WILKESBORO –– MerleFest, presented by Window World, has revealed a star-studded roster joining its highly anticipated Late Night Jam hosted by Old Crow Medicine Show.
The beloved MerleFest tradition promises unforgettable collaborations between special guests including Charlie Starr (of Blackberry Smoke), Maggie Rose, The Creekers, AJ Lee & Blue Summit, DUG, Donna the Buffalo, and more to be announced.
MerleFest is proud to once again welcome our 2026 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.
The WCC Foundation is thrilled to continue the Silent Auction this year, featuring the convenience of online bidding and the chance to view items in person throughout the festival. You can browse and place bids before and during the festival — all without missing a beat of the music. This year’s auction will showcase an even greater variety of distinctive, high-quality items, and the 50/50 Raffle is back for another exciting year! Proceeds support the SAGE (Supporting Academic Goals for Education) First Year Experience program, empowering students to start strong and achieve their goals. Stay tuned for more details at merlefest.org/silent-auction.
MerleFest 2026 tickets are available now, including the highly anticipated Late Night Jam. For general admission passes, reserved seating, camping, parking, and more, please visit merlefest.org/purchase.
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, 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.
MerleFest, presented by Window World, will hold its 38th annual festival April 23-26, 2026 on the campus of Wilkes Community College, featuring a who’s who of “traditional plus” talent.
Slated for the highly anticipated weekend are headliners Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, Old Crow Medicine Show, Charles Wesley Godwin, and Blackberry Smoke, alongside standouts like Molly Tuttle, Railroad Earth, and The Infamous Stringdusters, to name a few. Today, MerleFest unveiled its complete 2026 schedule for all 12 stages, now available online and via the official MerleFest Mobile App. Free to download on iOS and Android devices, the app features set times, artist bios, a festival map, and more — serving as an all-in-one tool for fans planning their weekend.
In addition to exploring the schedule, fans can now browse the official 2026 MerleFest merchandise collection through the festival’s online store. Festival merchandise is available to shop for a limited time in advance of the April 23-26 weekend, giving attendees the opportunity to pre-order festival favorites and show their MerleFest spirit year-round.
MerleFest is proud to once again welcome our 2026 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.
The WCC Foundation is thrilled to continue the Silent Auction this year, featuring the convenience of online bidding and the chance to view items in person throughout the festival. You can browse and place bids before and during the festival — all without missing a beat of the music. This year’s auction will showcase an even greater variety of distinctive, high-quality items, and the 50/50 Raffle is back for another exciting year! Proceeds support the SAGE (Supporting Academic Goals for Education) First Year Experience program, empowering students to start strong and achieve their goals. Online bidding for both the Silent Auction and the 50/50 Raffle will launch on April 6th. Stay tuned for more details at merlefest.org/silent-auction.
MerleFest 2026 tickets are available now, including the highly anticipated Late Night Jam featuring host Old Crow Medicine Show, guests Charlie Starr (of Blackberry Smoke), Maggie Rose, The Creekers, AJ Lee & Blue Summit, DUG, Donna the Buffalo, and more. For general admission passes, reserved seating, backstage tours, parking, and more, please visit merlefest.org/purchase.
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.
About Window World®
Window World®, headquartered in North Wilkesboro, N.C., is America’s largest replacement window and exterior remodeling company, with more than 225 locally owned franchises nationwide. Founded in 1995, the company sells and installs windows, siding, doors, and other exterior products, with over 23 million windows sold and installed to date. Window World is an ENERGY STAR® partner and its windows, vinyl siding and entry doors have earned the Good Housekeeping Seal. Through its charitable foundation, Window World Cares®, Window World and its franchisees provide funding for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. Since its inception in 2008, the foundation has raised over $19 million for St. Jude. Window World also supports veterans through its Window World Military Initiative (WWMI). WWMI defines Window World’s commitment to honor and serve America’s veterans, active military, and military families across the entire franchise system by focusing on three pillars: Careers, Community Outreach and Partnerships. The Veterans Airlift Command has been a partner since 2008. During that time, Window World has contributed over $3.0 million in flights and donations to the organization. For more information, visit WindowWorld.com or call 1-800 WINDOWWORLD. For home improvement and energy efficiency tips, décor ideas, and more, follow Window World on Facebook and Instagram.
