I Wish I Was at MerleFest This Weekend
I've only been to MerleFest one time, back in 2006, and I wish I was hanging out there this weekend. Held at Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, N.C., the festival offers 14 stages and thousands upon thousands of people. But because the campus is so large, I never felt cramped and I don't remember waiting in any super-long lines, which is a blessing at music festivals. I also like how most up-and-coming artists play several times throughout the four-day festival. So if you miss North Carolina's own Tift Merritt tonight, don't worry -- she'll be hanging around all weekend. Other cool artists on this year's lineup include Blue Highway, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas and Travis Tritt, the Greencards, Emmylou Harris, Jim Lauderdale, the Del McCoury Band, Linda Ronstadt, the SteelDrivers, and of course, Doc Watson, who named the festival after his son, Merle Watson. If you go, please let me know how it was, and hopefully I'll see you there next year.
Photo credit: MerleFest
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RedMaZ says:
The premier music festival possibly of all time. Dedicated to an artist who left us way too soon. It would be a great privilege to attend this event, and an unbelievable honor to have a chance to perform at it. Someday I would like to do both. THIS is what music is all about.
solongsowrong says:
I’m bummed I can’t find a live stream of it this year. I’ve listened to some acts in the past, and it is great.
RedMaZ says:
Right solo, it seems the only way I’ll see Merlefest for now is on youtube. Nice, but not like being there. Some great performances, and geared more towards an adult crowd is one other aspect of this genre that attracts me to it. I wonder if anyone on these blogs know who that is in the picture above(far left on guitar).
Larry Harding says:
IMHO once you’ve been to Yuppie Fest you’ve seen em all.
The sad fact is when you ask the Locals if they have ever been to MF 9 out 10 say no. Man you have to have some major cash to go to some of these festivals and most Hard working American simply can’t afford it. They really should have a Wilkes County day. No question the artists are fantastic but the crowd makes me wanna puke.
irishrover says:
Love MerleFest and find that while you do get to see great, well-known acts, you also get to see someone you might not have come across before. I’ve been every year since 1997 except for 2005 and 2007. In response to Larry Harding, I’m local from Deep Gap, NC, and get in free because I volunteer. And about the need for cash–we tent camp, bring our own food, and love pickin’ with the folks camped next to us late at night. And if you gotta’ buy some grub, try the Baptist Church lady beans and cornbread for $4 or the Boy Scouts BBQ, beans, coleslaw and bread for $6. And one last comment–OMG did you see Tony Rice and Mountain Heart together?
Sherry says:
I am a local also, and I also volunteer and get in free! All the food booths are non-profits that support local causes, and the drink sales support student clubs. The ticket sales attract a wonderful line-up second to none! And the profit from ticket sales supports Wilkes Community College, and the local economic impact is HUGE! What’s not to love about Merlefest?!
MinuteMan says:
You missed the best on Saturday with the Waybacks, BearFoot and Spring Creek in the Hardee’s venue on Campus.
They were absolutely the very best of MF this year.
mbubbaca says:
You could have had my ticket to her “show” she was flat on most songs. Had her band play 20 minutes before she arrived. Everyother artist at MF engaged the crowd, she said I’ll have to speak English to you ( translated you are not smart enough to understand) She turned off so many, there was avery clear movement to the Exits
Atlas says:
Wow! Bearfoot, Donna the Buffalo, Greencard, Waybacks, Tony Rice, Jim Lauderdale, Del McCoury…whats not to like? Linda Ronstadt? maybe.
RedMaZ says:
If by yuppie fest, you mean educated people with a vast degree of musical knowledge, I’m all for it. It beats going to a concert full of soccer moms, children and rednecks.