Merlefest Fans

2 • MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April 2016 MerleFest: Award-winning lineup at bargain prices About half of the slightly over 100 acts performing on this year include Tommy Emmanuel, Peter Rowan, Mipso, MerleFest’s 13 stages this year will be here for the first time. Becky Buller, Jim Lauderdale and more, plus surprise guests. These artists represent a wide range of musical genres, MerleFest’s last day begins with morning devotions but they all fit within the festival’s definition of “tradi - at the Creekside Stage, gospel music with Jim Avett tional-plus.” This is a phrase coined by the late Doc (father of the Avett Brothers) and the American sound Watson of Deep Gap, the event’s musical host from the of shape-note singing with Laura Boosinger at the Tra- beginning until his death in 2012. Organizers said they ditional Stage. strive to stay true to this vision. It begins with traditional Artists performing later Sunday include Liz Vice, Appalachian music at its base and expands to include Annie Moses Band, the Bros. Landreth, Jonathan Byrd blues, country, Americana, rock and bluegrass. & The Pickup Cowboys, Jason Isbell, Brandi Carlile, Tim “Traditional plus” means Americana star Jason Isbell O’Brien, Tommy Emmanuel and Sierra Hull. will rub shoulders with young bluegrass visionary Sierra Other activities Sunday include the MerleFest Open Hull, or John Oates of famed rock duo Hall & Oates Mic at the Plaza Stage, featuring Carol Rifkin, Laura can jam with “newgrass” pioneer Sam Bush, said Steve Boosinger, Sarah Osborne, Jeanette Queen and others Johnson, artist relations manager for MerleFest. singing and playing traditional music. Johnson said MerleFest is the nation’s largest roots and Americana festival and “has room for all those who Other special features treasure the American traditions.” He said that in addition The Dance Stage features workshops and dance to the spectrum of genres offered at MerleFest 2016, this instruction and festival attendees can participate. year’s lineup upholds the event’s tradition of quality music. Mayes Pit/Cohn Auditorium in Thompson Hall is devoted to workshops and demonstrations Friday and PHOTO COURTESY OF BILLY POTTER/MERLEFEST Award winners Saturday with world-class performers sharing their “On our stages we’ll have many Grammy Award-win- SCYTHIAN plays for a packed crowd on the Watson Stage. expertise. The Songwriters Showcase Coffeehouse at ners or multi-Grammy Award-winners, Americana Music Kacy & Clayton. Finals of the Chris Austin Songwriting the Austin Stage in Alumni Hall offers songwriters with Award (AMA) winners, Country Music Association (CMA) Contest, hosted by Jim Lauderdale, are at 2 p.m. Friday. original songs. The Pickin’ Place is an area for musicians winners, and International Bluegrass Music Association Contest winners will perform at 7:30 p.m. on the Cabin Stage. of all levels and genres to meet old friends and make new Award (IBMA) winners,” among many other awards.,” Friday also offers the Doc and Merle Watson Perform- ones while singing and playing instruments together. said Johnson. “I know that awards are only one way of ing Arts Showcase, hosted by Joe Smothers and Bob Hill MerleFest has a strong emphasis on children and families. recognizing outstanding talent, but these associations of Frosty Morn on the Austin Stage. The series is a diverse, Children can learn about roots music through listening and and their members invest a lot in considering artists to eclectic sampling of local and regional talent up close. have chances to play music themselves at the Instrument select the best of the best each year.” The Docabilly-Blues Blowout featuring David Holt of the Petting Zoo and on the Little Pickers Stage. The Little Pickers Grammy winners at this year’s MerleFest are Jason PBS series “State of Music,” Jim Lauderdale, T. Michael Family Area has crafts, face-painting, games, storytelling Isbell, John Prine, Old Crow Medicine Show, Jerry Douglas, Coleman, Tara Nevins, String Madness and more also is and a large grassy play area. The Acoustic Kids Showcases, Jim Lauderdale, Tim O’Brien and Steep Canyon Rangers. on Friday. Closing out the night, Donna the Buffalo will hosted by Andy May, are Friday and Saturday and culminate AMA award winners include Jason Isbell, Old Crow Medi- light up the Dance Stage into the midnight hour. Saturday evening on the Cabin Stage. cine Show, Jerry Douglas, and Gillian Welch and Dave Rawl- Features Saturday include John Oates, Dave Rawlings The centrally-located and expanded Shoppes at MerleF- ings, who also won the AMA Lifetime Achievement Award. Machine, Sam Bush Band and Jim Lauderdale, plus show- est shopping village has demonstrating artisans, vendors, CMA Award winners are Gillian Welch, Old Crow cases from musicians like the Wood Brothers, Shinyribs, convenience foods, MerleFest memorabilia, first aid, Medicine Show, Jerry Douglas, John Prine, and Sam Bush. April Verch, Penny & Sparrow, Zoe & Cloyd, Lindsay Lou and lost and found. IBMA winners are Steep Canyon Rangers, Jerry & The Flatbellys, Wood & Wire, Becky Buller and more. Douglas, Amanda Smith, Becky Buller, Junior Sisk, Special events on the third day include the MerleFest Ticket prices, seating Tim O’Brien, Karl Shiflett, Bryan Sutton, Alison Brown, Band Competition; Mando Mania, a showcase of mandolin “For those wanting an affordable weekend getaway, MerleF- Peter Rowan, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Scott Vestal legends including Sam Bush and Tim O’Brien; and work- est provides a true value,” said festival director Ted Hagaman. and Kenny Smith. shops and interpretive sets like “Learn to Jam” with Pete “The admission prices are extremely reasonable - especially John Oates is the one Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Wernick and “Songs of the Civil War,” with Sparky and considering that we feature over 100 acts on 13 stages.” inductee coming this year. Rhonda Rucker. The “Memories of the Watson Family” There is free parking, free shuttles, free program guides and workshop, hosted by T. Michael Coleman, is Saturday. children 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. MerleFest 2016, day by day It features guests Sam Bush, Bryan Sutton, Jens Kruger, Single day tickets at the gate are Thursday, $50; Friday, The first day of MerleFest features performances by Jeff Little, Jack Lawrence, David Holt and others. $65; Saturday, $70; and Sunday, $60. John Prine, Alison Brown, Steep Canyon Rangers, Shan- The Hillside Album Hour, hosted by The Waybacks, Four-day general admission tickets at the gate are $180 non Witworth, Tellico and others, as well as collabora- returns with guest vocalist Nicki Bluhm Saturday after- Three-day (Fri., Sat., Sun.) tickets at the gate are $155. tions between artists like Donna the Buffalo with Peter noon. Hints indicating the classic album have been Also at the gate, four-day reserved seating tickets in Rowan and Jim Lauderdale. Earlier Thursday, participants leaked, but it will be revealed when the Album Hour front of the Watson Stage are $260 for rows one to 35 and in Pete Wernick’s MerleFest Jam Camp will perform on starts at 4:15 p.m. on the Hillside Stage. $230 for rows 36-51. There is general admission, first- the Cabin Stage, and North Carolina’s bluegrass-tinged Late that night, the Midnight Jam returns to the Walker come, first-served seating everywhere else, including the Love Canon will open up the dance tent at 9:30 p.m. Center. A separate ticket is required and available for pur- entire area behind reserved seating at the Watson Stage. Performers on the second day include Old Crow Medicine chase by four-day and three-day ticket holders and Saturday- Any unoccupied chair, including “reserved seats” may Show, Peter Rowan, Jerry Douglas, Scythian, the Kruger only ticket holders. Hosted this year by Donna the Buffalo be used by anyone before 5 p.m. or until owners return. Brothers, Doug Seegers, the Brothers Comatose and Billy and sponsored by The Bluegrass Situation, the Midnight After 5 p.m., volunteers check for proper credentials to Strings, Australian bluegrass singer Kristy Cox, We Banjo Jam brings together festival performers for impromptu enter the reserved seating area. 3 from Ireland and, from Canada, the Slocan Ramblers and collaborations and one-of-a-kind superstar jams. Guests It’s a good idea to bring a blanket or lawn chair. MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April 2016 • 3 Some basics on MerleFest Gates open to begin MerleFest 2016 at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, April 28. Each day thereafter (Fri., Sat. and Sun.), gates open at 9 a.m. Ending times listed for the last Watson Stage show each day are: • Thursday, 10:15 p.m., John Prine; • Friday, 11 p.m., Old Crow Medicine Show; • Saturday, 10:30 p.m., Dave Rawlings Machine; • Sunday, 5:30 p.m., Jason Isbell.

Parking Free parking and shuttle services are provided from the Blue Lot (Lowe’s Park at River’s Edge), off N.C. 268 West. The Blue Lot is also an easy half-mile walk to the festival. Shuttle services take people to the festival entrance gate and back. Look for “Festival Parking” signs when you arrive and follow them. Volunteers help people find spaces and point them to shuttle stops for rides on local Boy Scout troop buses. Handicapped parking is available at Shuttle Stop “H” in the blue lot. MerleFest designated the entire paved area for handicapped parking only. Wheelchair accessible vans transport guests to the festival main entrance gate.

Cooler, bag checks MerleFest is a family-friendly festival. All coolers, backpacks, bags, etc. are subject to being checked at festival entrances. Volunteers help with this process.

A few rules Prohibited at MerleFest are glass containers, tobacco products, all electronic smoking devices (e-cig- arettes etc), alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, weapons, pets and unauthorized ATVs, golf carts, Seg- ways or similar vehicles. Also not allowed are: • tents, canopies, chairs or ham- mocks that block views of others; • unauthorized video recording, audio recording or flash photogra- phy per artists’ request; • unauthorized drones; • hoverboards. 4 • MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April 2016

3 FIRST CITIZENS LN

Daniel Hall 1

Randolph Hall

MerleFest Mall CHRISTIE LN Walker Center 13

Lovette Hall 5 MEADOWVIEW DR. Hayes Hall

Flattop’s Getaway

R & R Tent 12

MerleFest Thompson Hall Little Pickers Gift Shop Family Area 4 The Shoppes Lowe’s Hall at MerleFest 6

9 11 7 10 Heritage Crafts

Alumni Hall COLLEGIATE DR 8

CYNTHIACYNTHI LANE POND RD Cooler/Bag A LAN LANANE Check NE

Box Ofﬁce/ Will Call

Shuttle Stop Volunteer Check-In

CAROLINA REALTY LN Access Festival Check-Inck-In anandd RV Lot via Meadowviewview Drive April 28 - May 1, 2016

Mountain Homes from the $200’s

www.NCMIKE.com (336) 990-0999 ® REALTOR MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April 2016 • 5 Little Pickers area is special place for children at MerleFest The Little Pickers Family Area offers • Bubble fun, sand play and face you see Flattop. Special entertainment lots of fun and games for children (and painting. The Little Pickers Stage offers unique the young at heart) as well as some fine • Flattop “Meet and Greet” - Flattop Crafts acts selected with children in mind. storytelling, songwriting and music! makes special appearances at the Little Creative arts enhance the activities • Alberti Flea Circus; The popularity of this area led to an Pickers Stage during the Acoustic Kids offered in the Little Pickers Family • the InterACTive Theater of Jef; expansion of programming. Showcases and also during the Alberti Area. • Steve and Ruth Smith; Flea Circus. Bring a camera and get Look for the big blue and white tent Acoustic Kids Showcases your photo made with Flattop. to find all of our crafts. • Alex and Dan Fedoryka; The popular Acoustic Kids Show - Craft activities for 2016 include paint- • Bonnie Logan Storytelling from cases with Andy May are held on the Who is Flattop? ing, playdough art, crayon art, shimmer Canada; Austin Stage, Dance Stage, Cabin Stage The big friendly raccoon you will see bottles, hats, sand art, mural wall, bead • Jeni and Billy; and in Mayes Pit. The Youth Showcases at MerleFest is the festival mascot, Flat- necklaces and the Scrap Exchange. • Nature walk with Ken Crouse. provide young people (up to age 16) top. Why a raccoon? of any talent level the opportunity to Because Merle Watson’s band, Frosty display their skills on stage at the fes- Morn, used a raccoon as its logo, festival tival. See the pocket schedule for per- organizers thought it would be fitting to formance times. have a raccoon as the MerleFest mascot. A naming contest gave Flattop his Activities name – a truly appropriate one because The Little Pickers Family Area is full of Merle and Doc’s mastery of the flat- of activities for all ages. top guitar. Don’t forget to wave when MerleFest offers workshops MerleFest offers a variety of artist-led a capo, storytelling, yodeling and singing. workshops in Mayes Pit on Friday and Workshops also include performing dif- Saturday. ferent styles on the guitar, banjo, mandolin They may include learning how to play and fiddle. Check Mayes Pit on schedules a washboard, harmonica or piano to using for details.

Local designer Vintage Chic by Tiﬀ ney

Next to Lowes Foods Wilkesboro 336-667-2257 www.brandjewelrync.com 6 • MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April 2016 Meet the artists who will perform at MerleFest 2016 AlberTI FleA CIrCuS MerleFest co-founder Bill Young, Friday, Saturday, Sunday who died in 1992. It includes R.G. Part magician, part storyteller, Absher, Randy Gambill, Billy Gee, part comedian and all entertainer, Tony Joines, Mike Palmer, Jeff Jim Alberti is a third-generation Pardue, Donnie Story and Wes flea circus impresario. After a Tuttle. All Banknotes’ members long career in theater, Alberti have been involved in MerleFest began itching to revive the flea since it began in 1988. Each mem- circus that was once performed ber of the group personally knew by his great-uncle and later by banknotes Young – a retired banker and vir- his grandfather. He envisioned American Songwriting Contest, tuoso in the Chet Atkins-style of bringing it to a new generation Christian/gospel category and guitar playing – and participated Alberti Jim Avett that had never had the opportu- was a finalist in the 2014 Chris in various jam sessions at his “Song of the Mountains,” at nity to experience a flea circus. Austin Songwriting Contest, gos- The barefoot Movement home in Wilkesboro. Banknotes Alberti first took the revived flea the Historic Lincoln Theatre pel category. performs a mixture of Americana circus on the road in the 1980s, in Marion Va.; Silver Dollar “Jim Avett and Family,” recorded music, which includes bluegrass, with his children, Bonnie, Scott and since then he and his talented City’s Bluegrass and Barbeque JIM AVeTT Celtic, and thumb and finger-style and Seth. “Tribes” and “Second troupe of fleas have captivated Festival in Branson, Mo.; Dol- Sunday guitar playing. Chance” followed, both com- audiences at fairs, festivals and lywood in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.; North Carolina native Jim prised of original songs reflecting theme parks across the United and various bluegrass festivals. Avett comes from a rich tradi - THe bAreFOOT MOVeMeNT the influences of classic country States and Canada. He and his In 2014, Ash Breeze was named tion steeped in faith and music. Saturday and early rock ‘n’ roll as well as menagerie of fleas have been cap- one of 10 Youth Showcase bands The son of a Methodist minister The Barefoot Movement’s his love of story. A second gospel tivating crowds young and old at at the International Bluegrass and a concert pianist, he has music stretches from a strong CD is nearing completion. MerleFest for over two decades. Music Association Convention been singing and trying to learn foundation of traditional Appala- in Raleigh. In 2015, IBMA picked chian music, borrowing the best to play a guitar most of his life. bANKNOTeS ASH breeZe the band to perform all week in from other roots-based genres When he retired from his welding Thursday Saturday Bluegrass Ramble. Its single business, music became a prior- to shape its hallmark sound. It Banknotes was formed by a Ash Breeze, from Fayetteville, release, “Without Love,” was a ity. Avett has released three CDs. features bluegrass, blues, folk, group of Wilkes County musi- performed on the PBS special, top five finalist in the 2014 Great The first was a gospel offering, cians who were friends with Continued on Page 7 Historic Downtown Wilkesboro 336-838-1350 Historic Wilkesboro

