See You at MerleFest!
Wilkesboro’s premier music event runs April 23-26

By Frank Ruggiero

It’s finally here.

If the backed-up traffic, “My Grass is Blue” bumper stickers, and all those raccoon posters haven’t given it away, MerleFest, the High Country’s premier music festival, is officially under way on the campus of Wilkes Community College, from Thursday, April 23, through Sunday, April 26.

Now celebrating its 22nd year, MerleFest honors the memory of the late Eddy Merle Watson, son of the legendary Doc Watson, and the entire Watson family.

The festival also celebrates fellowship through musicianship, with thousands of patrons making a yearly pilgrimage to Wilkesboro to not only hear their favorite artists, but play catch-up with old friends and make new acquaintances.

Many friendships are forged at the Pickin’ Place, near the Traditional Stage, where four tents are arranged for the sole purpose of jamming. In the same tune, folks can also test their musical mettle with several contests, including the Merle Watson Bluegrass Banjo Championship and the Doc Watson Guitar Championship, both held at Alumni Hall on the community college campus.

For the young’uns, the Little Pickers’ area comes complete with children’s crafts, activities and live music.

Though music surrounds, festival-goers can find activities of a different note, like raffles, silent auctions, nature walks and shopping. Put simply, there’s four days’ worth of activity.

Just to get started, Thursday’s musical lineup includes the Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band with special guest George Shuffler, Dailey & Vincent, Scythian, Bearfoot, The Lovell Sisters, Tift Merritt and Travis Tritt with Jerry Douglas, along with open mic shows and plenty of jammin’ for anyone so inclined.

Friday’s highlight is the Welcome Home Super Jam, featuring The Duhks with Jim Lauderdale and Peter Rowan. Following are The Dixie Bee-Liners, Ollabelle, The Grascals, The SteelDrivers, The Kruger Brothers, Mountain Heart with Tony Rice, John Cowan, Sierra Hull and Highway 111, The Del McCoury Band and The Waybacks.

Also on Friday are the Merle Watson Bluegrass Banjo Championship and the Doc Watson Guitar Championship at Alumni Hall, as well as the final round of the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest.

Saturday’s festivities include the New Generation Super Jam, hosted by The SteelDrivers and The Belleville Outfit, featuring The Dixie Bee-Liners, The Farewell Drifters and Cadillac Sky. Also performing that day are The Greencards, Blue Highway, BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet, Missy Raines and The New Hip, Sam Bush and Emmylou Harris. A special performance by Doc Watson and Friends begins at 6:15 p.m., to finish with a tribute to Merle Watson.

Festival-goers can start Sunday with gospel music on the Creekside Stage with Doc Watson and the Nashville Bluegrass Band, or blues on the Americana stage with Roy Book Binder and Patrick Sweany. Other Sunday performances include the Carolina Chocolate Drops, The Gibson Brothers, Happy Traum and George Hamilton IV. The festival closes with Linda Ronstadt, featuring Los Camperos de Nati Cano.

The gates open at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, and 9 a.m. Friday through Sunday.

The Rules

Good times and music are aplenty at MerleFest, but there are a few things that aren’t allowed.

• No alcohol or drugs
• No pets
• No unauthorized ATVs or golf carts on the campus or campgrounds
• No unauthorized video or audio recording
• No glass containers
• No tents or canopies in concert areas

Also, all seating is designated non-smoking. Tents and buildings are non-smoking, as well, though there are designated smoking areas, both outdoors and under cover.

And since alcohol is prohibited, all coolers and backpacks are subject to inspection at each festival entrance.

Tickets

A four-day, general admission pass costs $150, while three-day (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) general admission costs $130. Single-day general admission varies for each day, with Thursday costing $35, Friday $45, Saturday $50 and Sunday $40.

General admission tickets mean lawn seating, so such ticket-holders should plan on bringing lawn chairs, blankets or both. However, general admission ticket-holders may use unoccupied reserved seats before 5 p.m. or until the owner returns.

For more information, visit www.merlefest.org on the Web.