Award-winning guitar phenom Billy Strings is coming back to the Telluride Bluegrass Festival 2024 on Thursday night and he’s teaming up with Chris Thile of The Punch Brothers fame and his recent Nickel Creek performance at MerleFest for his opening set on the evening of Thursday, June 20. Also on Thursday, will be performances by other recent MerleFest acts Sierra Hull, The Langan Band, Charley Crockett and the ever-present Telluride House Band featuring Sam Bush, Bela Fleck, Jerry Douglas and company. For the full stellar lineup, visit the website.
From the good folks at Planet Bluegrass: “They’re going to do what only those two virtuosos can: blow our little brains with the deftness of their fingers on frets. You can’t miss it! The town allowed us a few additional tickets this year, so it’s still possible for you to make it for the fun. Grab your passes and camping while they’re still available.”
Don’t have the cash for a ticket? Planet Bluegrass is still looking for volunteers to join their cohort, so if you’re interested, please apply! You can find all the necessary info here. And if you really, truly can’t make it, don’t forget to tune into the KOTO live stream. Happy Listening!
After last year’s affectionately dubbed “MudFest,” MerleFest 2024 was blessed with only a few sprinkles and mostly sunny skies. That may be in large part to the new concrete slab that now graces the area in front of the Watson Stage that for decades has turned into a mud pit when the inevitable showers fell on fans and musicians alike.
But that wasn’t the only thing new at this year’s festival. The most diverse lineup the festival has ever seen graced the 12 stages throughout the four-day event, which remains inspired by the vision of festival founder and North Carolina native Doc Watson. As a result of that diversity, the most diverse crowd was also drawn to the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, over April 25-28.
“MerleFest 2024 was a testament to the enduring spirit of community and music,” explained Wes Whiston, festival director, in a press release. “The unwavering support from our artists, fans, staff, volunteers and sponsors not only creates unforgettable moments but also fuels the educational mission of Wilkes Community College. The beautiful weather this weekend served as a perfect backdrop to the magic unfolding on stage, adding an extra layer of joy to our festivities. We were thrilled to see an overwhelming turnout on Thursday evening, a resounding affirmation that MerleFest continues to grow stronger with each passing year.”
That Thursday turnout was the direct result of one of the most stellar one-day lineups in the festival’s history, which included local breakout star Presley Barker, Dan Tyminski, Steep Canyon Rangers, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway and wrapping up with Old Crow Medicine Show, whorang in their seventh appearance at MerleFest with choice cuts from their expansive catalog, as well as some surprising covers including Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em.” The Friday night headliners also commemorated 25 years of touring as well as the 25th anniversary of their MerleFest debut with cameos by Tuttle, Willie Watson and other MerleFest regulars. With even more to celebrate, the band presented a birthday cake and sang to MerleFest’s own “B” Townes before inviting the ever-present Arthur Grimes to the stage for an old-fashioned Appalachian flatfoot dance off.
Friday’s Watson Stage performances kicked off with MerleFest’s house band Celtic rockers Scythian, who are celebrating 20 years as a band. Kyshona made her MerleFest debut with her soulful sound along with other first-timers Nick Shoulders, Buffalo Nichols, Uwade and Willi Carlisle. Later, The Langan Band brought their Scottish sensibilities to the Traditional Stage, just before blue-rock sister group Larkin Poe fired up the Watson Stage and Red Dirt legends Turnpike Troubadours closed out the night. Night-owls were treated to a spectacle of hip-shaking singalongs by New Orleans-influenced Shinyribs.
Saturday saw too many memorable moments to count but included the annual Veterans Jam, featuring Jack Lawrence, Joe Smothers, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Peter Rowan, John Cowan, and T. Michael Coleman and The Waybacks’ legendary Hillside Album Hour, which treated fans to a front-to-back performance of Stevie Wonder’s iconic 1973 masterpiece,“Innervisions,” along with tributes to Jimmy Buffett, Sinead O’Connor and Gordon Lightfoot among others.
MerleFest’s annual band competition entertained crowds on the Plaza before naming Florencia & The Feeling as this year’s winner. And over in the Walker Center, 14-year old prodigy Wyatt Ellis led a special jam featuring guests Jim Lauderdale, Peter Rowan, Jack Lawrence, John Cowan and The Kruger Brothers, before joining mandolin virtuosos Sam Bush, Liam Purcell, and Chris Henry on the Creekside Stage for Mando Mania. Back on the Watson Stage, Béla Fleck performed an inspiring set of instrumental arrangements and selections from his 2021 album, “My Bluegrass Heart,” followed by powerhouses S.G. Goodman, Sam Bush Band andcountry crooner Brandy Clark, who also graced the Hillside Stage earlier in the day with an inspirational set. The Teskey Brothers topped off the evening with their Aussie-tinged brand of blues rock.