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and recording artist, lives in Asheville and Artists works in Madison County. She learned continued from Page 6 shaped-note singing from N.C. Heritage rock, country and pop in narrative lyr- Award Winner Quay Smathers. Her pri- ics, three-part harmonies, instrumental mary focus is interpretation of traditional riffs, blues and vocals. The band received music from the southern Appalachians. a Momentum Award from IBMA and is Her concerts offer a step back to a sim- known for its witty banter and onstage pler time. She provides an introduction to chemistry. It toured with the Milk Carton several traditional instruments and vocal Kids and performed onstage with the Car- styles found throughout the region, from olina Chocolate Drops, Steve Earle, Vince roy book ballads to play-parties, old-time banjo Gill, Ricky Scaggs and Del McCoury. In blue Mafia binder laura boosinger to finger-style autoharp. Boosinger performed at the Smithsonian Folklife Fes - 2014, the U.S. government chose Move- lAurA bOOSINGer AND THe released in 2014. Blue Mafia is poised to tival and was named Most Outstanding ment members for the international Arts take “Pray for Rain” on the road. MIDNIGHT PlOWbOYS Envoy program. Friday, Saturday, Sunday rOY bOOK bINDer Boosinger, an award-winning performer Continued on Page 8 blue MAFIA Friday, Saturday, Sunday Thursday, Friday Notables who have shared the stage Blue Mafia was formed in 2011 by Dara with blues great Roy Book Binder include and Tony Wray. The band won the 2012 Bonnie Raitt, B.B. King, John Jackson, Welcome to Wilkesboro DelFest Band Competition and have twice Sonny Terry, Doc Watson, Ray Charles been awarded third place in the Society and Brownie McGhee. He has the stories, for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music the licks and the mystery of timeless of America International Band Competi- music in his fingers. He’s been featured MerleFest 2016 tion. “Pray for Rain,” Blue Mafia’s second on a PBS special and interviewed by album, illustrates the band’s experience Terry Gross on “Fresh Air.” Roy Book Musicians and Fans and growth. Dara Wray wrote three songs Binder is a veteran guitar instructor for the album, with other songs from Tom and can often be found teaching at the T. and Dixie Hall, Ralph Stanley, Peter Fur Peace Ranch. When he brings his Th e Town of Wilkesboro Rowan and others. The single, “Born to motor home to town, a one-man blues- Be with You,” has had strong airplay since fest ensues. www.WilkesboroNC.org Historic Downtown Wilkesboro Wilkes Heritage Museum Every Purchase Helps Presents Waggles Pet Supply Habitat Build 9th Annual , LLC Blue Ridge Music & Dog Wash Hall of Fame Specialty Pet Food, Saturday, June 11, 2016 Accessories and Fun Dinner and Induction Ceremony at Do-It-Yourself Tubs to Stone Center for Performing Arts Wash Your Dogs! New & Used Furniture, Tools, Building $35 613 Cherry Street • North Wilkesboro Materials, Hardware, Housewares, and Doors Open 6 PM • Dinner 6:30 PM • Ceremony 7:15 PM You Wash ... or We Can Wash For You! Much, Much More, All At Great Prices. Tickets 336-667-3171 or wilkesheritagemuseum.com 2016 Inductees: • Tony Rice • Bryan Sutton Welcome MerleFest Fans and Pets • Herb Key • Bascom Lamar Lunsford • Alice Gerrard Bring this ad for 10% off! • Alan Lomax • Ralph Blizard •Billy Gee 336-903-4906 Performances by: Bryan Sutton • John Lilly • Andrea and Merritt Smith www.wagglespetsupply.com • Billy Gee • Herb Key • “Virginialina’’

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Performer at Asheville’s Moun- tain Dance and Folk Festival.

THe brOS. lANDreTH Sunday This Canadian roots-rock The bros. landreth band is anchored by bluesy electric guitars, a B3 organ and the rison (guitar, banjo, lead vocals) harmony of two voices. At first front this rocking string band. The brothers Comatose Alison brown The buck Stops Here listen, you might call it Ameri- With stellar accompanists Phil Brezina (fiddle), Ryan Avellone UCLA, she toured with Alison THe buCK STOPS Here in 2015, features Western swing, cana. Siblings David and Joey Krauss and Union Station and Saturday gospel, old-time fiddle tunes and Landreth grew up in the prairie (mandolin) and founding member Gio Benedetti (upright bass, Michelle Shocked before form- The Buck Stops Here consists hard-driving bluegrass. city of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Their ing her own group. With 10 criti- of multi-instrumentalists, vocal- sound came from attending their harmony vocals), the band’s high energy, audience engaging shows cally acclaimed solo albums, she ists and songwriters from Vir- beCKY buller father’s bar gigs while growing received four Grammy nomina- ginia, North Carolina and Florida Saturday up. Years later, they formed their have caught fire with a quickly growing fanbase. See The Broth- tions, a Grammy award and the who meet at festivals. The female Becky Buller is a multi-instru- own group, with drummer Ryan Banjo Player of the Year award quartet honors America’s old- mentalist, singer and producer Voth. The Bros. Landreth began ers Comatose, and you might go home singing “Pie For Breakfast.” from the International Bluegrass time and bluegrass roots, but from St. James, Minn., who per- drawing on that familiar sound, Music Association. Brown per- has a sound firmly rooted in forms bluegrass/Americana/ mixing the rootsy swirl of Ameri- formed at the inauguration of the present. The band consists roots. Ricky Skaggs, Rhonda Vin- cana with their own experiences. AlISON brOWN Thursday, Saturday Harvard’s first female president of Gailanne Amundsen (vocals, cent and Doyle Lawson recorded and received Irish America Maga- fiddle), Rebecca Jones (banjo, her songs. She won IBMA awards THe brOTHerS COMATOSe Alison Brown took an unlikely path in becoming a critically zine’s Stars of the South Award Cajun, harmony vocals), Julie for Emerging Artist of the Year, Friday for her efforts to cultivate and Chiles (lead vocals, fiddle, gui- Songwriter of the Year, Recorded The Brothers Comatose, from acclaimed banjoist. A former investment banker with degrees preserve Irish music. She was tar) and Shona Carr (tenor guitar, Event of the Year and Album of San Francisco, is tearing up the awarded the U.S. Artists fellow- vocals, banjo, fiddle). The band’s the Year. She was the 2001 winner West and moving out nationally in history and literature from Harvard and an MBA from ship for excellence in music. debut self-titled album, released in rapid style. Ben and Alex Mor- Continued on Page 9 ✪ ✪ Perry Lowe Orchards,LLC M & P DEPOT 336-921-3123 www.perryloweorchards.com MILITARY SURPLUS 828-632-7913 •Personal Security Gear •Outdoor Gear •Tactical Gear and Accessories Visit Us At MerleFest! •Emergency Food and Supplies Enjoy Apple Cider Slushies • Dried Apples •Night Vision Cups of Hot and Cold Apple Cider • Weapons Accessories APPLES AVAILABLE NOW •Ammunition At Our Apple House: Fuji • Pink Lady • Crimson Crisp Sizes Ammo Specials •Red and Golden Delicious • More Infant to Adult Bulk Ammunition •Apple Cider Available •7 Varieties of Dried Apples ... Great Snack •Local Honey • Jams and Jellies Our Store Is Located From MerleFest take Exit 286A on ✪M & P DEPOT✪ US Hwy. 421, NC Hwy. 16 South toward Taylorsville. 336.546.9521 Go 8 miles, Apple House on right. 308 10th Street • North Wilkesboro Monday-Saturday mpdepot.net 8:00-5:00 MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April 2016 • 9

Waken was invited to play Jon Artists Bon Jovi’s birthday and Bon continued from Page 8 Jovi keyboardist David Bryan’s wedding. of the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest. Buller spent 10 years CArbON leAF performing with Valerie Smith Saturday & Liberty Pike, two years with Carbon Leaf blends folk, Celtic, Darin & Brooke Aldridge and Mark Sam bush Carbon leaf bluegrass, Americana and rock into what is described as “ether- now has her own band. Her solo bumgarner band drive him. “I didn’t get into music albums are “‘Tween Earth and electrified porch music.” The writer. His delivery as a vocalist to win awards,” he says. “I love to Virginia quintet’s lyrical depth Sky,” “Little Bird” and “Rest My and guitarist is a combination of play and the older I get the more Weary Feet.” She co-hosts a blue- is buoyed by rich harmonies, power and subtlety. I love it. And I love new things.” mandolin, fiddle, acoustic and grass radio show in Manchester, Bush has helped to expand the Jonathan byrd & Tenn., and teaches instrumental The Pickup Cowboys electric guitars, upright and SAM buSH bAND horizons of bluegrass music, fus- electric bass, penny whistle, music. Cowboys are musical gunsling- Saturday ing it with jazz, rock, blues, funk banjo, cello, pedal steel guitar ers, vaudevillian hucksters and Grammy Award-winning and other styles. “In the acoustic and accordion. Carbon Leaf’s MArK buMGArNer old-fashioned tent revivalists. multi-instrumentalist Sam Bush world, I’ve been pretty lucky to spiritual and vibrant original folk Friday, Saturday Between heartbreaking ballads received a lifetime achievment play with almost every one of my rock has kept the group touring Bumgarner’s musical style is a and rowdy sing-alongs, the band award from Americana Music heroes. I’ve gotten to play with across North America for two blend of roots country, bluegrass entertains, inspires and gets Association (AMA) and numer- Bill Monroe, Doc Watson and Earl decades, 15 albums and 2,300 and hillbilly blues that creates audiences involved. Byrd is a ous awards from the IBMA. “It’s Scruggs; I’ve been to the moun- performances. Carbon Leaf had a classic Southern Americana preacher’s son, Gulf War veteran overwhelming and humbling,” tain. As long as I’m alive I hope hit singles on AAA and Hot AC sound. He worked with several and award-winning songwriter Bush says of his lifetime achieve- I have the ability to play,” said Radio with “Life Less Ordinary” national and regional touring from Chapel Hill. The Chicago ment award from the AMA. “It Bush, a two-time cancer treat- and “The Boxer” and received bands, and now as a solo artist Tribune called Byrd “one of the goes along with the title cut of my ment survivor. other honors. and half of the duo Calico Moon. new album, ‘Circles Around Me,’ top 50 songwriters of the past 50 Bumgarner has three self-pro- which basically says, ‘How did we JONATHAN bYrD & THe years.” The Cowboys are electric duced album projects, showing brANDI CArlIle get this far?’ In my brain I’m still PICKuP COWbOYS guitarist Johnny Waken and Paul Sunday his versatility as a recording art- Ford, who met in Norm Nardi- 17, but I look in the mirror and Sunday Brandi Carlile, a singer/song- ist, record producer and song- ni’s band. A celebrated prodigy, I’m 57.” But honors are not what Jonathan Byrd & The Pickup Continued on Page 10

