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Scythian returns to North Carolina bringing its unique brand of Celtic rock to Elkin, Raleigh and Wilkesboro in March, April

The members of Scythian, a Celtic rock band known for bringing legions of MerleFest fans to their feet since 2007, may call Virginia home, but North Carolina comes in at a close second.

And their upcoming touring schedule is reflective of why the Old North State feels like coming home for the current foursome made up of brothers Alexander Fedoryka (Vocals, Fiddle, Mandolin, Harmonica) and Danylo Fedoryka (Vocals, Guitar, Accordion) along with Ethan Dean (Vocals, Upright and Electric Bass, Percussion, Guitar) and Johnny Rees (Vocals, Drums, Percussion).

The classically trained Fedorykas grew up on the Ukrainian folk music of their ancestors and bluegrass, while Dean was raised on the greats of 60’s and 70’s folk-rock. Lafayette, Louisiana native Rees brings a Cajun beat to the Celtic-Americana fusion giving Scythian yet another dimension to keep audiences entertained and moving.

Scythian had its most prolific year in 2020 with more than 1,000 hours of live streams held during the Covid lockdowns, the release of two new albums (Roots & Stones and Quaranstream: The Album) and four new music videos. But you have to catch their live show to understand why The Camel City Dispatch said of one of their Merlefest performances: “[Scythian gives] no quarter in their quest to entertain and bring a joy to their music that gives it an irony-free, wide open feel of manic possibility. The playing is technically brilliant, but it is the energy that carries the day.”

Scythian, which means “nomad” in Ukranian, has been described as fusing Celtic and Americana music with thunderous energy into what the band’s members call “immigrant rock.” Check out the following links to catch one of the band’s upcoming N.C. shows.

Learn more abou the band in a story I wrote about them that was published in The Huffington Post.

NORTH CAROLINA TOUR SPRING 2025

The Reeves Theater and Café

Friday, March 14 @ 8 p.m.

“One of our favorite places to play, and it ALWAYS sells out months before we get there, we’re BACK at the Reeves Theater! Grab your tickets ASAP because this place sells out faster than Taylor Swift Concert,” the band says on its website.

Nashville Farmer’s Market

Friday, Apr 11  FREE SHOW

4th Annual Farmers Market

PineCone Presents 2025 Down Home Concert Series: Scythian

Saturday, April 12 @ 7:30 p.m.
Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts Raleigh, NC

MerleFest 2025, Wilkesboro

Friday, April 25

Saturday, April 26

Sunday, April 27

“We couldn’t be more excited to return to MerleFest for another incredible year! There’s nothing like the energy and camaraderie of this iconic festival. Join us as we turn up the fiddles, kick up the tempo, and dive into a set that celebrates the heart and soul of MerleFest. Get ready to sing, dance, and make some new memories—see you there!”



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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 2025 shares finalists for the 10th annual band competition, adds Carolina Detour, Wilder Flower, and more to lineup

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

MerleFest, presented by Window World, will return to Wilkes Community College the weekend of April 24-27 for its 2025 event. Known for blending incredible live music with strong community ties, MerleFest continues to hold its title as a can’t miss annual tradition for both area natives and visitors from all over the world.

This year’s festival will highlight the 10th Annual Band Competition, where eight talented finalists will compete for the opportunity to perform on MerleFest’s iconic Hillside Stage. The competition performances will take place on Saturday, April 26, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the winner announced at 4:30 p.m. The victorious band will then perform at 11 a.m. on Sunday, April 27, on the Hillside Stage in front of thousands of attendees.

This year’s band competition will include:

A Different Thread (Chapel Hill)
Admiral Radio (Columbia, South Carolina)
Charlie Maples (Johnson City, Tennessee)
Corrie Lynn Green (Port Republic, Virginia)
Mama & The Ruckus (Asheville)
Ranford Almond (Greensboro)
Upstream Rebellion (Waynesville)
The Well Drinkers (Charlotte)

In addition to these band competition finalists, MerleFest 2025 is proud to welcome several exciting new acts to its already-stacked lineup. Final additions include Sweet Megg, Carolina Detour, Creekwater Collective, Dear MariBella & The Pig Kickers, Ella Hennessee, Myles Gee, Pickin’ Thistles, and Wilder Flower. These performers join an outstanding roster of talent, ensuring MerleFest 2025 will be a celebration of diverse musical styles and fresh voices.

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Rooster Walk 15 Music & Arts Festival announces full lineup for May 22-25, ticket prices increase Feb. 1

Joining the Lineup: Lettuce, Keller Williams, Ghost-Note, Dangermuffin, Ashes & Arrows, a stellar cast of Artists at Large, plus 15 more bands! Discounted tickets available until Feb. 1!