MerleFest, presented by Window World, has unveiled lineup details in a press release for its 2026 event, taking place over four unforgettable days from April 23–26 on the campus of Wilkes Community College.
Fourteen-time GRAMMY winners Alison Krauss & Union Station will mark their long-awaited return to the MerleFest stage since their Sunday night closing appearance at the festival’s 25th celebration.
Also making a comeback are Old Crow Medicine Show, a longtime festival favorite whose ties to its founding legend Doc Watson trace back to the turn of the millennium. The revelrous string ensemble will also play host to this year’s Late Night Jam –– a beloved MerleFest tradition that was revived last year after a brief hiatus. Also on the bill are golden-voiced West Virginia singer/songwriter Charles Wesley Godwin, hard-driving Southern rock stalwarts Blackberry Smoke, decorated flatpicker and vocalist Molly Tuttle, along with Old Crow Medicine Show frontman Ketch Secor, Steep Canyon Rangers, The Creekers, Trey Hensley, and many more. Additional acts will be announced in December, organizers say.
Each year, MerleFest honors the legacy of North Carolina music legend Doc Watson while celebrating and uplifting the next generation of talent. Its “traditional plus” framework invites curiosity and exploration among performers and attendees alike, creating a festival experience that is always fresh while preserving the soul of what makes MerleFest such a cherished annual tradition. One can’t-miss experience this year is the Saturday night Late Night Jam, hosted by Old Crow Medicine Show. This separately-ticketed, after-hours event is the ideal nightcap for those looking to witness a night of groundbreaking, “only at MerleFest” collaborations. Visit merlefest.org/purchase for details and to stay tuned for guest announcements.
MerleFest 2026 will also welcome Sam Bush, The Jerry Douglas Band, Peter Rowan & The Walls of Time Band, Sister Sadie, Jake Shimabukuro, Hogslop String Band, Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, Dom Flemons & The Traveling Wildfires, Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Melissa Carper, Leon Timbo & The Family Band, DUG, Scythian, Donna The Buffalo, Jim Lauderdale, Kruger Brothers, The Waybacks, Amelia Day, Andy May, Banknotes, Carol Rifkin, Charles Welch, The InterACTive Theatre of Jef, Jack Lawrence, Jeff Little Trio, Joe Smothers, The Knackered Ramblers, Laura Boosinger, The Local Boys, Mark Bumgarner, Mitch Greenhill & Mitch’s Kitchen, Pete & Joan Wernick, Presley Barker, Roy Book Binder, T. Michael Coleman, Tony Williamson and Wayne Henderson, with additional artists to be announced in the coming weeks.
The WCC Foundation is thrilled to continue the Silent Auction this year, featuring the convenience of online bidding and the chance to view items in person throughout the festival. You can browse and place bids before and during the festival — all without missing a beat of the music. This year’s auction will showcase an even greater variety of distinctive, high-quality items, and the 50/50 Raffle is back for another exciting year! Proceeds support the SAGE (Supporting Academic Goals for Education) First Year Experience program, empowering students to start strong and achieve their goals. Stay tuned for more details at merlefest.org/silent-auction.
MerleFest 2026 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.
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.
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 night time 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 Jan. 15.
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 Dec. 1.
Apply to be a food truck vendor! MerleFest is accepting applications for food trucks. A limited number of food trucks will be featured in the Shoppes at MerleFest. These vendors will be carefully selected 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 Dec. 1.
You heard it here folks: North Carolina native Mason Via’s latest single and music video are destined to be hits. I dare you not to tap your fingers and your toes once you start listening to the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter’s “There Goes Another One,” released by Mountain Fever Group.
Via returned home to the foothills of his native state for his newest music video, in which he asked FOX8’s Chad Tucker to play the high sheriff, a nod to the classic “Smokie and the Bandit.”
A Stokes County native, Via has performed on some of the biggest stages and recently stepped away from the legendary group “Old Crow Medicine Show” to go out on his own.
His recently self-titled album captures Via’s unique musical style, songwriting and voice.
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.
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.
From the good folks at the Earl Scruggs Music Festival, which will return to Mill Spring, North Carolina on Aug. 30-Sept. 1 with a trifecta of outstanding talent, supreme amenities and family friendly entertainment.