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the country, remaining fiercely Artists independent as one of the indus- continued from Page 9 try’s most diverse roots-music bands and has “earned a reputa- writer from Ravensdale, Wash., tion as one of the most respected, is one of the biggest stars of eclectic and hardest-working acts Americana. She was named one today,” praises Encore. Donna of 2005’s “Artists to Watch” by the Buffalo includes Jeb Puryear Rolling Stone. Carlile’s third stu- T. Michael Kristy Cox Dave rawlings Jerry Douglas (guitar, vocals), Tara Nevins dio album, “Give Up the Ghost” The Clydes Coleman Machine (fiddle, guitar, accordion, scrub- (2009), debuted at No. 26 on the board, vocals), Dave McCracken Billboard 200. In 2012, Carlile (keyboard); Kyle Spark (bass); returned with the album “Bear and Mark Raudabaugh (percus- Creek,” including the lead-off sion). The band is touring heav- single “That Wasn’t Me.” The ily to promote its latest album, most well-known Carlile tunes “Tonight, Tomorrow and Yes- are “The Story” and “That Wasn’t terday,” released through Sugar Me.” Carlile’s new album, “The Hill Records. Donna the Buffalo’s Firewatcher’s Daughter” (2015), fervent fan base, self-named The Herd, follows the band with zeal is a hit on radio, ranking No. 3 on The Commons Commonwealth bluegrass band The Contenders the Americana Music Associa- tion’s Top 10 Albums of the Year Deep River Rising (now called Contenders since 2012. Their Ryan Adams. He plies his trade JerrY DOuGlAS (based on airplay). Sutton, Holt and Coleman), pay- debut EP, “Meet The Contend- on a 1935 Epiphone Olympic. Friday ing homage to Doc Watson’s musi- ers,” breathes with musicality and He was voted 2012 Americana Ohio native Jerry Douglas THe ClYDeS cal journey. grit in the tradition of heroes – Instrumentalist of the Year. Dave began playing Dobro at age 8, Saturday The Band, Tom Petty, The Dead Rawlings Machine’s live show after his father took him to a Flatt The Clydes play music forged THe COMMONS and Dylan. Hailing from Wilkes prompted SF Weekly to call it and Scruggs concert, where he from classic country and contem- Saturday County, Day brings a percussive “one of the hottest string bands was entranced by the sound of porary bluegrass, best described The Commons, from Floyd, Va., virtuosity that shapes the music on the planet.” Dobro player Josh Graves. After as Old Soul Americana. “The plays electric rock ‘n’ roll geared and supports the vocals. With playing with his dad’s band for Clydes make rootsy bluegrass toward raising consciousness shining creativity and fine-boned SHerMAN lee DIllON several years, 17-year-old Doug- sweet and hot as Aubrey Cohen’s and awareness about taking care craftsmanship, Day has that spe- Friday, Saturday, Sunday las joined the The Country Gen- vocals light up a smokey moun - of our planet and our resources. cial something that resonates Sherman Lee Dillon grew up tlemen in 1973. Two years later, tain late night shot to heaven. The Commons plays mostly origi- with audiences and always feels in Mississippi. He has opened for he joined J.D. Crowe and The Flatpicking wizard Justin Eisen- nal tunes written and sung by like a party. Nash is from New or shared the stage with Little New South, which also included man digs for the coal in yer soul Michael Kovick. York. Milton, John Prine, Johnny Win- future solo stars Ricky Skaggs and the rapture is never ending,” ter, King Floyd, BB King, Ko Ko and Tony Rice. In 1976, Doug- said Barry Marshall Everitt of COMMONWeAlTH KrISTY COX Taylor, Rufus Thomas and others. las and Skaggs co-founded the House of Mercy Radio. blueGrASS bAND Friday Dillon said, “When Garrison Keil- now-legendary bluegrass combo Saturday Kristy Cox is the new voice lor’s driver Russ Runsak came to Boone Creek. Douglas’ technique T. MICHAel COleMAN The Virginia-based Com - in Australian bluegrass, with a town to prepare for the weekend and musicality helped him net Friday, Saturday, Sunday monwealth Bluegrass Band has string of top 10 hits on country performance, he called me to help 13 Grammy awards, three CMA T. Michael Coleman grew up enjoyed nationwide success and radio and Country Music Televi- him find authentic blues. Sandy Musician of the Year awards, and playing baseball and singing in continues to receive frequent air- sion in Australia. Cox was named Nelson, casting director for “Oh, numerous IBMA awards, includ- church. He developed an appre- play on bluegrass radio stations Female Vocalist of the Year and Brother, Where Art Thou?” called ing multiple Dobro Player of the ciation of folk music while in the across the country. The band Entertainer of the Year at the 2013 me daily for input and unofficial Year wins. In 2011, he received vortex of American folk music plays traditional and contempo- Australian Independent Country consultation (and yes I’m in the the annual Americana Honors at Appalachian State University. rary bluegrass. The band mem- Music Awards with her release movie). Staying in Mississippi and Awards Lifetime Achieve- Coleman followed his music path bers are Randy Cook (mandolin, “Miles and Timezones.” Credited and not touring has worked ment Award for Instrumentalist. a little ways down the road to vocals), Malcolm Pulley (banjo, for her performance and song- pretty good for me.” Deep Gap when he began play- vocals), Wally Hughes (fiddle, writing skills, Cox was awarded eMISuNSHINe ing and touring with Doc and dobro, vocals), Jim Green (bass, Blues, Roots and Bluegrass Song DONNA THe buFFAlO Thursday Merle Watson. The three toured vocals) and Glenn Waller (gui- of the Year for “If I Keep on Loving Thursday, Friday, EmiSunshine is an 11-year-old the world and participated in tar, vocals). Having five vocal- You” by the Tamworth Songwrit- Saturday, Sunday East Tennessee prodigy who many Grammy-nominated and ists enables the band to explore ers Association. Her latest release Donna the Buffalo’s feel-good, has captured the nation’s atten- Grammy-awarded recordings. a wide array of vocal stylings and is “Living for the Moment” (2014). groove-oriented, danceable and tion as a singer, songwriter and After 15 years, Coleman began harmonies.. often socially-conscious music multi-instrumentalist. Steeped in performing and recording with DAVe rAWlINGS MACHINe has held steadfast since 1989. It Appalachian music, she is a true Seldom Scene in Washington, THe CONTeNDerS Saturday has roots in old-time fiddle music vocal stylist, one who instinc- D.C., along with producing and Saturday, Sunday Dave Rawlings, an award-win- that evolved into a soulful elec- tively knows how to interpret recording various music proj- Jash Nash and Josh Day have ning guitarist, songwriter, pro- tric Americana- mix infused with the nuances of a song with her ects for Doc Watson and others. been players and poets for the ducer and singer, is best known elements of Cajun/zydeco, rock, impressive range. Whether she’s Recently, Coleman joined with better part of two decades and for his work with Gillian Welch, folk, reggae and country. Donna performing on NBC’s “Today” have been making music as The Old Crow Medicine Show and the Buffalo is known for touring David Holt and Brian Sutton in Continued on Page 11 MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April 2016 • 11 Artists continued from Page 10 show, the Grand Ole Opry, or the stage at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium, she is fearless, confident and firm in her musical direction. As she says, she sings “old-time music,” but it’s her own unique blend of roots music that is equal parts Mike Farris Tommy emmanuel Fireside Collective Foghorn String band Americana, bluegrass, gospel, and coun- son. At the age of 37 he is a highly sought- lIZ FrAMe AND THe KICKerS veterans like Dolly Parton and Lucinda try, with a little bit of blues thrown in for after instructor teaching workshops at Saturday Williams, among others. Her band, The good measure. Jorma Kaukonen’s Fur Peace Ranch, Mer- Boston-based singer/songwriter Liz Kickers, includes Pat Chamberlin (lead leFest, Port Townsend Acoustic Blues Frame wrote her first song at age 9 and guitars), Lynne Taylor (bass) and Pete TOMMY eMMANuel Workshop and instructional videos for has been performing her own brand of Walsh (drums), talented musicians whose Sunday Stefan Grossman’s Guitar Workshop. In rootsy Americana music since her early raw sound and sweet harmonies help to Tommy Emmanuel is an accomplished 2015, Feldmann launched his own online teens. Her writing has been compared to Continued on Page 12 fingerstyle player, frequently threading guitar lesson site (playcountryblues.com) three different parts simultaneously into that offers new monthly lessons on coun- his material, operating as a one-man band try, blues, gospel, bottleneck slide and that handles the melody, the supporting general fingerpicking. Feldmann has also chords and the bass all at once. Emmanu- left his mark as a songwriter, with 12 self- el’s technical gift has earned him awards released albums to his credit, and has from “Guitar Player” magazine and made toured throughout North America since him a member of the Order of Australia, 1999. an honor bestowed by the Queen in his homeland. But the average fan could listen FIreSIDe COlleCTIVe without even considering the precision Saturday behind the work, focusing instead on the Newgrass band Fireside Collective from artful tension and release of Emmanu- Asheville is a group of folk music enthu- el’s melodies. That’s how he intends it. siasts who blend elements of traditional Emmanuel easily skates between musical bluegrass and American roots music with styles, playing the blues, infusing Spanish modern acoustic arrangements. With an tradition and exploring folk. energetic live show, the band presents finely crafted original music infused with MIKe FArrIS AND THe rOSelAND impeccable solos and tight harmonies. rHYTHM reVue Captivating listeners with songs centered Friday on change, relationships and being on the As a family-owned and operated Mike Farris is a man who knows per- road, they transition smoothly between sonal struggle and how to take life expe- danceable bluegrass numbers and pas- funeral home, we take our commitment riences and turn them into something sionate folk ballads. With mandolin, fid- to your family personally. We value your trust beautiful. His 2007 recording, “Salva- dle, Dobro and acoustic guitar layered tion in Lights,” was his first project after eloquently on top of rock solid standup in us, and it is our honor to help you through recovery. In 2008, he won an Americana bass, the band has quickly made a name Music Award for New/Emerging Artist, for itself. your time of sorrow with compassionate service, followed by a Dove Award in 2010. His professional guidance and a digniﬁ ed tribute live performances at Bonnaroo, SxSW, FOGHOrN STrING bAND Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival and Friday to your dear departed loved one. others drew rave reviews. Revered artists Credited for igniting the Old Time like Rodney Crowell, Buddy Miller, Patty Renaissance in the Northwest, Foghorn Griffin and Marty Stuart were struck by String Band continues to stand out as Personalized funeral services his incomparable voice, and Mike opened the shining gold standard for American Burials and cremations • Preplanning options shows for Patti LaBelle, Mavis Staples, stringband music. With its eighth album Blind Boys of Alabama, Ricky Skaggs “Devil in the Seat” in hand, thousands of and Bruce Hornsby. He released his next shows and over a decade of touring in Wilkes County’s Only album, “Shine for All the People” in 2014. the rear view mirror, it’s no surprise that Foghorn, as proclaimed by Stuart Mason, Locally Owned Funeral Home TOM FelDMANN The Fiddle Freak, “has blossomed into a www.millerfuneralservice.com Saturday, Sunday full-blown force of nature that threatens  sparta road • north wilkesboro Tom Feldmann has immersed himself world domination.” The band features in country blues for 20 years, spending harmonies of founding members Stephen untold hours dissecting original record- “Sammy” Lind and Caleb Klauder, along -- ings by everyone from Charley Patton to with vocalists Reeb Willms and Nadine Skip James, Bukka White to Robert John- Landry. facebook.com/MillerFuneralService 12 • MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April 2016 Artists continued from Page 11 Make Your Move to deliver her material with distinction. Frame released her first full-length recording, “Sooner,” in 2011, which drew strong praise and consistent airplay. She and the Worry Free Living! band have spent the last three summers out on the road and recently released a Suzie Glaze and The Hilonesome band four-song EP, “Justine.” They are recording a new full-length CD to be released in early 2016. Rose Glen Village residents enjoy the privacy SuSIe GlAZe & THe of their own spacious HIlONeSOMe bAND Thursday, Friday apartment homes with a host Susie Glaze & The Hilonesome Band of conveniences to make life has been likened to classic British bands easier and more enjoyable. Pentangle and Fairport Convention in britt Gully Mitch Greenhill Best of all, you’ll be steps away that they blend classic folk music with rough-edged stories of tragedy and fate, the City Blues” (2000). He performed along from friends and organized daily all with orchestral arrangements. The lush the East Coast and accompanied Rosalie activities, outings and more. “newgrass”-Americana-folk fusion quintet Sorrels on her seminal album “If I Could Be the Rain.” In California he performed Our 24-hour staff is presents eclectic blends of mountain folk always available for your safety and grassy and Celtic-inspired originals, in the country-rock band Frontier and all with the voice of Susie Glaze. Winner in California honky-tonks while work- and security. of the Just Plain Folks 2006 Music Award ing as a studio guitarist and producer. for Best Roots Album for its debut CD, After joining his father, Manny Green- “Blue Eyed Darlin’,” The Hilonesome Band hill, at Folklore Productions, he worked is Steve Rankin (mandolin), Rob Carlson as agent/manager and producer for Doc Beneﬁ ts & Features (lead guitar, Dobro), Fred Sanders (bass) and Merle Watson, Taj Mahal and oth- • Restaurant Style Dining • Computer Center ers. He and Mayne Smith released “Storm and Mark Indictor (fiddle), showcasing the • Studio, 1 BR & 2 BR • Fitness Center Coming” (1979) and “Back Where We’ve songwriting of Carlson. The band’s studio Apartments • Full Activities Calendar CD, “White Swan,” was released in March Never Been” (1985). On Broadway, he composed original music for “An Almost • Starting at $1475 per month • Pet Friendly 2013 to critical acclaim. Its latest album, • All Utilities Included • Transportation Provided “Not That Kind of Girl,” was released in Holy Picture,” a dramatic play starring (Except Telephone) • Beauty Salon/Barber Shop April 2016. Kevin Bacon. Mitch’s latest project is the all-acoustic, all-instrumental trio String • Weekly Housekeeping • Smoke Free Campus GrACe & TONY Madness. • Billiards Room • Maintenance Friday • 36 Seat Theater • Free WiFi Embracing influences from Edgar Allan brITT GullY • Library • Basic Cable Poe and H.P. Lovecraft to Stephen King, Saturday, Sunday Grace & Tony blend history and fiction Britt Gully is a road warrior of a blue into songs that share vivid plot and musi- million honky-tonks and churches. He cal twists. They call their style “Southern plays any kind of music, electric or acous- gothic” - a fitting term for music made by tic, wonderfully well. The Smithsonian, a pair raised in Loretto, Tenn., “the last among many, regard Britt as one of the town before you get to Alabama,” said very best interpreters of Jimmie Rodg- Tony White. The couple still lives there. ers music. Britt Gully is what you call Grace and Tony White didn’t know one genuine. He is as country as country can another growing up but managed to fall be and packs a whole lot of talent in his under similar musical spells. Tony wanted back pocket. He’s funny, humble, enter- to be a musician just like his older brother. taining and one heck of a great country Grace was influenced by her grandfather, songwriter. You can expect to hear from who taught her how to play guitar. Their this talent in the future, so keep your eye new album, “Phantasmagoric,” captures on him. Rose407 Glen W. Main Street • Wilkesboro Village their love for the macabre. WAYNe HeNDerSON AND FrIeNDS www.meridiansenior.com/community/roseglen MITCH GreeNHIll Thursday, Friday, Saturday 336•667•2952 Friday, Saturday, Sunday Wayne Henderson is a National Heritage Call us today for information A product of the 1960s Cambridge folk Award recipient, honored for his crafts- ROSE GLEN VILLAGE manship as a luthier and his renowned or to arrange your personal visit. music scene, Mitch recorded two albums We look407 W.forward Main Street to meeting • Wilkesboro, you! NC 28697 for Prestige, now reissued as “Shepherd of Continued on Page 13 visitroseglen.com [email protected] MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April 2016 • 13