From the good folks at Rooster Walk Music and Arts Festival:

The countdown to the 15th annual Rooster Walk Music & Arts Festival is on, and organizers are thrilled to announce the final lineup, featuring funk legends Lettuce, festival icon Keller Williams, and 26 more incredible acts, officially completing the band lineup! The festival will take place May 22-25, 2025, at the scenic Pop’s Farm in Martinsville, Virginia.

Lettuce will return for their third all-time performance at Rooster Walk, following standout shows at RW12 and their headline set at RW8. Meanwhile, Keller Williams, a long-time fan favorite, will bring his unique energy to the festival for the very first time, performing a special 90-minute funk set backed by the all-star Rooster Walk House Band.

“We couldn’t be more excited about the stellar lineup we’ve put together for Rooster Walk 15,” said Johnny Buck, executive director of Rooster Walk Inc. “Lettuce has always been a crowd favorite, and to finally have Keller Williams joining us, an artist that’s been on the wish list since our very first festival. This festival is truly going to be something special.”

Along with Lettuce and Keller Williams, the festival will showcase Ghost-Note (Dallas, TX), a band that features many of Snarky Puppy’s members; they are sure to bring their jazz-funk wizardry to Rooster Walk’s late-night stages. Dangermuffin (Folly Beach, SC) will return for their fifth appearance at the festival, while Ashes & Arrows, the breakout Asheville, NC band recently featured on America’s Got Talent, will make its Rooster Walk debut.

The Artists at Large for this year’s festival are a dream team of musical talent, joining forces to create unforgettable moments throughout the weekend. The all-star cast that will bring an unprecedented level of musicianship to the Rooster Walk House Band performances includes: Ron Holloway (sax, Baltimore, MD), Jeff Sipe (drums, Black Mountain, NC), Josh Shilling (keys & vocals, Nashville, TN), Isaac Hadden (guitar / Asheville, NC) / Keyser George (guitar / Nashville, TN); Wallace Mullinax (guitar/ Charleston, SC); Florencia Rusinol (vocals & guitar / Johnson City, TN); and Jake Dempsey (bass / Roanoke, VA).

Other additions to the lineup include: Dale and the ZDubs (reggae / Maryland); Erin & The Wildfire (R&B / Charlottesville VA); Arts Fishing Club (Americana / Appleton, Wisc.); Underground Springhouse (jamband / Athens, GA); Mighty Joshua (reggae / Richmond, VA); Hustle Souls (soul / Asheville, N.C.); Deau Eyes (indy / Richmond, VA); Future Joy (future-funk / CO & FL); Striking Copper (roots / Wilmington, N.C.); Winyah (rock / Charleston, S.C.); Bella Moulden (indy / Buffalo, N.Y.); Woody Woodworth & The Piners (country / Richmond, VA); Rebecca Porter (country / Harrisonburg, VA); Jules & The Agreeables (rock / Loudon County, VA); and magician Hunter Rhodes (magic / Richmond, VA).

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MerleFest shares silent auction, volunteer opportunities, Acoustic Kids Showcase for April 24-27, 2025

Photo of Scythian on Merlefest Watson Stage by Brendan McLean

From the good folks at MerleFest:

MerleFest, presented by Window World, will make its return to Wilkes Community College the weekend of April 24-27, 2025, continuing its tradition of blending incredible music with a deep commitment to its community.

This year’s festival will once again showcase four days of unforgettable performances, while honoring the rich legacy of Doc and Merle Watson. Fans from all over will gather once more in the scenic foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains for this iconic event.

MerleFest is proud to once again welcome our 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, we host 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 from February 1 through March 15 (or until all showcases are full, whichever comes first). Register early to hold your spot! Online registration, showcase schedules, and FAQs are available at https://andymay.com/acoustic-kids/acoustic-kids-merlefest/, and detailed registration instructions are at https://andymay.com/acoustic-kids/registration-instructions/.

School Day and Outreach – MerleFest School Day hosts students and their teachers from area middle and high schools on Friday to enjoy the festival free of charge. Over 2,300 school children from Wilkes and surrounding counties attend MerleFest annually through the MerleFest School Day program. In addition to welcoming students to MerleFest, the MerleFest Outreach program brings MerleFest to the students. The MerleFest Outreach program enhances regional education by showcasing performances from festival artists in 17 public elementary and middle schools, giving many students who may otherwise not be able to attend a face-to-face encounter with the artists and their craft. This program reaches 5,900 students annually.

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. Stay tuned for more details at merlefest.org/silent-auction.

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 15 deadline. 

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.

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.


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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 


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Old Crow Medicine Show to headline ‘Music for the Mountains’ benefit show in Raleigh on Oct. 27

From the good folks at WRAL: Ketch Secor, founder of Old Crow Medicine Show, shares his deep connection to North Carolina, where the band first found its roots and inspiration.

