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Musings on folk, Americana, country, bluegrass and newgrass

Tag Archives: North Carolina


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An Evening with the Couldn’t Be Happiers on Friday, June 20, at Wake Forest Listening Room

An Evening with Couldn’t Be Happiers

The name says it all.

Tuck Satterfield of The Simple Joy writes: “Energetic and quirky, Couldn’t Be Happiers is a folk-rock /Americana duo that enjoys every moment of their second chance at happiness. And it’s pretty damn contagious. Described by Doug Davis of Flytrap Studios as ‘Violent Femmes meets Johnny and June,’ this married songwriting duo joyfully blends rock, pop, bluegrass, and folk into a sound that is uniquely their own. The CBH songbook includes stories about the obsessive drive of a Bigfoot hunter, the life cycle of a plastic bag, the end of the world from global warming, the untold perspective of the first woman hanged in North Carolina, and the acrobatic feats of strength performed by a Cajun burglar feeding his gambling habit. But aside from the stories, what you’ll notice first is the voices — and in particular the beautiful homespun harmonies. Those voices will take you from church to holler to Opry and back again all in one song, thanks to the exhilarating power of Jodi’s vocals and the smoothly classic twang of Jordan’s. With Jodi on drums and harmonica, and Jordan on guitar, Couldn’t Be Happiers roll out an incredible sound, a set of great original songs, and a live show that all but dares you not to enjoy yourself.”

If you want to hear more, head on out to The Wake Forest Listening Room, 415 Brooks St., on Friday, June 20!

The Wake Forest Listening Room features original local, regional and national musicians.

Find tickets at: www.etix.com/ticket/p/65028954/an-evening-with-couldnt-be-happiers-wake-forest-wake-forest-listening-room

Public  · Anyone


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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.


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MerleFest 2025 kicks off on Thursday, April 24

Head to the hills of NC for everything bluegrass.

From my latest article for Raleigh Magazine:

Missing the IBMA Bluegrass Live! Fest? You aren’t alone. For some boot-stomping fun in its place, head on over to the North Carolina foothills for MerleFest 2025, the annual homecoming of bluegrass, Americana, folk and almost every other kind of music in between in Wilkesboro.

From April 24–27, the campus of Wilkes Community College will become a musical menagerie with more than 100 musicians taking to 13 stages—exactly what founder and legend late Doc Watson intended when he named the Americana festival after his son and fellow guitarist, Merle. 

The 37th MerleFest promises some incredible musical moments and memories with a lineup that includes the much-anticipated return of NC natives The Avett Brothers and Watchhouse (formerly known as Mandolin Orange), and the first-time appearance of icon Bonnie Raitt, whose music—like MerleFest—spans blues, folk, pop, country, rock and R&B. 

Triangle-based The Barefoot Movement is also returning to MerleFest, along with another local band, A Different Thread, out of Chapel Hill, which is among the eight hopefuls competing in the 10th Annual Band Competition, where finalists vie for the opportunity to perform on MerleFest’s iconic Hillside Stage. 

Late Night Jam Returns
Making a surprise return this year, The Bluegrass Situation will present the Late Night Jam hosted by Sam Bush and featuring a super-set of collaborations with East Nash Grass, Jack Lawrence, Joe Smothers, Peter Rowan, T. Michael Coleman, Tony Trischka, Woody Platt (formerly of the Steep Canyon Rangers) and more. 

“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,” says MerleFest Artist Relations Manager Lindsay Craven. “We took a pause on this offering so 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 you can only see here, and the highest-quality musical performances in the roots scene.”

Beyond its unparalleled musical offerings, MerleFest 2025 will also offer visitors a chance to explore the rich history of the festival through the MerleFest Archives and Oral Histories, now on display at the Appalachian State University Libraries. The exhibit spans the festival’s journey from its founding in 1988 to the present day through a curated collection of performance recordings, photographs and memorabilia, providing a glimpse into the festival’s growth and impact.

