MerleFest
Wilkesboro, North Carolina
April 24-27The foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains cradle the small town of Wilkesboro, North Carolina, home to about 2,500 people. But for one weekend every spring, the population booms -- 17-times over, last year -- when country, folk and bluegrass fans converge on the campus of Wilkes Community College for Merlefest.
The acoustic festival honors Eddy Merle Watson, son of guitar flat-picking legend Doc Watson. Merle, a talented musician like his father, was killed in a tractor accident in 1985.
"This is our 10th year, so it's a very special year for us," says Monica Faw, the volunteer and vendor coordinator for MerleFest.
According to organizers, 6,000 people attended the first festival in 1988. Since then, it has grown from two stages to 10.
"It's not just a bluegrass festival -- it's a music festival," says Faw. "We have country, gospel, international [music]. We have people who travel from 20 or 30 countries."
Among the artists scheduled to perform this year are Doc Watson, Ricky Skaggs, Junior Brown, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Emmylou Harris, The Nashville Blue Grass Band, Chesapeake, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones and The Del McCoury Band.
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Back to Overview The festival is known not only for its unique lineup, but for its family atmosphere. No alcohol is served on the fair grounds, and no smoking is permitted in the seating areas. At the "Little Pickers Family Area," magic and puppet shows, special music and dance programs, and a tee-pee-building workshop provide entertainment for the pint-sized crowd. Doc Watson and other musicians put on special G-rated performances.
MerleFest also offers workshops such as "Banjo Maintenance," "Pickin' the Blues," "Harmonica Styles," the "The Sound of the American Mandolin," and "Vocals." Many of the performing musicians participate.
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