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Musings on folk, Americana, country, bluegrass and newgrass


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2018 Chris Austin Songwriting Contest finalists to perform at MerleFest on Friday, April 27

From the good folks over at MerleFest:
The prestigious Chris Austin Songwriting Contest has announced the 2018 finalists that will perform at MerleFest. The final round of the competition will take place Friday, April 27; first place winners will receive $600 cash and a Friday night performance slot on the Cabin Stage. Now in its 26th year, CASC is an extraordinary opportunity for songwriters to have their original songs heard and judged by a panel of Nashville music industry professionals, under the direction of volunteer contest chairperson, Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Jim Lauderdale. MerleFest, presented by Window World, spans from April 26-29 in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, at Wilkes Community College.

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2018 MerleFest Band Competition to feature Brynmor, The Midatlantic among others

I am so excited to announce the 2018 MerleFest Band Competition will feature two of my personal favorites, Brynmor and The Midatlantic. The annual band competition features talented bands from across the country that perform for 15 minutes each.

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MerleFest 2017 adds Béla Fleck, The Earls of Leicester featuring Jerry Douglas to 30th anniversary lineup

As if you needed another reason to go to MerleFest this year,  Béla Fleck and The Earls of Leicester featuring Jerry Douglas, a supergroup homage to Flatt & Scruggs made up of several of bluegrass’s finest musicians, have been added to the 30th annual event honoring the late, great Doc Watson and his son, Merle, on Saturday, April 29, on the campus of Wilkes Community College. 

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Marshall Tucker, Belá Fleck, Del McCoury, Hot Rize and Sam Bush are among initial lineup for MerleFest 2015

It’s the most wonderful time of the year: When all the area music festivals start to announce their initial lineups for next year. Kicking off announcement season is appropriately MerleFest, since it’s also the festival that kicks off the live, outdoor music festival season in the Piedmont. Following is the official press release announcement from MerleFest. Enjoy!

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