Sunday offered something for every musical taste from gospel to he highly-anticipated return of Nickel Creek, whorounded out the weekend with a 90-minute string jam of seismic proportions. Chris Thile said it had been nearly 20 years since the trio had performed at MerleFest and their delight at being back was obvious.
The Sensational Barnes Brothers hosted a powerful Gospel Hour on the Creekside Stage; Roy Book Binder, along with Charles Welch, The Harris Brothers, and Bob Margolin led a Sunday Blues session on the Americana Stage. The Traditional Stage saw lots of activity too, with a traditional jam hosted by Pete & Joan Wernick, ‘Shaped Note Singing’ with Laura Boosinger, ‘Women Who Sing & Play’ with Carol Rifkin, Bayla Davis, Liz Lanham and others, and finally, Wayne Henderson & Friends closing out the afternoon. Finally, GRAMMY-winning country-rock outfit Lukas Nelson & POTR rocked the Watson Stage before turning the mic over to Raleigh-based New Dangerfield on the Cabin Stage and then Nickel Creek.
MerleFest, presented by Window World, concluded its annual spring homecoming this weekend with a larger-than-life “Traditional Plus” celebration, drawing both seasoned attendees and newcomers. The event is the biggest economic driver of scholarships, capital projects and educational needs within the greater Wilkesboro community. Since its inaugural event in 1988, MerleFest has continued to demonstrate a commitment to supporting the residents of Wilkes County, while showcasing outstanding talent from its home state and beyond. This year’s festival was no different, with nearly 100 acts spanning diverse styles and genres performing across 12 stages from Thursday through Sunday.
As the tents come down on another incredible festival weekend, all sights are set on MerleFest’s return to WCC on April 24-27, 2025, with ticket and lineup news forthcoming. Learn more at www.merlefest.org.
PBSNC Network Television Premiere of MerleFest Documentary “My Name is Merle” set for 10 p.m. onThursday, March 21
From the good folks at MerleFest: MerleFest, presented by Window World, will hold its 36th annual festival April 25-28 on the campus of Wilkes Community College. Today festival organizers announced MerleFest pioneering artist John Cowan will join the already stellar lineup, including appearances by Old Crow Medicine Show, Turnpike Troubadours, The Teskey Brothers, Nickel Creek, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, The Earls of Leicester, and many more.
Additionally, the festival is proud to unveil the complete 2024 stage schedules, in conjunction with the release of the updated MerleFest 2024 mobile app (available now for download now on all Apple and Android devices), making it easier than ever to plan your weekend, set reminders for performance times, learn more about each artist, listen to the official MerleFest 2024 Spotify playlist, and much more.
Ahead of this year’s festival, MerleFest fans can enjoy a screening of director Robert Kinlaw’s award winning documentary, “My Name is Merle.” The film will premiere on Thursday, March 21, at 10 PM, on PBS NC and the free PBS App. Chronicling the rise and continued legacy of North Carolina’s favorite community fundraiser-turned renowned music festival, My Name is Merle is a delightful crash course in all things MerleFest. My Name is Merle is produced by EducationNC.
MerleFest is proud to once again welcome its 2024 Acoustic Kids Showcases with Andy May. Since 2001, the Acoustic Kids program has given young musicians of any skill level the opportunity to perform on festival stages in a supportive environment. Beginner through pro, all musicians 18 or younger are welcome to participate and share their music with the MerleFest audience. Each year, MerleFest hosts three, 1.5-hour showcases, and a half-hour Acoustic Kids Ambassadors set. Pre-registration is required to participate in Acoustic Kids and is open through March 20 (or until all showcases are full). Register early to hold your spot! Online registration, showcase schedules, and FAQs are available at https://andymay.com/acoustic-kids-registration-merlefest/, and detailed registration instructions are at https://andymay.com/acoustic-kids/registration-instructions/.