and is currently at work on a new project. Artists Bob still sleeps in the back of the jukebox. continued from Page 12 DAVID HOlT finger-style Appalachian guitar playing. Friday, Saturday Sponsored by the National Council for Four-time Grammy Award winner David Traditional Arts, the Smithsonian Insti- Holt is a musician, storyteller, historian, tution, Office of Arts America, European television host and entertainer who is World of Bluegrass, Chet Atkins Interna- dedicated to performing and preserving tional Appreciation Society and numerous traditional American music and stories. individual venues, Wayne has toured in the High Plains Jamboree David Holt bob Hill Holt performed with Doc Watson for 14 U.S., Asia, Africa and the Middle East. His years, which he says was the highlight of lightning-fast articulate playing style was Leigh, Beth Chrisman and Noel McKay names. Fast forward to the present, Bob influenced by close friends Doc Watson each come to High Plains Jamboree with a has released a CD entitled “Keepin’ the Continued on Page 14 and E.C. Ball. distinct flavor to their writing and singing. Wolves Away” on Love Breeze Records Singer, fiddler and guitarist Helen White Simon Flory anchors this new string band has toured extensively with Henderson in on bass and is more country than all of the U.S. and Europe. Compositions include the one hundred people who move to Aus- Thursday, April 28 works for theater and video projects as tin every day combined. Members of High well as Booklist-honored recordings of Plains Jamboree are making their own jukebox memories, playing decades-old 1. 2. 7. original songs for children. White founded Watson Cabin Pickin’ Place and served as executive director of the favorites (theirs, not necessarily everyone else’s) and songs they wrote, together and 3:00 p.m.-3:45 p.m. 3:45 p.m.-4:15 p.m. 2:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) pro- EmiSunshine Tellico Jammin’ at all by their lonesome. ------gram for 15 years, introducing students in ------The ’Pickin’ Place four states to their traditional mountain 4:15 p.m.-5:15 p.m. 5:15 p.m.-5:20 p.m. The Pickin’ Place is more than a bOb HIll Donna the Buffalo musical heritage. Raffle Drawing stage, it’s an entire venue devoted Thursday, Friday, Saturday with Peter Rowan The subject of the recent documentary ------to pickin’ & grinnin’! Included in and Jim Lauderdale Born in the back of a jukebox, Bob Hill 5:20 p.m.-5:45 p.m. The Pickin’ Place are the “Herb Key: Nurturing American Heritage,” ------sold his first published song to Ray Charles MerleFest Bluegrass Traditional Jammin’ Tent, guitarist and bassist Herb grew up in 5:45 p.m.-6:45 p.m. in 1972. Shortly after, Bob joined Doc and Jam Camp with Bluegrass Jammin’ Tent, and Wilkes County, living close to the land Alison Brown Merle Watson as an original member of Pete & Joan Wernick Anything Goes Jammin’ Tent. and learning traditional music beginning ------Frosty Morn. In 1980, Nems Records Ltd. ------Bring your acoustic instruments in the ‘50s. Known as one of the best guitar 7:15 p.m.-8:15 p.m. of London, England, signed Bob as a solo 6:45 p.m.-7:10 p.m. to this area and jam! repairmen in the region, he is also a keeper Steep Canyon Rangers The Bill Young Tribute with the Hosted by the artist. Nems renamed him “Fred Hill.” ------Banknotes of stories and relishes singing songs about Wilkes Acoustic Folk Society. Bob has written songs with and for the 9:00 p.m.-10:15 p.m. ------Wilkes legends. ------following artists and has recorded and John Prine 7:10 p.m.-7:15 p.m. 9:30 p.m.-11:00 p.m. performed with them as well: Leon Rus------Raffle Drawing HIGH PlAINS JAMbOree Opening Night Dance Party with sell, JJ Cale, Jack “Cowboy” Clement, Don ------Saturday Love Canon With roots in northern bluegrass and Everly, Ray Stevens, Lacy J. Dalton and 8:15 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Shannon Whitworth southern troubadour country, Brennen Rufus & Carla Thomas, just to drop a few Sunday, May 1 1. Raffle Drawing 9:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m. The InterACTive Sunday Morning Traditional with The Jammin’ at Sunday Morning ------Sunday Morning Theater of Jef Blues hosted by Roy South Carolina The Pickin’ Place Yoga - Bring your Watson 1:50 p.m.-1:55 p.m. Devotions with ------Book Binder with Broadcasters, Carol The Pickin’ Place is own mat and join 12. 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Silent Auction Rev. Roy Dobyns of 11:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. performances by Rifkin and Laura more than a stage, instructor Laurie Hillside Annie Moses Band Brintle-Jarvis for a Winners Announced First Baptist Church Flattop Photo special guests Boosinger it’s an entire venue 10:00 a.m.-10:45 a.m. ------one hour yoga ------of Boone. Piano Session ------devoted to pickin’ and Jonathan Byrd & 12:45 p.m.-1:45 p.m. session. 1:55 p.m.-2:30 p.m. music provided by ------11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. 12:30 p.m.-1:15 p.m. grinnin’! The Pickup Cowboys Tim O’Brien ------Liz Vice Jeff Little Noon-12:30 p.m. Donna the Buffalo Peter Rowan Plays Included in The ------11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ------Traditional 11:15 a.m.-Noon ------Alberti Flea Circus ------Pickin’ Place are the Old Time Mountain 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. ------The Bros. Landreth 3:30 p.m.-3:35 p.m. 10:00 a.m.-10:45 a.m. ------12:45 p.m.-1:30 p.m. Traditional Jammin’ Dance Tunes with Brandi Carlile Raffle Grand Prize Sacred Songs of Doc 1:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m. Jonathan Byrd & 1:45 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Tent, Bluegrass The South Carolina ------Winners Announced Watson performed by Bonnie Logan - The Pickup Cowboys Pete and Joan Jammin’ Tent and the Broadcasters 12:30 p.m.-1:15 p.m. 4:15 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Wernick’s Traditional ------The South Carolina Tales and Stories ------Anything Goes ------The Contenders Jason Isbell Jam 3:35 p.m.-4:15 p.m. Broadcasters ------2:00 p.m.-2:45 p.m. Jammin’ Tent. Bring 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. ------Sierra Hull ------2:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Andy May your acoustic instru- Country and Western 1:45 p.m.-2:30 p.m. 3:00 p.m.-3:45 p.m. 2. ------11:00 a.m.-11:45 a.m. Alberti Flea Circus ments to this area Swing with Tommy Emmanuel Carol Rifkin with Cabin ------6. Jim Lauderdale Band ------5:30 p.m.-5:35 p.m. Gospel Hour with John Fowler and and jam! Hosted by 10:45 a.m.-11:15 p.m. Traditional 3:00 p.m.-3:45 p.m. “Southbound” played Jim Avett 3:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Jeanette Queen the Wilkes Acoustic 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. 11. Andy May by Bill Mathis, Jack Flattop Photo Folk Society Scythian ------Lawrence, T. Michael 4. Session Shape Note Singing The Plaza 7. 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. 12:15 p.m.-12:45 p.m. Coleman Little with Laura Boosinger 5. Pickin’ 8. MerleFest Open Mic Jim Avett Pickers ------3. Americana 11:00 a.m.-11:45 a.m. Place Dance hosted by 10:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. 1:45 p.m.-1:50 p.m. Creekside 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Women Who Sing 10:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. The Local Boys 14 • MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April 2016 Artists continued from Page 13 13. Smith Blowout Brothers Smothers Blue Mafia ------Center ------his long career. Holt found hun- Walker Peter Rowan Peter Jam Jam with Jack and Rootology The Waybacks The Docabilly Blues with The with Kruger Lawrence, JerryLawrence, Douglas and Joe Donna the Buffalo Wanamaker Lewis Wanamaker MerleFest Veterans MerleFest Kenny and Kenny Amanda

dreds of old-time mountaineers Hillside Sunset Jam 5:45 p.m.-6:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m.-5:15 p.m. 3:15 p.m.-4:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.-2:45 p.m. 5:15 p.m.-6:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m.-7:45 p.m. The Whiskey GentryWhiskey The 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. 12:45 p.m.-1:30 p.m. with a wealth of folk music and 10:15 a.m.-11:00 a.m. stories. There was 100-year-old banjoist Wade Mainer, fiddler Tommy Jarrell and 122-year-old washboard player Susie Brunson, Boys 11. 12. Andy May Comatose Kristy Cox ------as well as Doc Watson, Roy Acuff ------Registration Seth Walker Seth Seth Walker Seth Songwriter’s Songwriter’s Songwriter’s Songwriter’s Songwriter’s Songwriter’s Songwriter’s The Brothers Hillside Joe Smothers Doug Seegers Sarah Sarah Potenza Coffeehouse with Coffeehouse with Coffeehouse with Coffeehouse with Coffeehouse Coffeehouse with Coffeehouse and Grandpa Jones. In 2002 Doc The Plaza 1:30 p.m.-2:15 p.m. Foghorn Foghorn Stringband 8:00 p.m.-8:15 p.m. 8:45 p.m.-9:00 p.m. 9:15 p.m.-9:30 p.m. hosted by The hosted Local by 2:45 p.m.-3:30 p.m. 4:00 p.m.-4:45 p.m. MerleFest MerleFest Open Mic The Whiskey GentryWhiskey The 9:45 p.m.-10:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. 12:15 p.m.-1:00- p.m. 11:00 a.m.-11:45 a.m. 10:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. and David won two Grammys for 10:15 p.m.-10:30 p.m. “Legacy,” a three-CD set with interviews, music and a live concert about Watson’s life and music. During his 30-year career, Holt hosted numerous television Smith Andy May ------Showcases Songwriter’s Songwriter’s Coffeehouse judges Sarah chairman Jim Acoustic Kids Hosted by Joe with Andy May with Kristy Cox Performing ArtsPerforming Lauderdale and

shows including “Fire On The The Chris Austin Noon-12:15 p.m. and MerleWatson with Tony Grace & Hill of MornFrosty Finals with contest with Bonnie Logan Smothers and Bob with CharlesWelch with Joe Smothers with Jack with Lawrence Jack 9:30 a.m.-9:31 a.m. 9:31 a.m.-9:45 a.m. 1:30 p.m.-1:45 p.m. 2:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m. 7:15 p.m.-8:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. with Steve with and Steve Ruth Songwriting Contest with In With The with With Old In Welcome to Welcome the Doc 1:00 p.m.-1:15 p.m. Potenza, John Potenza, Cloyd 11:30 a.m.-11:45 a.m. Showcases Showcases hosted by Miller and Milan Miller 10:00 a.m.-10:15 a.m. 10:30 a.m.-10:45 a.m. 11:00 a.m.-11:15 a.m. Mountain,” the PBS “Folkways” 12:30 p.m.-12:45 p.m. series, “Great Scenic Railway Journeys” and “David Holt’s State of Music.” He performed and recorded with Doc Watson, 10.

Chet Atkins, Bill Monroe and Beyond History of Henderson “B” Townes “B” ------with Wayne with ------Flatpicking Flatpicking - (1954-1971) Deep Gap & Happy Traum Happy Doc Watson - Watson Doc Happy Traum: Happy in the Schools Workshop Workshop with

Earl Scruggs. He can be heard Anatomy of the Guitar Workshop Guitar 11:00 a.m.-Noon On the Road with with Happy Traum with Happy Traum with Happy Greenwich Village Greenwich Woodstock Scene Woodstock Fruteland Jackson Fruteland Finger Style Blues Tom Feldmann and Feldmann Tom and Jack and Lawrence Jack T. Michael Coleman T. Implementing Blues 1:15 p.m.-2:00 p.m. 2:15 p.m.-3:00 p.m. 3:15 p.m.-4:00 p.m. 4:15 p.m.-5:00 p.m. 5:15 p.m.-6:15 p.m. Folk Revival and Revival the Folk MerleFest MerleFest hosted by 12:15 p.m.-1:00 p.m. Coming of Age in the Alumni Hall Guitar Workshop Workshop Guitar with Homespun Workshop Homespun MerleFest Workshops MerleFest Hosted by David Holt, 10:05 a.m.-10:45 a.m. on public radio’s “Riverwalk Jazz” Stage Austin and seen in the movie “O Brother, Where Art Thou?”

SIerrA Hull Sunday 8. 9. Buffalo BREAK Society. Scythian Ted White Ted ------Dance ------Sierra Hull, 23, was given her Jeff Trio Little hosted by The hosted by by We Banjo We 3 by Anything Anything Goes Irish Tunes and Tunes Irish with Donna the Welcome to Welcome the Noon-1:15 p.m. Learn to Square Freestyle Dance Freestyle with caller Uncle Mayes Pit Mayes Dance with Carol Dance showcased jam! Hosted by the Traditional Jammin’ Jammin’ Traditional Rifkin, John Fowler ed to pickin’ & ed grin- to pickin’ Friday Night Dance Friday Tent, the Bluegrass Tent, Jammin’ Tent. Bring Tent. Jammin’ Brothers Comatose nin’! Included The in your your acoustic instru- 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. 3:30 p.m.-4:15 p.m. 5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Pickin’ Place are the Pickin’ and Jeanette Queen first mandolin at age 8. By age 11, Wilkes Acoustic Folk Jammin’ Tent, and the Tent, Jammin’ 10:00 a.m.-10:05 a.m. 10:30 p.m.-12:00 a.m. an entire devot- venue Alison Krauss had called her with ments to this area and an invitation to the Opry stage; by 12, Rounder was expressing interest. She signed a record deal with Rounder at 13, with her first 6. 7. Friends Colorado Plowboys Place Jammin’ at Jammin’ April Verch April Jeni & Billy and Friends ------album released at 16. Sierra has Pickin’ Broadcasters Carol Rifkin & Laura Laura Boosinger Jimmie Rodgers Jeff Scroggins & and The and Midnight The Pickin’ Place The Pickin’ 11:30 a.m.-Noon Wayne Henderson Wayne Traditional The Pickin’ Place is The Pickin’ also played the White House, The South Carolina Foghorn Foghorn Stringband 5:15 p.m.-6:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m.-4:45 p.m. 3:00 p.m.-3:45 p.m. 5:30 p.m.-6:15 p.m. 2:45 p.m.-3:30 p.m. 1:15 p.m.-2:00 p.m. 4:15 p.m.-5:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m.-2:15 p.m. Lou Reid & Carolina Britt Gully - Songs of The Slocan Ramblers 10:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. 10:45 a.m.-11:15 a.m. 10:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. Carnegie Hall (twice) and the more than a stage, it’s Kennedy Center; traveled around the world sharing her music; and released three albums. Then

there’s the fact that Berklee gave 4. 5. BREAK Canada Session Little Fedoryka her the school’s most prestigious Kristy Cox ------Flattop Photo Alex and Alex Dan Pickers Theater of Jef Theater of Jef Bonnie Logan - Kacy & Clayton In With The With Old In Noon-1:00 p.m. Jeanette Queen The InterACTive The InterACTive Carol Rifkin with Storytelling from John Fowler John and Fowler award, the Presidential Scholar- 11:30 a.m.-Noon Alberti Flea Circus Alberti Flea Circus Americana 2:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m. 3:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m. 9:45 a.m.-10:30 a.m. 12:15 p.m.-1:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m.-11:45 a.m. ship, a first for a bluegrass musi- Flattop Photo Session cian. Her choice to accept it, to delay her dream of hitting the road full-time after high school in favor of expanding her musical 3. worldview, was hardly a light one. Smith Blue Mafia Jeni & Billy Jeni & Billy ------Billy Strings ------Chris Austin Pete Wernick’s Wernick’s Pete Raffle Drawing Raffle Drawing Raffle Drawing Flexigrass Jam Flexigrass Kacy & Clayton Noon-12:45 p.m. Mark Bumgarner Hilonesome Band Susie Glaze & the Creekside Kenny and Kenny Amanda Songwriting Contest 4:50 p.m.-5:15 p.m. 2:45 p.m.-2:50 p.m. 2:45 p.m.-3:30 p.m. 4:00 p.m.-4:45 p.m. 1:15 p.m.-2:15 p.m. Winners Announced Lou Reid & Carolina 2:50 p.m.-3:15 p.m. 4:45 p.m.-4:50 p.m. 6:00 p.m.-6:05 p.m. 6:05 p.m.-6:30 p.m. 5:15 p.m.-6:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m. 9:30 a.m.-10:15 a.m. The Slocan Ramblers IN WITH THe OlD 10:45 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Thursday, Friday Northern Saskatchewan’s In With the Old seamlessly combine raw talent and prairie camarade- 1. 2. Revue rie with a passion and respect BREAK Scythian Colorado Old Crow Plowboys Cabin April Verch April ------Junior Junior Sisk & Grace Tony Grace & Watson Jerry Douglas Raffle Drawing

for the music from the past. Medicine Show In With The With Old In Jeff Scroggins & Laura Laura Boosinger Roy Book Roy Binder Ramblers Ramblers Choice and The and Midnight Roseland Rhythm Roseland Rhythm Foghorn Foghorn Stringband Mike Farris The Mike and Farris 1:30 p.m.-2:00 p.m. 3:15 p.m.-4:15 p.m. 2:00 p.m.-2:45 p.m. 8:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. 4:15 p.m.-4:45 p.m. 5:15 p.m.-6:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. 9:30 p.m.-11:00 p.m. 12:45 p.m.-1:30 p.m. 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. 11:05 a.m.-11:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m.-11:05 a.m. 12:15 p.m.-12:45 p.m. Continued on Page 15 April 29 Friday, MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April 2016 • 15 Artists continued from Page 14

