afternoon when the Steep Canyon Rangers hit the stage.

Perennial MerleFest favorites, the band, whose members mostly hail from Brevard, North Carolina, has been affectionately dubbed “Steep” by their fans. And those fans were not disappointed by the band’s special set, titled “North Carolina Songbook,” a tribute to this state’s vast musical heritage.

When Gov. Roy Cooper introduced the band he noted that the state is recognizing 2019 as the “Year of Music.” In a nod to Cooper’s initiative, the band performed one-off set of covers by North Carolina artists, which included, appropriately, Deep Gap native and MerleFest founder the late, great Doc Watson’s “Your Long Journey,” a beloved tune written by his wife, the late Rosa Lee Watson, as well as a haunting rendition of Chapel Hill native James Taylor’s “Sweet Baby James.”

The band said in a release, “The influence of North Carolinians can be heard in almost every genre of popular music from Earl Scruggs to John Coltrane. Many of them worked in textile mills by day and played music with friends and family on the weekends. Some were virtuosos who packed up their influences and took the world by storm. All were, like us, a product of the music and people they grew up with in Carrboro, Jacksonville, Eden, Tryon… every corner East to West.”

Doc Watson soaked up and shared more of this state’s music and played fiddle tunes, blues, jazz, country, rock ‘n roll, and everything in between. This has been Doc’s lasting legacy for the Steep Canyon Rangers, and the band said they were excited to share the North Carolina Songbook for the very first time on Sunday afternoon at MerleFest.

MerleFest, in a release, said it is pleased to partner with Come Hear NC, a promotional campaign of the North Carolina Department of Natural & Cultural Resources and the North Carolina Arts Council, to celebrate 2019 as “The Year of Music,” a designation Cooper announced in November of 2018. MerleFest, honoring its locale, has programmed over 35 artists who currently call North Carolina home, each artist representing a different aspect of the state’s great musical history. Come Hear NC was designed to celebrate North Carolinians’ groundbreaking contributions to many of America’s most important musical genres — blues, bluegrass, jazz, gospel, funk, rock and everything in-between.


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MerleFest 2019 adds Amos Lee, The Milk Carton Kids, Steep Canyon Rangers to lineup

This just in from the good folks over at MerleFest:

WILKESBORO, NORTH CAROLINA — MerleFest, presented by Window World, is proud to announce new artist additions for MerleFest 2019: Amos Lee, The Milk Carton Kids, Steep Canyon Rangers, The Del McCoury Band, The Casey Kristofferson Band, and David Holt. The annual homecoming of musicians and music fans returns to the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, April 25-28. MerleFest is pleased to welcome these six distinguished acts to the 2019 lineup:

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