The Wilkes Community College Foundation will host its fourth annual MerleFest Mega Raffle to support scholarships at WCC. Over $140,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded. ONLY 3,000 tickets will be sold, and you do not have to be present to win. The Mega Raffle drawings will be held during the festival on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at the Raffle/Silent Auction Tent at 2:00 p.m. Winners will be announced during the live drawings and notified via email and phone to confirm the prize. Raffle tickets are $100 each and include two entries to the MerleFest Mega Raffle drawings. Mega Raffle tickets ON SALE NOW! https://merlefest.org/megaraffle/
Celebrating its 36th year this spring, MerleFest continues to draw fans from all over the world to the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains for four days of music, moments and memories. Proceeds from the annual event will support the year-round initiatives of Wilkes Community College while continuing to preserve and honor the legacies of its founding figures, Doc and Merle Watson. 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.
International Bluegrass Music Assocation fans and MerleFest faithful: The North Carolina Museum of History will present Tar Heel Troubadours: Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road from 7–8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17. Purcell leads Cane Mill Road as they rock the traditional bluegrass standards they were raised on. The band also writes original music for the bluegrass, old-time and Americana genres.
From the museum’s website: “Join us for Tar Heel Troubadours, a celebration of Americana, roots, bluegrass, and traditional music performed by artists from or living and working in North Carolina.
Top Row (left): Saylor Brothers, Zach Brock, Mild Goose Chase; Middle Row (left): Holler Choir, Florencia & The Feeling; Bottom Row (left): Screamin’ Bridge, The Dirty French Broads, The High & Wides
MerleFest, presented by Window World, has announced the finalists for its ninth annual band competition, which will be held during this year’s festival, April 25-28, on the campus of Wilkes Community College. Tickets for the MerleFest Mega Raffle went on sale Feb. 1, and with prizes like a brand-new Ford Bronco and Harley Davidson motorcycle, tickets are going fast! The 2024 festival will also see an outpouring of support from volunteers as applications reach record numbers.
Since its inception, MerleFest has emphasized its commitment to celebrating emerging talent and supporting artists of all backgrounds and experience levels. Each year, the festival provides some of today’s most fresh and noteworthy voices to showcase their virtuosity by performing alongside their peers during Saturday’s festivities. Of the eight finalists competing, one winner will earn the opportunity to perform in front of thousands of festival goers.
The band competition performances will take place Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the winner will be announced on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. The winning band will perform on Sunday, April 28, at the Hillside Stage at 11 a.m.
This year’s Band Competition will include: The Dirty French Broads (Asheville, NC)
Mega Raffle tickets and Acoustic Kids Showcase sign ups begin Feb. 1
Music lovers, listen up: There is no better way than to catch the magic of MerleFest (and many other music festivals) than to volunteer! You get to listen to a slew of fantastic artists for FREE plus you get free parking and even a discount on camping for a few hours of your time.
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.
MerleFest, presented by Window World, has announced the initial lineup for its 36th annual event, taking place April 25-28, 2024, on the campus of Wilkes Community College. Leading the breadth of can’t-miss performances this year are Grammy-winning rogue-folk ensemble Old Crow Medicine Show (celebrating both their 25th anniversary and nearly 25 years since their MerleFest debut in 2000), Red Dirt stalwarts Turnpike Troubadours, decorated blues-rock duo The Teskey Brothers, and recently reunited bluegrass sensation Nickel Creek. MerleFest favorites Steep Canyon Rangers, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, The Earls of Leicester, and more are also set to appear. View the initial lineup below. Additional artists to be announced in the coming weeks.
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 2024 will welcome Old Crow Medicine Show, Turnpike Troubadours, The Teskey Brothers, Nickel Creek, Steep Canyon Rangers, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, The Earls of Leicester, Shinyribs, Peter Rowan, Scythian, Donna the Buffalo, Jim Lauderdale, Kruger Brothers, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Chatham County Line, Chatham Rabbits, John McEuen, Willi Carlisle, Adeem the Artist, The Sensational Barnes Brothers, The Waybacks, Alexa Rose, Andy May, Ashes & Arrows, B. Townes, Banknotes, Buffalo Nichols, Carol Rifkin, Charles Welch, Flattop, Goldpine, Gravity Check Juggling, The InterACTive Theater of Jef, Jack Lawrence, Jake Kohn, Jeff Little Trio, JigJam, Joe Smothers, Josh Goforth, Kyshona, Laura Boosinger, The Local Boys, Mark Bumgarner, Mitch Greenhill & Mitch’s Kitchen, Nefesh Mountain, Palmyra, Pete & Joan Wernick, Presley Barker, Roy Book Binder, The Silent Comedy, T. Michael Coleman, Them Coulee Boys, Tony Williamson, Uwade, and Wayne Henderson. For artist performance dates, visit merlefest.org/lineup.
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.
Applications to be a MerleFest vendor are also open. 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.
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.
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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