This young band, consists of 13. featuring Scythian Situation Coleman Movement Jeni & Billy ------Center Zoe & Cloyd Walker Walker Alison Brown The Barefoot Alison Brown By Ticket Only Ticket By The Bluegrass The Waybacks The

Ellen Froese-Kooijenga, Kasia Mitch Greenhill Opening Act for Hour hosted by Sutton, Holt and The Midnight Jam Donna the Buffalo Brought to you by The Hillside Album The Wood Brothers Wood The 5:45 p.m.-6:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m.-5:15 p.m. 2:00 p.m.-2:45 p.m. 3:15 p.m.-4:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m.-7:45 p.m. 4:15 p.m.-5:45 p.m. 3:00 p.m.-3:45 p.m. String Madness with 11:30 p.m.-Midnight 12:45 p.m.-1:30 p.m. 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Thorlakson and Jaxon Lalonde. 10:15 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Multi-instrumentalists, they are highly influenced by great traditional bluegrass and old-time artists like Bill Monroe, the Carter with with with with 12. Family and the Stanley Broth- Band BREAK Mayfield Brothers Shinyribs The Kickers ------ers, but also by modern bands, Carbon Leaf Hillside Liz Frame Liz and Frame Jim Lauderdale with WestWend with Bluegrass Bluegrass Band with The with Clyde's 11:45 a.m.-Noon 11:15 a.m.-Noon Noon-12:30 p.m. with The Williams The with David and Valerie Valerie David and with Will with Overman Fireside Collective 1:00 p.m.-1:15 p.m. with The with Commons 1:30 p.m.-1:45 p.m. Penny and Sparrow Penny 1:45 p.m.-2:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m.-3:45 p.m. 4:15 p.m.-4:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m.-2:15 p.m. 2:30 p.m.-2:45 p.m. 3:00 p.m.-3:15 p.m. with Commonwealth ranging from rock to folk to indie 12:30 p.m.-1:15 p.m. 11:15 a.m.-11:30 a.m. The Buck Stops Here 10:00 a.m.-10:45 a.m. pop. Their performances show- 12:30 p.m.-12:45 p.m. case a very full sound, including fiery-hot banjo and mandolin licks, thoughtful songwriting and

beautiful three-part harmonies. with 11. Dillon Binder 9:45 a.m. with judges

The band has noted a growing with T Mark Milan Miller, ------Competition Ronda Rucker with Britt Gully The Local Boys Welcome to Welcome the to Welcome the MerleFest MerleFest Band with Sparky and with Ash Breeze with Stemwinder The Plaza with Happy Traum with Happy Mark Bumgarner, Fruitland Jackson Fruitland Greatest Acoustic with Sherman Lee resurgence in popularity of its 10:45 a.m.-11 a.m. Charles Welch Charlesand Welch with CharlesWelch with Tom Feldmann Tom with hosted by Book Roy 4:10 p.m.-4:30 p.m. 3:25 p.m.-4:05 p.m. 1:55 p.m.-2:35 p.m. 1:10 p.m.-1:50 p.m. 2:40 p.m.-3:20 p.m. 9:45 a.m.-10:00 a.m. 10:15 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Blues Show on Earth 11:25 a.m.-11:45 a.m. 12:25 p.m.-1:05 p.m. with Roy with Book Roy Binder 11:50 a.m.-12:20 p.m. brand of acoustic and stringband 11:00 a.m.-11:20 a.m. music and looks forward to offering more.

THe INTerACTIVe THeATer 10.

OF JeF Brothers Workshop Stage Countries - Austin Austin ------Chris Austin Pete Wernick Pete Learn to Jam Mike Mike Palmer Becky Becky Buller Workshop Workshop with Happy Traum, Happy Workshop Workshop with Workshop Workshop with Thumb Picking Rhonda Rucker with The with Kruger Experience with Friday, Saturday, Sunday Larry Nixon and Canadian Praries Vocals Workshops Workshops Vocals Songwriting The & with Bonnie Logan Banjos & Harmony Mandolin Showcase case with Andy May with Tony Williamson Tony with Storytelling from the Songwriting Contest 5:45 p.m.-6:30 p.m. 4:15 p.m.-5:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m. 1:45 p.m.-3:15 p.m. Songs from the Civil Canada & America - War with War Sparky and 9:45 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Alumni Hall 10:00 a.m.-10:50 a.m. 12:45 p.m.-1:30 p.m. 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Playing Music Playing in Both Acoustics Kids Show- 10:45 a.m.-11:30 a.m. When you run into Jef either The Slocan Ramblers on the Little Pickers Stage or roaming throughout the festival, his wacky version of mime and variety arts will be sure to 9. 8. White White BREAK tickle your fancy. He’s always BREAK Andy May MerleFest Billy Strings Dance ------Carbon Leaf Stepdancing Wood Wire & Wood Acoustic Kids with Scythian Happy Traum Happy Ottaway Valley Ottaway South Carolina excited to entertain the child in Showcases with Dance The with Welcome to Welcome the Workshops Workshops with caller Uncle Ted caller Ted Uncle Song with Carol Broadcasters and Mayes Pit Mayes April Verch teaches Verch April Round and Square Rifkin, John Fowler 9:30 a.m.-9:40 a.m. 10:30 p.m.-Midnight 4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.-7:45 p.m. 8:15 p.m.-9:15 p.m. 3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. 1:45 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Freestyle Dance Freestyle with and Jeanette Queen 12:15 p.m- 1:00 p.m. with caller Uncle Ted with caller Ted Uncle Mountain Dance and Saturday Night Saturday Dance all of us. Back in the 1970s and 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. ‘80s, Jef apprenticed with mimes C.W. Metcalf, Tony Montanaro and Jacques Lecoq. Along the way he also studied period dance 7.

and style with William Burdick Queen grinnin'! Mayfield Tent and Tent Coleman Place David David Holt Included in and Friends ------Pickin’ Pickin’ Folk Society Folk Pickin' Pickin' Place Broadcasters Jammin' Tent. Jammin' area and jam! and clowning with Ezekiel Peter- Traditional the Hosted by the Anything Anything Goes Jammin’ The at Jammin’ Wilkes Wilkes Acoustic Sutton, Holt and Jammin' Tent, the Tent, Jammin' son performed by David and Valerie Valerie David and instruments to this Wayne Henderson Wayne Songs of Wat- Doc Bluegrass Bluegrass Jammin' more than a stage, it's an entire venue Bring your acoustic devoted to devoted pickin' & The South Carolina The Pickin' Place is Fowler and Fowler Jeanette 5:15 p.m.-6:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m.-4:45 p.m. 2:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m.-1:45 p.m. 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. hof. As a soloist and ensemble Banjo and Song with The Pickin' Place are Carol Rifkin with John 10:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. member, he’s opened for the likes of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Doc Watson. From 1976 to 1993 Jef was a member of TOUCH, North Carolina’s tour- 5. 6. Session Flatbellys Shinyribs Movement Jeni & Billy Storytelling We Banjo We 3 ------ing mime theater ensemble. From Zoe & Cloyd The Barefoot Flattop Photo Theater of Jef Theater of Jef Country Show Bonnie Logan - The Contenders The InterACTive The InterACTive 5:15 p.m.-6 p.m. Karl Shiflett & Big Lindsay Lou Lindsay The & 1993 through 1997, Jef created Alberti Flea Circus Traditional 12:30 p.m.-1:00 p.m. Penny and Sparrow Penny Americana Traditional Mountain Traditional 4:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m. 3:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m.-2:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m.-7:15 p.m. 2:45 p.m.-3:30 p.m. 4:00 p.m.-4:45 p.m. 1:30 p.m.-2:15 p.m. 9:45 a.m.-10:30 a.m. 12:15 p.m.-1:00 p.m. and performed as Wool E. Bull, 11:00 a.m.-11:45 a.m. 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. the mascot for the Durham Bulls baseball team.

JASON ISbell 3. 4. TBA Smith Mougin Session

Sunday Andy May April Verch April ------Becky Becky Buller Wood Wire & Wood Flattop Photo Doug Seegers Country Show Raffle Drawing Sam Tim Bush, Steve and Steve Ruth Noon-1:30 p.m. 11:30 a.m.-Noon Michael Coleman Alberti Flea Circus

Jason Isbell is a product of his Acoustic Kids with Karl Shiflett & Big Merle hosted by T. Merle T. hosted by Creekside with special guests 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. 3:30 p.m.-4:15 p.m. 6:30 p.m.-6:35 p.m. 6:35 p.m.-7:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m. 4:45 p.m.-5:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m.-6:45 p.m. 5:05 p.m.-5:30 p.m. ing Tony Williamson, Tony ing Mando Mania featur- O'Brien and Stephen 9:30 a.m.-10:15 a.m. High Plains Jamboree Little Pickers Memories of Doc and northern Alabama roots and an 10:45 a.m.-11:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. example of how musical influences help an artist evolve and mature. Isbell is inspired by the rock, country and blues pro- 1. 2. Winner Winner BREAK Bob Hill Machine duced in neighboring Muscle Salvador Cabin We Banjo We 3 ------Becky Becky Buller Jeff Trio Little Watson The Flatbellys Belk Southern Lindsay Lou Lindsay & Raffle Drawing Raffle Drawing Dave Rawlings Dave MerleFest MerleFest 2016 Sam Bush Band 11:15 a.m.-Noon Noon-12:30 p.m. Band Competition 4:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Musician Showcase 3:15 p.m.-4:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m. 2:45 p.m.-2:50 p.m. 1:15 p.m.-1:45 p.m. 2:50 p.m.-3:15 p.m. 5:00 p.m.-5:05 p.m. 1:45 p.m.-2:45 p.m. The Kruger Brothers 9:00 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Steve and Steve Ruth Smith 12:30 p.m.-1:15 p.m. 10:45 a.m.-11:15 a.m. Continued on Page 16 April 30 Saturday, 16 • MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April 2016

vocals are in her distinct and nat- Artists ural timbre. Clayton’s instrumen- continued from Page 15 tal talents serve every song with modesty. He reserves his virtu- Shoals. As a lyricist, he tells the osity for transitions that require difficult stories, whether raw, elaborate expression. Kacy & introspective, messy or poetic. Clayton shun studio trickery and As an artist, he reveals his own gimmicks, pursuing mixes that vulnerabilities – his successes recall the natural warmth of ‘70s and failures – in which listeners British folk LPs. might find kinship or perspective. Jeni and billy Kacy & Clayton The Kruger brothers His albums include “Sirens of the THe KruGer brOTHerS Ditch,” “Jason Isbell and the 400 Award nominee, a recipient of the JeNI AND bIllY through. Hankins’ approach is Friday, Saturday Unit,” “Here We Rest,” “Live from Blues Foundation’s “Keeping the Thursday, Friday, Saturday often compared to that of Appa- Originally from Switzerland, Alabama,” and 2013’s critically Blues Alive Award,” and recipient “’There are two kinds of music lachian singer Hazel Dickens. brothers Uwe and Jens Kruger acclaimed “Southeastern.” In of the Illinois Arts Council Folk/ – the blues and Zip A Dee Doo Kemp is a versatile instrumen- began playing North American 2014, Isbell earned three Ameri- Ethnic Heritage Award. Frute- Dah.” That’s what Townes Van talist who can soar in any style, folk music at an early age and cana Music Awards, including land performs Americana, acous- Zandt said. But there is a third from rockabilly to Indian ragas. were inspired by recordings of Artist of the Year, Song of the tic blues, folk traditional and kind, which finds the best parts Doc Watson, Flatt and Scruggs, Year (“Cover Me Up”), and Album singer-songwriter styles around of both of those kinds of music KACY & ClAYTON Bill Monroe and other progeni- of the Year (“Southeastern”). the world. Fruteland focuses on and turns it into something seam- Friday tors of country, bluegrass and “Something More Than Free,” pre-war and post-war blues. His lessly American and wonderful. Kacy & Clayton is Kacy Ander- folk music. After gaining a His fifth album went No. 1 on study includes ragtime, Pied- That third kind is Jeni and Billy son (vocals, violin) and Clayton recording contract and a radio Billboard Rock, Country and mont, Delta and other styles. He music. That’s the assessment of Linthicum (guitar, melodeon, show on the Swiss Broadcasting Folk charts. plays guitar mandolin, lap steel Dillon O’Brian, who co-produced vocals). They interprets and and the bowed psaltery. As an “Picnic in the Sky,” the latest stu- composes music inspired by Corporation (public broadcasting association), they teamed up FruTelAND JACKSON oral historian, Fruteland has dio recording from Jeni and Billy. traditional music from Southern with bass player Joel Landsberg, Saturday, Sunday taken his knowledge of blues For the first time in their eight- Appalachia and the British Isles. inaugurating a trio that has been Fruteland Jackson is an author, history to schools, colleges and year partnership, Jeni Hankins Although the second cousins playing professionally together storyteller and oral historian who universities across the U.S. Frute- and Billy Kemp recorded with a are young, they’ve been playing since 1995. Landsberg is an grew up on Chicago’s West side. land is the creator of the award- full band, a group of Los Angeles- music together for over a decade He is a three-time Blues Music winning blues series to some based musicians. The Appala- and have created a distinct and 50,000 students annually. chian roots of the music shine cohesive sound. Kacy’s unforced Continued on Page 18 Serving the Beautiful Foothills of N.C. since 1981. “Your Full Service Dealer’’

