musicreporterblog

Musings on folk, Americana, country, bluegrass and newgrass

Tag Archives: travel


by Leave a comment

North Carolina Folk Festival named ‘Signature Event of the Southeast for 2025’

The Southeast Tourism Society (STS) has named the North Carolina Folk Festival as one of its Signature Events of the Southeast for 2025, recognizing it among the region’s top annual festivals. Travel industry experts select these top events each year, shining a spotlight on the people and experiences that make them special.

“Being named a Signature Event of the Southeast is an incredible honor, but it’s only the start,” said Jodee Ruppel, NC Folk Festival executive director, in a release. “This recognition inspires our commitment to keep growing with more amazing artists, diverse traditions, and bringing new audiences to Greensboro to experience the vibe of our festival and our city.”

The 2025 NC Folk Festival will fill downtown Greensboro with the sounds of global music Sept. 12–14. This year’s headliners include Sammy Rae & The Friends (Friday), Arrested Development (Saturday) and Steep Canyon Rangers (Sunday).

The three-day festival, now in its 11th year, began as the National Folk Festival before transitioning into its North Carolina version. It draws more than 100,000 visitors to downtown Greensboro annually.

“Being named a Signature Event of the Southeast is a tremendous honor that speaks volumes about the North Carolina Folk Festival’s impact—not just in our community, but across the region,” said Melvin “Skip” Alston, chairman of the Guilford County Board of Commissioners, in a release. “Guilford County has long been a destination for arts, culture, and community, and we couldn’t be prouder of the Folk Festival in achieving this national recognition. The festival is a celebration of the rich diversity that makes our community special, and this accolade reinforces what we’ve always known—it’s one of the best events in the South.

“It’s wonderful to see the N.C. Folk Festival recognized as a Signature Event of the Southeast. This honor reflects the talent, diversity and community spirit the festival brings to Greensboro every year, and it’s exciting to see something that started here getting regional recognition,” says Greensboro Mayor Nancy Vaughan.

For more than 40 years, STS has celebrated the Southeast’s premier festivals, honoring the dedication of event organizers while providing additional exposure. Events considered for the STS Signature Events of the Southeast recognition must be at least three years old and attract a minimum of 1,000 attendees.


by Leave a comment

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.


by Leave a comment

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.


by Leave a comment

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.

Continue reading →


by Leave a comment

Tift Merritt and Thomas Sayre present ‘Four Walls, Four Songs’ on Saturday, Feb. 15

Tift Merritt playing piano and singing inside art exhibit.

On Saturday, Feb. 15, the Cameron Art Museum in Wilmington, North Carolina, will once again host a special performance by Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Tift Merritt and North Carolina Artist Thomas Sayre.

“Four Walls, Four Songs,” a sound response to Thomas Sayre’s “Four Walls,” returns to Cameron Art Museum for a reprise at 7 p.m. The performance explores the burned, brushed, rusted and razed layers of Sayre’s visual work. Merritt’s multi-movement piece uses voice, piano, and guitar while drawing us deeper into the elemental artworks on display in Sayre’s “Four Walls.” Drawing from a deep friendship and creative dialogue between the two artists, Merritt crafts a sound exploration that resonates with the materials, visuals, and questions posed by Sayre’s monumental piece.

The first showing of this performance in September 2024 sold out completely, with one attendee describing it as “a remarkable multi-sensory exhibit that pushed the bounds of the typical gallery/museum experience.” 

Tickets for CAM Members are $75; not-yet members $100.

TICKETS

Continue reading →


by Leave a comment

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