This week organizers announced the 2024 lineup will include “Delta Dawn” hitmaker Tanya Tucker, seminal string band Old Crow Medicine Show, country and bluegrass mainstay Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives, Colorado jamgrass ensemble Yonder Mountain String Band, and many more first-class pickers. Held annually at Tryon International Equestrian Center, Scruggs Fest has quickly become a beloved tradition among fans of Earl Scruggs, the three-finger banjoist who pioneered one of the most popular musical techniques in history. Along with the aforementioned acts, Scruggs Fest looks forward to welcoming returning hosts Jerry Douglas and The Earls of Leicester, plus first-time guests The Steeldrivers, Mighty Poplar, Lindsay Lou, Miko Marks, and nearly a dozen others. See below for a complete 2024 lineup.
Now entering its third year, Earl Scruggs Music Festival was established in partnership with WNCW 88.7 at Isothermal Community College in Spindale, NC and the Earl Scruggs Center located in Shelby, NC. According to Bluegrass Today, Scruggs Fest “has already risen to the top tier of annual music festivals.” WMOT in Nashville adds, “[Scruggs’ family] would have been impressed by this tribute to the most influential bluegrass musician in history;” while Grateful Web dubs the festival “a truly exceptional event.” With a standout lineup featuring the best in traditional roots music and progressive fusions, Earl Scruggs Music Festival will continue to illuminate the profound impact that Scruggs had on American culture, while uplifting fresh and noteworthy voices in the genre. A portion of proceeds will support the festival’s beneficiaries, the Earl Scruggs Center and Isothermal Community College, who serve Earl Scruggs’ home region of the Carolina Foothills with cultural programming through multiple channels.
Additional programming to be announced at a later date will include performances by Junior Appalachian Musicians, PacJAM, and more. The festival will once again take place at Tryon International Equestrian Center in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Known for its roster of rotating events including world class equestrian competitions, festive holiday celebrations, concerts, and more, the immaculate campus will serve as a quintessential backdrop for the festival, which promises on-site lodging, dining, and comfortable amenities throughout the event weekend.
Advance-price tickets are currently on sale, with a variety of General Admission and VIP packages available. VIP ticket packages include reserved seating in VIP-exclusive indoor and outdoor spaces, exclusive merchandise items, complimentary refreshments, and more. On-site camping and cabin rentals are also available for reservation via the festival website.
For more details and to stay up-to-date on all things Earl Scruggs Music Festival, visit earlscruggsmusicfest.com/.
WHAT: Earl Scruggs Music Festival WHEN: Aug. 30-Sept. 1, 2024 WHERE: Tryon International Equestrian Center, 25 International Blvd., Mill Spring, NC 28756 TICKETS:earlscruggsmusicfest.com/tickets
About Earl Scruggs Center The Earl Scruggs Center combines the life story of legendary five-string banjo master and Cleveland County native, Earl Scruggs, with the unique and engaging story of the history and cultural traditions of the region in which Scruggs was born and raised. It was in the nearby Flint Hill community where Scruggs learned to play banjo and perfected the three-finger playing style that has come to be known around the world as “Scruggs Style.” The Earl Scruggs Center explores Scruggs’ innovative career and the community that gave it shape while celebrating how he crossed musical boundaries and defined the voice of the banjo to the world. Mr. Scruggs embraced tradition while also adapting to the changing times and looking toward the future – themes that resonate throughout the Center. Engaging exhibits, special event space, and rich programming provide a uniquely rich experience for visitors.
About Tryon International Equestrian Center Tryon International Equestrian Center is the ultimate international destination for all who love horses, outdoor living, and an active lifestyle. As host of the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018, Tryon International Equestrian Center offers first-class facilities for all FEI disciplines in addition to showcasing hunter/jumper, equitation, steeplechase, polo, and multi-discipline events in Mill Spring, NC. From carousel to competition, the mission of Tryon Resort is to celebrate the magic of the horse, grow equestrian sport, and increase access to this majestic animal. A haven for equestrian competitors and enthusiasts alike, Tryon Resort is an iconic, year-round destination for connoisseurs of diverse cuisine and shopping, lodging getaways, and family entertainment.