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for blending gypsy swing with Artists Americana, and he has a vir- continued from Page 16 tuosic banjo picking style. For 30 years, Lewis has played American citizen from New York American roots music, folk and City. The first recording project to bluegrass. He led the Philadel- include Landsberg was “Behind phia-based bluegrass band, The the Barn, Vol. 2,” released in 1997. Lewis Brothers, and the guitar- The Kruger Brothers moved to oriented Wanamaker Lewis Trio the U.S. in 2002 and are based in for much of the ‘80s. Concentrat- Wilkesboro. The group is highly Wannamaker lewis Jeff little Trio ing more on solo fingerstyle, he regarded within the world of Jim lauderdale Jack lawrence and rootology and found his major influences began cultivating his solo gui- acoustic music in North America. hits with Jim’s songs. His music JACK lAWreNCe in Doc Watson, Clarence White tar playing and went out on his They gained the attention of Bill was featured on the ABC show Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Django Reinhardt. Jack is own in the ‘90s. The Wanamaker Monroe, Doc Watson, Tut Taylor “Nashville,” and he had several Jack Lawrence has been called featured on many of Doc’s record- Lewis Band was formed in 2000 and Bobby Hicks. tracks on the soundtrack of the a “flatpicking powerhouse.” His ings. The solo project “About when he teamed with harmonica film “Pure Country.” He helped recordings and performances Time,” released in 1997, show- virtuoso Seth Holzman. JIM lAuDerDAle pave the way of the Ameri - combine exciting, high-spirited cases Jack’s guitar style and rich, Thursday, Friday, cana movement by writing and and innovative guitar solos with warm vocals. In 2001 he assem- JeFF lITTle TrIO Saturday, Sunday recording songs that cross tasteful phrasing in his own bled some of the friends he most Thursday, Saturday, Sunday Jim Lauderdale is a two- country, pop, roots, rock, folk inventive style. Well known as admires for a recording project. Jeff Little is from Boone, where time Grammy Award-winning and bluegrass. Lauderdale won Doc Watson’s partner since the These sessions resulted in the his family ran Little’s Music Store. musician and one of the most a Grammy Award in 2002 with early 1980s, Jack’s inspired play- April 2002 release of “I Don’t Need Among the musicians who fre- respected artists in the blue - Dr. Ralph Stanley for “Lost in ing and smooth vocals provide the Whiskey Anymore,” featuring quently dropped by to play a tune grass, country and Americana the Lonesome Pines” and then listeners with performances Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Tony was Doc Watson, a neighbor and music communities. He is con- for “The Bluegrass Diaries” in that span musical traditions. Williamson, The Del McCoury close family friend whose music sidered one of Nashville’s “A” 2007. As a performer, he is cred- Jack grew up in Charlotte, and Band and Doc Watson. helped shape Jeff’s unique piano list of songwriters with songs ited with production, writing and his musical odyssey began at age style. A professional musician recorded by artists such as collaborating on over two dozen 10 when his father took a job as WANAMAKer leWIS since the age 14, Little is conver- Patty Loveless, Shelby Lynne, albums. Lauderdale co-hosts a sound engineer for a local music AND rOOTOlOGY sant with old-time, country, blue- The Dixie Chicks and George weekly radio show on SiriusXM hall. From these early experi- Friday Strait, who has had numerous “The Buddy & Jim Show.” ences, he developed his talents Wanamaker Lewis is known Continued on Page 19 Brushy Mountain Animal Golf Hospital Lodges Club McLindon’s at of Wilkes 300 Golf Course Lane, Taylorsville, N.C. 28681 Restaurant We treat your pets Brushy 828-632-7502 like family Mountain Fine Dining Expert team of Golf Club Lunch and veterinary professionals Dinner $ 00 to bring you the best possible Only 80 Open Daily per night healthcare for your pet! 11 AM-9 PM For Reservations call Special Dr. Chad Aderhold • Dr. John Stinson 828-632-4804 OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! Sunday Lunch Dr. Steve Jackson • Dr. Lynn Allred from 7 AM-5 PM Play, Stay & Dine Package 11 AM-2 PM Dr. Kiri de la Cerda

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& Sonny Terry, and John Hartford. May Artists started and runs the IBMA award-winning continued from Page 18 record label, Swift River Music. May is a yearly performer and educator at major grass, rockabilly and blues. Jeff settled in festivals like Winfield (since 1989) and Nashville for a while, working as a session MerleFest (since 2002) where he conducts man, touring and working with a wide the Acoustic Kids Showcases. range of country artists, most notably Keith Urban. In 2004, he returned to the DAVID AND Blue Ridge to direct the Music Industry VAlerIe MAYFIelD Program at Guilford Technical Community Saturday College. Little has performed for National lindsay lou & The Flatbellies love Canon Empty nesters and bluegrass musicians David and Valerie Mayfield are pursuing Public Radio, PBS, The Smithsonian Insti- lINDSAY lOu & rocker.” By his 20th birthday, May had their own careers while their critically tution, American Piano Masters Series, THe FlATbellYS played Carnegie Hall and won the Grand acclaimed kids, Jessica Lea Mayfield and The National Council for the Traditional Saturday Championship on guitar at the legend- David Mayfield, are becoming national Arts, The American Folk Festival and the Blazing hot Michigan roots ensemble ary Union Grove Fiddler’s Convention. Smithsonian Folk Life Festival. Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys is touring in He has appeared with Pete Seeger, Merle support of its new release, “Ionia.” Lead- Haggard, Nickel Creek, Brownie McGee Continued on Page 20 THe lOCAl bOYS ing the group, Lindsay Lou has the kind Friday, Saturday, Sunday of voice you can get lost in. One part jazz The Local Boys is a band that has singer, effortlessly transitioning octaves; been waiting for the appellation “Ameri- one part blues shouter, soaring over the cana,” as “bluegrass” just doesn’t cover band like a clarion call; and one part folk the material it does. While all members singer, rousing them all together in song. GET of The Local Boys have deep roots in The instruments and the bedrock of the traditional music, they also have a love band may come from bluegrass, but the PERFORMANCE HAS ITS PERKS for the musical styles that influenced music that Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys $ and evolved from old-time country and present can best be described as Ameri- * with purchase bluegrass. The band is fairly standard in BUY 50 cana. This is music that’s caught between its acoustic instrumental arrangement: the pull of the past and the push of the ® Reward Card® passenger after submission or light truck tires. guitar, bass, banjo, Dobro and mandolin. 4 beckoning future, ready to leap forward $ 50 MasterCard Where it differs is that it has four superb bursting with new ideas and youthful Get a of four new BFGoodrich lead vocalists who also sing harmonies: energy. John Akin, Aaron Soots, Eric Childers and Tommy Rape. This gives them an lOVe CANON unparalleled ability to find the perfect Thursday combination of voices. If you like blue - Think of the greatest ‘80s hits and movie grass, you’ll like The Local Boys. You soundtracks, re-orchestrated with preci- may hear some blues, rock ‘n’ roll, old sion by flat-pick guitar, banjo, acoustic country and rockabilly. It is good music bass, mandolin, Dobro and high lonesome with a lot of variety, played in the down- vocals and you have Love Canon. The home style. It will touch your heart and Charlottesville-based band refreshes and raise your spirit. extends the originals with affectionate humor and effortless virtuosity. Led by bONNIe lOGAN guitarist Jesse Harper (Old School Freight Friday, Saturday, Sunday Train) and banjo wiz Adam Larrabee, this Bonnie Logan was born and raised in virtuoso group of string musicians that Biggar, Saskatchewan. Everyone in her also includes Darrell Muller (bass), Andy farming/railroading family told stories, Thacker (mandolin), Jay Starling (resona- HURRY! OFFER VALID 4/18/16 – 5/8/16. and she started in as a youngster just tor guitar) add layer upon layer of depth to get a word in edgewise. She began to the still-appealing pop hooks. storytelling in 1985 while touring with * Reward Card eligibility is limited to tire purchases from participating dealers only. Seeee reredemptiondempmptionion forffoformm ffoforr cocompletemplette oofferffer detdetails.ails. OfOfferfere eexpires the Saskatchewan Heritage Traveling ANDY MAY 05/08/2016. Void where prohibited. The Reward Card expires six (6) months after issuance.nce. NNoo cacashshs aaccess.ccesss. FFeeseess applapply.y. RRewardeward CardCard issueissuedd byby U U.S. Bank National Association pursuant to a license from MasterCard International Incorporated. MasterCard is a registered trademark of MasterCard Show, and she’s been telling ever since Friday, Saturday, Sunday International Incorporated. Copyright © 2016 MNA, Inc. All rights reserved. in schools, libraries, festivals and spe- In a career spanning five decades and cial events. Logan works professionally three regions of the nation, Andy May as a full-time storyteller and workshop makes music that can be exuberant, MYERS TIRE SERVICE INC. educator. She has been teaching sto - thoughtful, funny or bittersweet. His rytelling at a school in Saskatoon for originality and optimism combined with Three convenient locations to serve you a decade. She tells folktales, cantefa - his love and respect for America’s musical bles, and literary and original stories 400 E. Main Street Highway 16 North Highway 18 North roots shine through. He has been called a Wilkesboro Millers Creek North Wilkesboro with humor, music (on banjo, kokorico, “troubadour of life,” an “Americana music cabasa and other odd instruments) and pioneer,” a “master of traditional Ameri- heart. can music styles” and an “upbeat roots 838-0011 667-1931 667-9338 20 • MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April 2016

singles featuring collaborations record a new old-time song called Artists with legendary as well as new “Dance You Hippy Dance.” continued from Page 19 rising stars. OlD CrOW MeDICINe SHOW acts. The younger David leads TIM O’brIeN Friday The David Mayfield Parade and Sunday Old Crow Medicine Show got young Jessica Lea Mayfield is an It has been four years since its start busking on street cor- up-and-coming successful solo Tim O’Brien’s last solo recording. ners in New York state and up artist, both having appeared After collaborations with Darrell through Canada. In Boone, the on David Letterman. As for the Scott, Hot Rize, Earls of Leices- band caught the attention of Doc parents’ style, it is steeped in Old Crow Medicine Show John Oates Tim O’brien ter and Jayme Stone’s Lomax Watson while playing in front of old school bluegrass and clas- Project, he produced 11 musical a pharmacy. Doc immediately sic country. You don’t want to ied strings at the Julliard School sold over 80 million units, making tracks. “Pompadour” combines invited the band to play at Mer- miss this dynamic bluegrass in Manhattan; four hold English them the most successful duo in bluegrass, deep-roots Appala- leFest, helping to launch its suc- duo’s tight harmonies and blend degrees from the University of rock history. They have scored chian music, field hollers, old- cessful career. Shortly thereafter of talent. Add in some fast hot London. The Annie Moses Band 10 number one records, over 20 school rock ‘n’ roll, traditional the band relocated to Nashville pickin’, and you have two highly has performed on PBS, in Carn- Top 40 hits, and toured the world jazz and even James Brownian for a residency at the Grand Ole entertaining musicians. egie Hall and on the Grand Ole for decades. In addition to their Opry. Award-winning composer numerous American Music and funk. O’Brien also launched the Opry, where they entertained new Short Order Sessions digital the crowd between shows. Since ANNIe MOSeS bAND Bill Wolaver, the siblings’ father, MTV awards, in 2005 they were label. “It’s a new model, and it’s then, Old Crow has been inducted Sunday weaves musical styles together inducted into the American Song- kind of liberating. SOS releases into the Grand Ole Opry, won a Annie Moses Band brings a into cinematic arrangements for writers Hall of Fame, and in May two singles every month, and Grammy for its music video for captivating blend of folk and the band. Robin, their mother, is of 2008 they received the presti- they’re not arranged in any the- “Big Easy Express,” and cre - classical. Siblings Annie (violin, an award-winning songwriter. gious BMI Icon Award for their matic way like a CD would be. ated the instant classic “Wagon vocals), Alex (viola), Ben (cello, outstanding career achievement Some friends might stop by my Wheel,” which sold over a mil- songwriter), Camille (piano, JOHN OATeS in songwriting. Since 1999, John house, and we’ll nosh and then lion copies. Old Crow Medicine harp), Gretchen (violin, man- Saturday has recorded five solo albums: play and record, or I might have Show has four studio albums to dolin, guitar, songwriter) and John Oates is one-half of pop “Phunk Shui,” “1,000 Miles of an extra hour on a session and its name: “O.C.M.S.,” “Big Iron Jeremiah (electric guitar, song- music’s legendary group Hall & Life,” “Mississippi Mile,” and a we’ll cut a song. On Groundhog World,” “Tennessee Pusher” and writer, vocals) bring Juilliard- Oates. Since the formation of live album called “The Bluesville Day in Glasgow during the Trans- “Carry Me Back” and has toured honed chops to Nashville-styled their partnership in the early Sessions.” His latest project is atlantic Sessions tour, I grabbed music-making. Four of them stud- ‘70s, Hall & Oates have gone on called “A Good Road to Follow,” to record 21 albums, which have which began as a series of digital two hours and some friends to Continued on Page 21

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Brothers, John Denver, Kris Artists Kristofferson, Carly Simon, Ben continued from Page 20 Harper, Joan Baez and many others have recorded his songs. all over the world. But long before these awards and accolades, all the concerts and WIll OVerMAN bAND many albums, John Prine trudged Saturday through snow in the cold Chicago The music of Will Overman winters, delivering mail across Band – call it amped-up folk Maywood, his childhood suburb. rock – is as energetic as it is pas- Will Overman band Sarah Potenza John Prine lou reid and Carolina He began playing guitar at age sionate. It can be haunting and 14. By his early 20s, he was liv - evocative yet sincere and sweet. PeNNY & SPArrOW gle Pretty” (2014) – may differ, Roots resulted in a phone call ing in Chicago and entrenched Musically and lyrically the band Saturday Penny & Sparrow has garnered from the NBC television show, in the city’s folk music scene. In draws from its Virginia roots, Penny & Sparrow is American a reputation of blending sincere “The Voice.” Potenza took the 1971, Prine put out his self-titled producing a rare combination of singer-songwriter duo of Andy lyrics with haunting melodies and challenge in stride and managed debut album, which earned criti- enticing harmony and straight- Baxter and Kyle Jahnke out of harmonies in every song. to land a four chair turn, and out cal praise and helped pave the ahead, hard-charging rhythm Austin, Texas. Formed in 2011 of 50,000 contestants, she made it way for a career that has spanned and riffs. Or, as one fan put it, after living as roommates at SArAH POTeNZA to the top 20. She also performed more than four decades. “hearty as a home-cooked South- the University of Texas, the duo Friday on the Grand Ole Opry. ern meal.” The band is composed began their musical endeavor After spending seven years lOu reID & CArOlINA of Overman (guitar, vocals), Dan- as a hobby and creative outlet. with her band Sarah & The Tall JOHN PrINe Friday iel McCarthy (guitar), Brittney Their first tune, “Creature,” was Boys, Sarah Potenza relocated to Thursday Lou Reid & Carolina is based Wagner (vocals), J. Wilkerson recorded in a small apartment Nashville, Tenn., with not much Some four decades since his in Union Grove. The band began (bass) and Christopher Helms behind an orphanage with one more than her husband and her remarkable debut, John Prine in 1992 and has recorded 10 CDs. (drums). Drawing comparisons microphone and a laptop. “If you monster vocals. That coupled has stayed at the top of his game Members are Marcus Smith (gui- to The Avetts and Jason Isbell, listen closely, you can hear kids with her honest reflective song- as a performer and songwriter. tar), Trevor Watson (banjo) and the band carries an unwavering screaming and laughing in the writing, she quickly garnered the He recently was honored at the Christy Reid (bass). Its sound is commitment to its music and to background of each song,” said attention of the city’s thriving Library of Congress by U.S. Poet steeped in traditional bluegrass its fans. That music and those lyr- Baxter. While the instrumenta- music scene, and she became a Laureate Ted Kooser. Prine has and gospel roots with an empha- ics, as the Huffington Postwrote, tion in each of the three released staple at the Bluebird Café and the long been considered a “song- sis on dynamic vocals. In 2010, seem to draw “… from the experi- albums – “Creature” (2011), Music City Roots program. One of writer’s songwriter.” Johnny ences of someone much older.” “Tenboom” (2013), and “Strug- her performances on Music City Cash, Bonnie Raitt, the Everly Continued on Page 22