The state’s second-largest tourist draw, which acts as a fundraiser for WCC, will also offer shopping from a variety of vendors at The Shoppes at MerleFest, the Little Pickers Family Area, the Acoustic Kids Showcase, Jam Camp, Pickers Place, a wide range of good eats that double as fundraisers for the local community, and even nature walks and backstage tours. One-day general admission tickets from $90, multiday tickets from $245, merlefest.org.


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Inaugural Biscuits and Banjos festival comes to Durham on April 25-27

A music festival curated by GRAMMY & Pulitzer Prize-winning artist Rhiannon Giddens, and dedicated to the reclamation and exploration of Black music, art, and culture in her home state of North Carolina.

Biscuits and Banjos will take place in downtown Durham at the Durham Performing Arts Center, The Armory, Carolina Theater and more locations, according to a press release.

Greensboro native Giddens’ new festival spans three days to exchange ideas, expand conversations, uplift traditions, and trace the musical and geographical connections of old time, country, Americana, folk, jazz and blues to highlight their complicated origins. The festival will champion Black artists and creators, offering robust musical performances alongside secondary programming to include lectures, workshops and readings from authors, chefs, visual artists, and more. Black culture is not a monolith, and this gathering will provide an opportunity for those working outside the mainstream to come together in community, as well as showing the similar journeys the culture has taken across music, food, and literature.

The festival will honor the 20th Anniversary of the Black Banjo Gathering – a landmark musical summit held in Boone, N.C., in 2005 that became the impetus behind the creation of GRAMMY-winning black string band, the Carolina Chocolate Drops, which launched Giddens’ career. She immediately identified Durham as the ideal location to house Biscuits & Banjos given her personal connection to the city and its diverse reach and thriving contemporary culture, as well as its historical Black heritage.

Indoor programming will be ticketed and outdoor programming will be free to the public.

Biscuits & Banjos is a non-profit, community responsive festival. Funding for Biscuits & Banjos is made possible in part by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, North Carolina Humanities, the Danielle Rose Paikin Foundation, the Harper House Foundation, Warner Music Group/Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund, Duke Arts and Duke Community Affairs, and other generous individual donors, civic, and community partners.

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Rhiannon Giddens, Justin Robinson unveil latest single from soon-to-be released album on March 5

Rhiannon Giddens and Justin Robinson unveiled “Marching Jaybird,” on March 3, the latest single from from their forthcoming album of North Carolina fiddle and banjo music, “What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow” (out April 18 on Nonesuch Records).
The song finds the duo revisiting a recording by influential guitarist and singer Etta Baker, one of their musical heroes and a key inspiration for making this new album.
Produced by Giddens and Joseph “joebass” DeJarnette, the new album see’s Giddens and Robinson playing 18 of their favorite North Carolina tunes: a mix of instrumentals and tunes with words.
Many were learned from their late mentor, the legendary North Carolina Piedmont musician Joe Thompson, one of the last musicians of his era and his community to carry on the southern Black string band tradition. The two also recorded outdoors at Thompson’s Mebane, N.C., home, as well as the former plantation Mill Prong. They were accompanied by the sounds of nature, including two different broods of cicadas, which had not emerged simultaneously since 1803, creating a true once-in-a-lifetime soundscape.


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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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Lovin’ Life Music Fest set for May 2-4 in Charlotte fan appreciation sale ends Friday, March 21

Don’t Miss Out: Lovin’ Life Music Fest Fan Appreciation Sale Ends March 21 at Midnight!

Lovin’ Life Music Fest set for May 2-4 in Charlotte is just around the corner and tickets are in high demand.

The festival’s annual Fan Appreciation Sale is coming to an end on March 21 at midnight. This is your last chance to grab tickets before the next pricing tier kicks in.

SKIP THE LINES AT WILL CALL – get your tickets purchased by March 28 to make sure you get your wristbands (aka entry into the festival) shipped directly to you! All current payment plan holders must be paid in full by March 28 to get their wristbands shipped to them.

Don’t wait – tell your friends and grab your three-day or single-day tickets now!