About WNCW 88.7, Isothermal Community College WNCW is a listener-supported public media service of Isothermal Community College, which serves the community through advancing new musical discoveries, showcasing local and regional talent, and preserving and promoting the traditions of Appalachian and roots music in our area and beyond. The station’s eclectic mix includes Americana, Triple-A rock/acoustic, bluegrass, blues, jazz, reggae, world, and other roots music styles, in addition to weekly spotlights on jam bands, Frank Zappa, and more. Live artist interviews and performances are broadcast frequently from WNCW’s professional recording studio, “Studio B”. As the flagship bluegrass station, WNCW broadcasts contemporary, traditional, and historical bluegrass music for eight hours each Saturday. Listeners can find WNCW at 88.7 FM throughout most of its listening area, which includes Western NC, Upstate SC and Eastern Tennessee. Translators rebroadcast the signal at 101.3 in Charlotte, 97.3 in Greenville, 92.9 in Boone and 90.9 WSIF in Wilkesboro. The station also has a worldwide audience through its livestream at wncw.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.
If you are looking for predictions on the best Rap, Reggae or Jazz performances, you’ve come to the wrong place. But if you are interested in who I think will win versus who should win in categories including best Americana, Country and Bluegrass, you’re in the right place. My winner predictions are in bold while who should win has an asterisk in front of the nominee. Who do you think should win? I would love to hear your picks.
The toughest category in the list below for me was Best Bluegrass Album. While everyone in this category deserves a “W,” Billy Strings will continue to ride his current wave of popularity to earn this well-deserved Grammy despite the fact that I believe Molly Tuttle and her band put out a better album. Best Country Solo Performance category is another tough one with Dolly Parton going head to head with Luke Combs haunting version of “Fast Car,” but I think Brandy Clark should win this category. My money, if I was in Vegas, however, is on Chris Stapleton for obvious reasons. The same goes for Best Country Duo/Group Performance. While I think Dierks Bentley and Billy Strings “High Note” should win, I think Carly Pierce and Stapleton will edge out the crazy popular Jelly Roll and Lainey Wilson.
Best Country Solo Performance
*Brandy Clark – Buried Chris Stapleton – White Horse Dolly Parton – The Last Thing on My Mind Luke Combs – Fast Car Tyler Childers – In Your Love
Best Country Duo/Group Performance
Brothers Osborne – Nobody’s Nobody Carly Pearce Featuring Chris Stapleton – We Don’t Fight Anymore *Dierks Bentley featuring Billy Strings – High Note Jelly Roll With Lainey Wilson – Save Me Vince Gill & Paul Franklin – Kissing Your Picture (Is So Cold) Zach Bryan Featuring Kacey Musgraves – I Remember Everything
Best Country Song
*Brandy Clark – Buried Chris Stapleton – White Horse Morgan Wallen – Last Night Tyler Childers – In Your Love Zach Bryan Featuring Kacey Musgraves – I Remember Everything
Best Country Album
Brothers Osborne – Brothers Osborne Kelsea Ballerini – Rolling Up the Welcome Mat *Lainey Wilson – Bell Bottom Country Tyler Childers – Rustin’ in the Rain Zach Bryan – Zach Bryan
Best American Roots Performance
Allison Russell – Eve Was Black Blind Boys of Alabama – Heaven Help Us All Jon Batiste – Butterfly Madison Cunningham – Inventing the Wheel *Rhiannon Giddens – You Louisiana Man
Best Americana Performance
Allison Russell – The Returner Blind Boys of Alabama – Friendship *Brandy Clark Featuring Brandi Carlile – Dear Insecurity Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit – King of Oklahoma Tyler Childers – Help Me Make It Through the Night
Best American Roots Song
Allison Russell – The Returner *Billy Strings Featuring Willie Nelson – California Sober Brandy Clark Featuring Brandi Carlile – Dear Insecurity Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit – Cast Iron Skillet The War and Treaty – Blank Page
Best Americana Album
Allison Russell – The Returner Brandy Clark – Brandy Clark Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit – Weathervanes Rodney Crowell – The Chicago Sessions *Rhiannon Giddens – You’re the One
Best Bluegrass Album
Billy Strings – Me/And/Dad Michael Cleveland – Lovin’ of the Game Mighty Poplar – Mighty Poplar *Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway – City of Gold Sam Bush – Radio John: Songs of John Hartford Willie Nelson – Bluegrass
Best Folk Album
Dom Flemons – Traveling Wildfire Joni Mitchell – Joni Mitchell at Newport (Live) The Milk Carton Kids – I Only See the Moon Nickel Creek – Celebrants *Old Crow Medicine Show – Jubilee Paul Simon – Psalms Rufus Wainwright – Folkocracy
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.
musicreporterblog 