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Lou Reid & Carolina were final- ists for the 2009 IBMA Song of the Year and 2010 GMA Dove Award for Bluegrass Gospel Song of the Year for the a capella song “It’s Hard to Stumble.” No. 1 songs Jeff Scroggins and Colorado Scythian Carol rifkin with John Fowler include “Time,” “Amanda Lynn” and Jeannette Queen Sparky and rhonda rucker have appeared at the Kennedy join the party!” and “Carolina Moonshine Man.” Center in Washington, D.C., and Reid began his career in 1979 in Jackson County. The daughter a lot like him. When the two the Smithsonian Folklife Festi- JeFF SCrOGGINS & as bassist and lead and tenor of the late 2007 National Heri- harmonized together, they were val, as well as NPR’s “On Point,” COlOrADO vocalist for Doyle Lawson and tage Award winner Mary Jane said to have reached “heavenly “Prairie Home Companion,” Friday, Saturday Quicksilver. In 1982, Reid joined Queen and Claude Queen, she heights.” Monroe and Rowan co- “Mountain Stage” and “Morn- Jeff Scroggins & Colorado is the Ricky Skaggs Band as a multi- carries forward seven genera- wrote what has already become ing Edition.” Their “Treasures a high-energy five-piece blue- instrumentalist and backup tions of traditions learned from a bluegrass standard, “Walls of & Tears” was nominated for a grass band from Colorado. Its vocalist. He played banjo on the her mother and sings the songs Time.” Rowan’s touring bluegrass W.C. Handy Award. distinctive sound showcases first bluegrass song to hit No. 1, of the mountains in her powerful, band consists of dyed-in-the-wool an eclectic range of influences “Uncle Pen” and has recorded clear voice. traditional players Jody Stecher SAlVADOr that marry second and third with David Keith, Michael Mar- Fowler is an award-winning (mandolin, fiddle), Keith Little Saturday generation bluegrass. It fea- tin Murphy, Vince Gill and the storyteller, musician, ballad (banjo) and Paul Knight (bass). The unique sound of Salva- tures world-class banjoand late Vern Gosdin. He has been singer and author. He is the 2013 The band features original songs dor is born out of the fusion of mandolin playing, incredible a member of Seldom Scene for recipient of the Jean Laney Harris written by Rowan. influence in the band’s home- vocals, a solid and energetic 24 years. Folk Heritage Award. Fowler’s town, Austin. Texas, and of the rhythm and an easy stage ban- skills on harmonica, fiddle and SPArKY AND rHONDA band’s passion for Jesus. The ter. The band is fronted by two- CArOl rIFKIN WITH JOHN banjo combine with his historic ruCKer seven-piece Christian band time National Banjo Champion FOWler AND JeANeTTe knowledge and sense of humor Saturday, Sunday delivers messages of love and Jeff Scroggins. It features Jeff’s QueeN for a fun, informative show. Sparky and Rhonda Rucker light through Tex-Mex and Latin son Tristan (mandolin). At 20, Friday, Saturday, Sunday sing and tell stories from the sounds, a jam-band rhythmic the West Virginia native is an Carol Rifkin, Jeanette Queen PeTer rOWAN American tradition. Their music sensibility and a little of the award-winning instrumentalist and John Fowler bring songs, sto- Thursday, Friday, Saturday, includes old-time blues, slave garage grit. The band has been and accomplished songwriter. ries, ballads, harmonies, string Sunday songs, ballads, spirituals, and recording since 2000, with its Twice nominated for Society for band music, clogging, big circle A chameleon of musical originals. They feature fingerstyle debut release “Make Some the Preservation of Bluegrass dance, flat footing and more genres, Peter Rowan’s original picking and bottleneck blues Noise.” Since then, it earned the Music of America’s (SPBGMA) from North Carolina’s mountain songwriting is the driving force of guitar, harmonica, and old-time Dove Award for Spanish Lan- “Traditional Male Vocalist of the music community. Rifkin is an his musical diversity. The legend- banjo. James “Sparky” Rucker guage Album in 2004, performed Year” award, Blake’s guitar play- award-winning singer with sweet ary bluegrass singer-songwriter is a leading folklorist, historian, at Dr. Graham’s final New York ing has earned him nine nomina- soaring vocals, a dancer (Green and Grammy Award winner has musician storyteller, and author City crusade in 2005 and has tions and five consecutive wins as Grass Cloggers) and musician been performing since 1963, and and toured with the American toured widely. Really the mission SPBGMA’s Guitarist of the Year. who performed with Doc and today he is still making waves in Folk Blues Festival in Europe. of the band is simple: to make Merle Watson and on the movie the music world. A solo Rowan Rhonda Rucker is an author, folk music that “… has an optimism, SCYTHIAN “Songcatcher.” Rifkin and Fowler performance is one for the true musician and storyteller. Motes an expectation, and proves that Friday, Saturday, Sunday co-host WNCW’s mountain music music lover. Rowan’s bluegrass Books published her historical a life of following Jesus is a life Scythian (sith ee yin) belts out show, “This Old Porch.” career started as a Blue Grass novel, “Swing Low, Sweet Har- worth living. We’re making a joy- a high energy, interactive brand Queen learned to play and Boy in 1964. By Bill Monroe’s riet,” in 2013. In over 40 years of ful noise the best way we know own admission, Rowan sounded performing, Sparky and Rhonda sing in the Queen family band how and would love for you to Continued on Page 23 Welcome MerleFest Fans! Welcome MerleFest Fans For All Your Wilkes County’s Used Car Superstore Real Estate Needs Largest 119 Old Brickyard Road • North Wilkesboro Contact Terrie! Call or Text 336•984•8873 Selection in the Email: [email protected] High Country 3 3 6 - 6 67- 6111 www.specialtycarcompany.com To search any listing in Wilkes MLS Terrie Stackhouse 336-667-1966 Ext. 608 Where our friends, neighbors and superstars buy their cars! Realtor • Broker www.stackhousehomes.com MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April 2016 • 23 Artists continued from Page 22 of music with a goal of getting people on their feet and dancing. These classically trained musicians are natural showmen who blend kicked-up Celtic, folk and world music and deliver it with Karl Shifflett Doug Seegers Kenny and Amanda Smith Shiny ribs Junior Sisk Sigmon Stringers a punk rock sensibility. Combine this with the driving rhythm of gle microphone stage show. For grass. Randy’s daughter Anna a jazz percussionist, and you’ve nearly a quarter of a century the (banjo) and Mark’s children, got the ingredients for a show band has performed across the Beau (guitar, mandolin), Mollie you won’t soon forget. In a single U.S., Canada and abroad. Karl (mandolin, vocals) and Maggie song, they transport an audience Shiflett & Big Country Show’s (fiddle, vocals) complete the across the globe with the alluring most recent recording project, band. The band has played many and dramatic strains of gypsy “Take Me Back,” received rave venues on the East Coast, includ- fiddles, the bounce of a Celtic reviews and widespread airplay. ing MerleFest for six years and reel, and then cross back over It was ranked No. 8 in Bluegrass International Bluegrass Music the border to pick up a klezmer Music Profiles top 10 albums for Association World of Bluegrass Steven and ruth Smith Slocan ramblers hook and some good old fash- 2012. 2015 in Raleigh. ioned bluegrass licks. Scythian’s music scene, built on its reputa- STeVe AND ruTH SMITH members are alchemists in their SHINYrIbS JuNIOr SISK & tion for energetic live shows and Thursday, Friday, Saturday use of crowd participation. Saturday rAMblerS CHOICe impeccable musicianship. The Musical duo Steve and Ruth ShinyRibs is the continuation Friday Slocans are Frank Evans (banjo), Smith are from North Carolina’s DOuG SeeGerS of Kevin Russell’s musical jour- There aren’t many vocal - Adrian Gross (mandolin), Dar- Blue Ridge Mountains and play a Friday, Saturday ney that began in Beaumont, ists who can wring every bit ryl Poulsen (guitar) and Alastair distinctive blend of Appalachian For more than half his life, Texas, when, at 14, he found his of lonesome out of a note like Whitehead (bass). On its sopho- Americana music with Celtic Doug Seegers was his own best- father’s guitar under his bed, Junior Sisk. Sisk was named more album, “Coffee Creek,” The roots, featuring hammered and kept secret. Busking on the street along with a sewing machine, 2013 IBMA Male Vocalist of the Slocan Ramblers blend lightning Appalachian mountain dulcimer, throughout the United States, he a billy club and a box of comic Year. He and his band, Ramblers fast and devilishly intricate old-time banjo and guitar. They picked up the name “Duke the books. Luckily he chose the gui- Choice, earned other awards, instrumentals with the vocals received the Americana Instru- Drifter,” a fitting moniker for tar. Following his family’s oil including 2014 SPBGMA Blue- of Frank Evans, who takes lead mental Group of the Year award. a man so well versed in Hank boom and bust migratory path, grass Band of the Year. Hail- on songs ranging from rowdy old- Their sixth CD, “A Good Life,” fea- Williams. It wasn’t until he was he landed in Shreveport, La., ing from the Virginia’s Blue time numbers like “Groundhog,” tures both vocal and instrumen- discovered in 2014 by a Swed- where he formed his first band. Ridge, Sisk first made his mark to classics like Woody Guthrie’s tal music written by Steve and ish country star at a Nashville A ShinyRibs show is a hip shak- as a songwriter. As a member “Pastures of Plenty.” Ruth. Steve, an American Society food pantry that Seegers’ enor- ing, belly laughing, soul-singing, of Blueridge and Wyatt Rice & of Composers, Authors and Pub- mous talent was exposed. In song-slinging, down-home house Santa Cruz, he helped define the KeNNY AND AMANDA SMITH lishers (ASCAP) award-winning his music, you can hear Gram party. All styles of American sound of driving, modern tradi- Friday songwriter, provides fingerstyle Parsons, Hank Williams and ‘60s music are likely to be touched tional bluegrass. Sisk founded Winners of the International guitar, old-time banjo and vocals. rock influences like John Lennon, on, squeezed on and kissed on Ramblers Choice in 1998, releas- Bluegrass Music Association’s Ruth is known for her expressive Neil Young, Buffalo Springfield by this world-class band, featuring “Sounds of the Mountains” on prestigious Emerging Artist style on the hammered dulcimer. and The Byrds. Seegers croons ing Winfield Cheek (keyboards), Rounder Records. “Trouble of the Year award in 2003, the They’ve been featured on PBS from a place special to deeply Keith Langford (drums) and Jeff Follows Me,” the band’s latest Kenny and Amanda Smith Band series “Song of the Mountains,” gifted songwriters: the wearied, Brown (bass and the Tijuana album and its fifth for Rebel, was combines gutsy, heartfelt vocals, NPR’s “All Songs Considered” and hard-traveling soul. This spirit Train Wreck Horns). released in 2014 to wide criti- brilliant instrumental talents and on “Thistle & Shamrock.” is alive on Seeger’s remarkable cal acclaim. Five songs from the a powerful, contemporary sense debut album, “Going Down to SIGMON STrINGerS album have reached the Blue- of song choice and arrangement JOe SMOTHerS the River.” Thursday grass Today Top 20. Lead sin- into one of the most compelling Thursday, Friday, Saturday The Sigmon Stringers, an gle, “Honky Tonked to Death,” new sounds in bluegrass today. A Joe is a native of North Caro - KArl SHIFleTT & bIG award-winning three-genera- reached number one on the Blue- creation of the intensely personal lina now living in Georgia. While COuNTrY SHOW tion bluegrass/gospel band from grass Unlimited monthly charts. musical and romantic connection attending Appalachian State, he Saturday Newton has something to offer between Kenny and Amanda, the met three other musicians and Karl Shiflett & Big Country all ages. The original members, SlOCAN rAMblerS band shares a rare sense of cohe- formed the band Fried Chicken Show keeps the spirit of the past Clinton (guitar, vocals) and Thursday, Friday sion where each musician feels and Watermelon. His band did a alive with its authentic delivery his sons Randy (guitar, vocals) The Slocan Ramblers is a Cana- an almost telepathic connection. show with Doc and Merle Watson, of bluegrass and classic country and Mark (fiddle), and life-long dian young bluegrass band to Kenny is considered one of the and Merle took a liking to this music. Harnessing the synergy friend Ray Barger (bass, vocals) watch. Rooted in the tradition, most important and influential group of musicians. Joe joined and raw edginess of classic coun- have been performing since the fearlessly creative and pos - flatpicking-style guitarists of Merle’s band, Frosty Morn, to try acts of the ‘40s and ‘50s, they 1970s., Now the third generation sessing a bold, dynamic sound, his generation. He twice won record and play shows with bring the best of the past to the has been added, bringing a new The band has quickly become a the IBMA Guitarist of the Year Doc. Joe also joined Jack Law- dimension to “old-time” blue- leading light of Canada’s roots award. present with a high-energy, sin- Continued on Page 24 24 • MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April 2016 Artists continued from Page 23 rence to form the duo Smothers and Lawrence for one recording project and touring. Joe is now a guitar instructor and solo performer. As a songwriter, one of his songs won a writing award South Carolina broadcasters Steep Canyon rangers Stemwinder Sutton, Holt and Coleman in 2007 at the prestigious Kan- sas Walnut Valley Festival in Grammy Award for Best Blue- harmony mix. Bob Minke plays Winfield. His first solo project, grass Album in 2013 and drew cel- banjo, guitar, and sings both lead titled “These Things I Know,” was ebrated comedian/banjoist Steve and harmony vocals to complete released in April 2012 to critical Martin to them when he needed the quartet. What started out as acclaim. Joe has performed at a backing band. The Rangers four new friends getting together every MerleFest. are world-class musicians who to jam occasionally has become are just as at home taking the four really good friends getting SOuTH CArOlINA stage at Carnegie Hall as they are together to play music for their brOADCASTerS knee-deep in a mountain brook, family, friends and fans when- String Madness with Friday, Saturday, Sunday fly rod in hand. Fifteen years and ever and wherever they get the Mitch Greenhill billy Strings bryan Sutton The South Carolina Broad - nine studio albums since form- chance. casters are dogmatic about ing in Chapel Hill, the sextet— bIllY STrINGS Sutton grew up in a musical the deeply traditional style that resides in the western N.C. STrING MADNeSS WITH Friday, Saturday family and was immersed in the of music they present. David mountains of Brevard and Ashe- MITCH GreeNHIll American roots musician rich heritage of Western North Sheppard (guitar), Ivy Shep - ville—returned to their roots at Saturday Billy Strings taps into the vein Carolina music. Bryan started pard (fiddle, banjo, guitar) and Echo Mountain Recording for Instrumentalists Mitch Green- of the earliest bluegrass music playing guitar at the age of eight. Sarah Osborne (banjo, guitar) their staggering new collection, hill, Bob Applebaum and Peter on his album, “Fiddle Tune X.” By high school graduation, he all provide vocals to create “RADIO.” Recorded over three Spelman pool their talents to With just a guitar and a spirited was immersed in bluegrass, jazz distinctive harmonies. Draw- four-day sessions as the deep, form String Madness, playing all- voice, Strings has been tearing and rock ‘n’ roll, playing in an ing their inspiration from the snowy winter of 2015, the band instrumental, all-acoustic music up stages across America and array of bands and making his Carter Family and early coun- took full advantage of producer from Bach to Bebop. They have generating buzz with his intense first recordings. He added man- try duos, The Broadcasters aim Jerry Douglas, who contributes created a repertoire of original live shows. Drenched in sweat, dolin, banjo and fiddle skills to to keep the roots of American his distinctive Dobro playing compositions, string band tunes grimacing like a banshee, howl- his guitar abilities. He seemed traditional music alive. From throughout the album. and jazz. Greenhill has appeared ing like a bluegrass berserker and to come out of nowhere in 1995 fiddle tunes to gospel favorites at MerleFest for many years. He picking with such ferocity that as a member of Ricky Skaggs’ to originals you’ll swear you STeMWINDer served as Doc and Merle Wat- he’s been known to break three Kentucky Thunder band, playing know, The Broadcasters’ per- Saturday son’s manager, record producer strings in one song, 22-year-old on two Grammy Award-winning formance will take you back in Stemwinder hails from East and blues sidekick and recorded guitarist and singer Billy Strings records. After his tenure with time while making traditional Tennessee. Shannon Morton several albums. Applebaum’s could have tumbled out of coal Skaggs, Bryan went on to build music feel right at home in the has a smooth, laid-back playing 40-plus years of professional country in the old mountains, but a career as a top studio guitarist 21st Century. style and adds his voice to both experience in stage, recording, he is from Michigan. in Nashville. His playing is heard lead and harmony vocals. Dennis television and film include work alongside Keith Urban, Dolly STeeP CANYON rANGerS Ellis does the mandolin chores with Belá Fleck, Pete Wernick, brYAN SuTTON Parton, Taylor Swift and Harry Thursday and sings baritone. Pam Minke Stewart Duncan, Richard Greene Friday, Saturday Connick Jr. Sutton is a six-time A mix of serious chops and keeps the band in line with her and Mason Williams. Spelman Bryan Sutton is one of the most winner of the IBMA’s Guitarist of good-natured fun earned the rock solid, inventive bass play- composes much of String Mad- sought-after acoustic guitarists the Year and received a Grammy Steep Canyon Rangers the ing while adding her voice to the ness’ repertoire. on the planet. Born in Asheville. Continued on Page 25