Though he grew up in Virginia and now lives in Tennessee, Secor says his heart is in North Carolina.

“I look to those mountains for my inspiration and my heart really,” the  founder and frontman of Old Crow Medicine Show told WRAL on Thursday, Oct. 24. “If your heart is really for the western mountains in North Carolina, it’s broken now.”

Old Crow Medicine Show started playing together more than 25 years ago and got it’s first break on the streets of Boone.

“Old Crow Medicine Show met Doc Watson, the granddaddy of all pickers on the street corner right out in front of Boone drug on King Street in Watauga County,” Secor said. “So that was sort of my encounter with the roots, with the traditional music makers of North Carolina.” 

Perhaps most well-known for the song “Wagon Wheel,” Secor wrote along with Bob Dylan’s lyrics, Old Crow garnered much inspiration from the mountains.

“The southern highlands are really the region that that that, you know, without without them, there’d be no rock and roll, there’d be no country music,” Secor said. “It’s really quite sacred to us. You know, if you love song, American song is really at at its peak, up in those jagged peaks.”

Many places that have meant so much to Secor and his bandmates were forever changed by Hurricane Helene.

“The little town of Beach Creek that we lived in in Avery County, North Carolina, has had terrible, irrevocable damage, the place where we’re supposed to play this weekend, Spruce Pine in Mitchell County, North Carolina. I mean, Mitchell County has just been devastated,” Secor said.

Secor has been on the ground in the mountains, helping deliver supplies and seeing the damage for himself. He says the recovery is just beginning.

“We need to remind folks that that the the hard work really is what’s ahead,” he said. 

He also wants you to know you can support Western North Carolina on Sunday, Oct. 28, and have fun doing it by checking out the band on stage at Red Hat Amphitheater during the Music for the Mountains benefit concert. WRAL is a proud sponsor for this event. Joining Old Crow will be Chatham County Line, B.J. Barham of American Aquarium and more.

 “I want you guys to come out there bring bring your dancing shoes and your wallets,” Secor said. 


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Tar Heel Troubadours concert series wraps up at N.C. history museum with Rissi Palmer, Miko Marks and Henhouse Prowlers on Oct. 4-5

The North Carolina Museum of History is embarking on a transformative journey that will redefine how visitors experience the state’s rich history. As part of this project, the physical museum building will close to the public on October 7 to begin an exciting makeover that will last two to three years. The Museum Shop will remain open to the public until December 29, 2024.

Don’t miss your chance to visit the museum before it closes. With two exciting concerts planned, this final weekend will punctuate the many wonderful years of programming and exhibits the museum has brought to the community. Following the museum building’s closure, Tar Heel Troubadours will experience a brief pause during this time.

Tar Heel Troubadours: Rissi Palmer & Miko Marks
From 7–9:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 4, there will be a performance by Rissi Palmer, who is known for her groundbreaking work in country and R&B music, coining her own genre called “Southern Soul.” She advocates for musicians of color and those marginalized in mainstream country through her radio show Color Me Country with Rissi Palmer on Apple Music Country. Palmer will be joined by Miko Marks has created a unique sound by blending country, blues, southern rock, and gospel. Her warm and soulful spirit has drawn widespread acclaim, establishing her as a catalyst for change in the country music genre.
Tar Heel Troubadours: Henhouse Prowlers
The Henhouse Prowlers will perform from 7–9:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5. The group has been spreading their powerful and original music for nearly two decades. Their latest album, Lead and Iron, showcases their songwriting and intricate instrumentation. The band has also been working with the US State Department and their nonprofit, Bluegrass Ambassadors, to tour more than 25 countries, bridging cultural gaps through music and education. Their experiences in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East have shaped their worldview and influenced their approach to incorporating international elements into their traditional American music repertoire.

For more information or to buy tickets, visit https://www.ncmuseumofhistory.org/news/events/tar-heel-troubadours-henhouse-prowlers


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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

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IBMA Bluegrass Ramble artist lineup features something for every musical taste

Bluegrass is back in Raleigh beginning Tuesday with IBMA’s World of Bluegrass featuring the annual Business Conference, award shows, showcases, the Ramble, free music on stages spread across downtown on Friday and Saturday and of course, the headliners at Red Hat Amphitheatre.

Beginning Tuesday, the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Official Showcases are the premier platform for introducing talent and new music to the bluegrass community during IBMA World of Bluegrass®. Each selected showcase act will perform at least twice during the week — typically once during the IBMA Business Conference and once at an IBMA Bluegrass Ramble venue.

All emerging bluegrass bands, as well as established bands with new music or new personnel, are encouraged to apply. Thousands of bluegrass fans fill six venues throughout Downtown Raleigh over three nights to catch the newest in bluegrass music!I

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