To learn more or purchase tickets visit: https://lovinlifemusicfest.com/news/


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Moe Bandy honors 45th anniversary of George Jones’ classic with new single ‘He Stopped Loving Her Today’

NASHVILLE, Tennessee – Country music legend Moe Bandy honors George Jones for the 45th anniversary of “He Stopped Loving Her Today” by releasing his version as the latest single from his upcoming album, “Songs I Missed.”

Written by Bobby Braddock and Curley Putman, the song became a No. 1 hit for Jones in 1980 and was ranked among Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.” The single premiered on Feb. 28 on the Dillon Weldon & Drifting Cowboy Podcast and is now available on Instagram, Threads, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, and Spotify.

Produced by Jimmy Capps, “Songs I Missed” is a collection of Bandy’s renditions of timeless country classics and will be released on May 2, 2025, via StarVista Music.

“Every country singer, if they’re being completely honest, would probably admit they wish they had recorded ‘He Stopped Loving Her Today,’” said Bandy in a press release. “That being said, no one could have delivered it the way George Jones did. The heart and emotion he poured into every note made it truly his own. We can all wish, but that song found its rightful owner. I loved George and wanted to honor him with this tribute.”

One of America’s all-time leading classic country music artists, Bandy’s long string of hits includes “Bandy The Rodeo Clown,” “Hank Williams, You Wrote My Life,” “Till I’m Too Old To Die Young,” “Americana,” “It’s A Cheatin’ Situation,” “Just Good Ol’ Boys,” “Barstool Mountain,” “I Cheated Me Right Out of You,” “I Just Started Hatin’ Cheatin’ Songs Today,” “Rodeo Romeo,” “You Haven’t Heard the Last of Me,” “Holding The Bag” and dozens of other chart-toppers.

Whether writing, recording new songs, or traveling the world performing, Moe has one of the busiest schedules in show business. He has amassed 10 #1 hits, 40 Top Ten hits, and 5 Gold Albums. He has also won the ACM Song of the Year award, the ACM Most Promising Male Vocalist of the Year award, the American Video of the Year award, and the ACM and CMA Duet of the Year awards.

Fans can catch up with Bandy on tour in the coming weeks:

MAR 06 – Grand Ole Opry / Nashville, Tenn.
MAR 07 – The Liberty Showcase Theater / Liberty, N.C.
MAR 08 – Old Dominion Barn Dance / Hopewell, Va. (with Joe Stampley)
MAR 09 – Tuck’s Bar / Minor Hill, Tenn.
MAR 13 – Main Street Crossing / Tomball, Texas
MAR 14 – Granbury Live / Granbury, Texas
MAR 15 – Brady Civic Center / Brady, Texas
MAR 22 – Jackson Street Jams / Burnet, Texas
APR 12 – Texas Pride / Adkins, Texas
APR 26 – Smithville Jamboree / Smithville, Texas (with Joe Stampley)
MAY 02 – Blackhawk Creek Grill / Whitehouse, Texas
MAY 03 – Downtown San Saba / San Saba, Texas                
JUN 06 – The Pines Theater / Lufkin, Texas
JUN 07 – 11th Street Cowboy Bar / Bandera, Texas
JUL 18 – Spencer Theater / Alto, N.M.
AUG 22 – Private Event / Kingsport, Tenn.
OCT 09 – Clay Cooper Theater / Branson, Mo.


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21st Spring Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival set for May 1-4, 2025

The Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance is a collaboration between the Shakori Hills Community Arts Center and the GrassRoots Festival Organization, providing a family-friendly celebration of music, dance, art and education!

This year’s spring festival includes headliners and hosts Donna the Buffalo, The California Honeydrops, Los Lobos, and many more! Tickets, which are $159 for four days during the early bird special, are on sale now at https://shakorihillsgrassrootsfestival.thundertix.com/orders/new?performance_id=3116033

The Shakori Hills Community Arts Center is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Make a donation to the SHCAC!

The Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival Organization is also a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit. Find out more about the GrassRoots Family.