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TellICO ing Bob Dylan, Phil Ochs, Pete Artists Thursday Seeger, Peter LaFarge and The continued from Page 24 Tellico released its debut Freedom Singers gathered in album, “Relics and Roses,” in Folkways Records’ studio for an in 2007 for Best Country Instru- June 2015. The album features album called “Broadside, Vol. 1.” mental Performance for his duet the singing and songwriting Happy’s group, the New World recording with Doc Watson. of Anya Hinkle (guitar, fiddle) Singers, cut the first recorded ver- and Stig Stiglets (bass) and show- sion of “Blowin’ in the Wind,” and SuTTON, HOlT AND COleMAN cases Aaron Ballance (Dobro, Happy sang a duet with Dylan on Friday, Saturday pedal and lap steel) and Jed Willis his anti-war song “Let Me Die in Grammy Award winners Bryan Tellico (mandolin, clawhammer banjo). My Footsteps.” Later that year Sutton, David Holt and T. Michael has a unique kind of bounce.” For Guitar virtuoso Jon Stickley pro- the New World Singers recorded Coleman explore the rich musi- the last 40 years, Holt has learned Happy Traum duced the album and makes a few an album for Atlantic Records, cal traditions of North Carolina. traditional music from Southern playing guitar at age 8. He guest appearances with drums with liner notes by Bob Dylan Each has been inspired by and mountaineers including Roy attended Rutgers University, and guitar. “Relics and Roses” is and featuring the first released performed with Doc Watson. Acuff, Etta Baker and 122-year- where he studied music theory the first album since Anya, Stig recording of “Don’t Think Twice, Their latest CD, “Ready for the old Susie Brunson. In 2002, Doc and classical guitar. He joined and Aaron formed Tellico after It’s All Right.” Their Homespun Times,” captures this vibrant and Holt won a Grammy for Best the Just for Play Country Dance recording four records with the Tapes has a catalog of more than legacy with impeccable musician- Folk Recording for their record- Band in 1978 and performed with Asheville-based bluegrass band 500 music lessons on DVD, video- ship and singing. “Doc was a huge ing “Legacy.” Bassist T. Michael artists such as the Oak Ridge Dehlia Low. tape and CD, and their products influence on all of us. We are fol- Coleman played with Doc and Boys, Brenda Lee, Marty Hag- are sold around the globe. lowing his lead in performing a Merle Watson for 15 years as well gard, Melba Montgomery and Jon HAPPY TrAuM wide range of songs and tunes... as with The Seldom Scene and Anderson. He’s been part of stu- Friday, Saturday APrIl VerCH We are not trying to recreate the Chesapeake. Coleman has had dio projects, commercials, and Happy Traum began playing Friday, Saturday past. We are playing music for multiple Grammy nominations various bands and music projects guitar and five-string banjo as April Verch steps, sings and today,” said Holt, who accompa- and wins with Doc and Merle and throughout his career. His unique a teenager and was an active fiddles with a fresh and feisty nied Doc for 14 years. “We want The Seldom Scene. style includes an eclectic mix of participant in the legendary approach to North American to sound like western North acoustic music ranging from Greenwich Village folk scene of traditions. Touring the world Carolina,” added Sutton. “It’s not MArK “T” classical and finger-style instru- the 1950s and ‘60s. Happy first to share songs from her tenth bluegrass, it’s not old-time, it’s Saturday mentals, original songs, hits of appeared on record at a historic album, “The Newpart,” Verch and mountain music, and it’s ours. It Mark “T” Tobolsky started the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s, and more. session in 1963 when a group of young folk musicians, includ - Continued on Page 26

Scott Ashley Owner Wilkes County Hardware

2868 Hwy. 268 west at Corner of old Browns ford road Welcome To MerleFest Pick Up All Your Camping Needs From Us! Milk your favorite Cold Beverages Welcomes You To MerleFest 2016! Coffee Boiled Natural Light Wilkes County Hardware Peanuts Ice Non-Ethanol Richard Searcy • 838-4632 18 PaCk $ 99 Snacks Gas 324 10th Street • North Wilkesboro 12 oz. Cans 11 Propane Regular Gas Mon. Tues. Thurs. Fri. 7:30-5 • Wed. & Sat. 7:30-Noon Wood [email protected] 26 • MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April 2016 Artists continued from Page 25 her band keep the celebratory side of traditional music at the forefront. The band features Cody Walters (bass, clawhammer banjo) and Lucas Chohany (guitar, mandolin). At the heart is Verch’s delicate voice, energetic footwork and stunning Seth Walker liz Vice The Waybacks playing. She plays with the tradition she SeTH WAlKer have consistently proven sharp-witted We banjo 3 inherited in her native Ottawa Valley and Friday and musically dazzling. “The whole spirit tives left in the box for Irish quartet We her performances speak to the heart of Seth Walker grew up on a commune in of improvisation – that’s always been the Banjo 3, whose virtuosic Irish/bluegrass/ roots music. rural North Carolina and is the son of clas- cornerstone of this band for me,” says old-time mix attained freshly dizzying sically trained musicians. He played cello founding singer/songwriter and guitarist heights on 2014’s stupendous second lIZ VICe long before discovering the six-string in James Nash. That spontaneity is a perfect album “Gather the Good,” which went on Sunday his 20s. After his introduction to the blues fit for equally eclectic Jason Crosby, a vir- to garner four Album of the Year awards in Gospel, soul and R&B infused artist Liz from his Uncle Landon Walker, a musician tuosic keyboardist whose sideman resume the U.S. and Ireland. One of the best live Vice is from Portland, Ore. With a love of and disc jockey, Seth began looking to art- ranges from Springsteen to Seeger, Clap- acts to come out of Ireland in recent years, storytelling, she has found herself going ists like T-Bone Walker, Snooks Eaglin and ton to Santana, and well beyond. Crosby the multi award-winning band combines from working behind the scenes in the B.B. King. He has released seven albums, will join Waybacks’ bassist Joe Kyle Jr., supergroup credentials with a breathtak- film and video world to behind the mic. breaking into the Top 20 of the Americana drummer Chuck Hamilton and lead gui- ing command of the emotive power of Her songs feature dynamic, soulful vocals charts and receiving praise from NPR, tarist Nash for what’s sure to be an ambi- fiddle, guitar, mandolin and banjo. Any with lyrics that are classically influenced “American Songwriter,” “No Depression” tious musical adventure. The Waybacks single member of this group could elec- enough to feel timeless and reference her and “Blues Revue,” among others. host the popular Hillside Album Hour at trify a venue with a solo performance, deep-rooted spirituality. At age 19, Vice’s MerleFest on Saturday and will be joined but together in the musical alchemy of health declined. She spent three and a THe WAYbACKS this year by critically acclaimed vocalist We Banjo 3, the result is unforgettable. half years on hemodialysis and received Friday, Saturday Nicki Bluhm. a kidney transplant in December 2005, The Waybacks are as uninhibited and CHArleS WelCH marking the beginning of great healing unpredictable as the eclectic San Fran- We bANJO 3 Friday, Saturday and perspective. Vice has gained promi- cisco Bay area that claims them. For Friday, Saturday Charles Welch is a longtime friend, nence as a performing artist. nearly a decade, the band’s experiments There can’t be many rhapsodic superla- Continued on Page 27 Now Open! Proud Supporter 105 Oakwoods Road • Wilkesboro, N.C. (Brushy Mountain Road) of 336-838-7200

Music • Moments • Memories

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comprised of brothers Walt Wil- Artists liams, 19, on the mandolin and continued from Page 26 violin and Noah Williams, 17, on the guitar, accompanied by longtime friend and musical mentor neighbor and picking pal of the Jim Matthews. Being invited to the Watson family. He has been a MerleFest Band Competition is frequent guest at the homes of coming full circle for the brothers Richard and Doc and RosaLee and their MerleFest experience. and often went on the road with They have performed on the Cabin either or both of them, sharing Stage as Acoustic Kids Ambas- their love of blues and mountain uncle Ted Shannon sadors and have been a part of a music. We welcome Charles as a Pete and Joan Wernick White Whitworth Concert Window Broadcast with special guest at MerleFest. festival. The campers perform on Westwend dances. He and his band mates Pete Wernick from the MerleF- the Cabin Stage Thursday. received a North Carolina Arts est Jam Camp. Walt and Noah PeTe AND JOAN WerNICK veterans—to put things mildly, some of the finest pickers and Council grant and the Pfaff Cup are from Lewisville, N.C., where Thursday, Friday, WeSTWeND from Warren Wilson College. they grew up on a farm with their Saturday, Sunday musicians the Southeast has to Saturday offer. A recent finalist in the Chris three younger siblings. They play Also known as Dr. Banjo and WestWend is an Americana/ SHANNON WHITWOrTH a blend of traditional and mod- Nurse Banjo, Pete and Joan are Austin Songwriting Competition country duo comprised of Jona- held at MerleFest, Staley’s natural Thursday ern bluegrass, gospel and tradi- MerleFest regulars going back to than Maness (guitar, vocals) and Banjo-wielding songstress tional music. They participated Pete’s appearances with Hot Rize gift with words and her powerful Wendy Crowe (vocals). Estab- lead vocal abilities complement Shannon Whitwor th has attracted in the IBMA Kids on Bluegrass in the early years of the festival. lished in 2011 in Knoxville, West- international attention with her Program for two consecutive The duo specializes in down- the band’s edgy interpretation of Wend performs and records new an otherwise traditional sound. passionate presence and talent. years. They released their first home harmonies. Joan’s unique traditional country music. With Whitworth’s style found its first album, “Years Ago.” in March 2015. and soulful singing is set off by All of this, coupled with a com- Maness’ roots in bluegrass and manding and high-energy live showcase in her 2007 solo debut, Pete’s masterful banjo work. Wendy’s roots stemming from the “No Expectations.” Her 2009 crit- TONY WIllIAMSON As a band organizer, performer performance, sets the bar for the Delta blues, classic country, and way today’s country music ought ically-acclaimed “Water Bound” Saturday and songwriter, he catalyzed the Motown, they have come together garnered Whitworth praise. She Mandolin virtuoso Tony Wil- groundbreaking progressive band to sound—honest, tight, daring to create a sound all their own. and void of pretension. has performed at the Philadel- liamson has dazzled audiences Country Cooking, Hot Rize and WestWend’s latest CD, “Linger for phia Folk Festival, Nashville’s far and wide for many years, his ongoing experimental proj- a While” (2014), takes bluegrass uNCle TeD WHITe Ryman Auditorium and else- performing around the globe on ect Pete Wernick & Flexigrass. standards and makes them new where. Whitworth’s latest release stage and in the studio with Ali- Additionally, Pete is well known Friday, Saturday again, while the band’s originals Uncle Ted White is a blue - is “High Tide.” A Gibson SG joins son Krauss, Earl Scruggs, Tony for his bestselling instruction capture the audience with a tra- Whitworth’s quiver of acoustic Rice, Vassar Clements, David books, videos and workshops. grass bass player, dance caller ditional flavor. Crowe’s voice has and storyteller from Hender- guitar, banjo and ukelele, and Grisman, Sam Bush, Mike Mar- Singer-guitarist Joan has hosted been best compared to Alison for the first time, the band is her shall, Ricky Skaggs, Jerry Doug- a bluegrass radio show on KGNU son County. “I learned to play Krauss, while Maness’ rich bari- bass out of necessity,” said Ted own. “High Tide” calls upon the las, Don Stiernberg and Robin in Boulder, Colo., since 1978. tone and agile flatpicking are well people who know her music best, and Linda Williams of “Prairie “Joan’s singing is guaranteed to White. “The band needed a bass known to audiences on both sides player.” Stepping into that role from producer Seth Kauffman to Home Companion” fame. He bring a smile to the face of any of the Atlantic. bassist Bill Reynolds. Just as her has also received awards and bluegrass traditionalist” (Blue- for the Whitewater Bluegrass Company, White makes a central music stems from Appalachian nominations from national music grass Now). Pete and Joan host WHISKeY GeNTrY roots but sheds its traditional organizations and performed for bluegrass camps nationwide, musical contribution and adds Friday to the band’s performances with skin at the door. Luciano Pavarotti. A native of including their annual original Formed in 2009 by husband rural Piedmont North Carolina, “flagship” MerleFest Jam Camp storytelling, Opry-style comedy and wife duo Lauren Staley and and dance-calling. White calls WIllIAMS brOTHerS bAND Williamson began playing music at nearby Herring Ridge YMCA Jason Morrow, the Whiskey Saturday around 1957. With him on man- camp for four days preceding the big mountain circle, Western Gentry is a group of seasoned swing, contra, old-time and other The Williams Brothers Band is Continued on Page 28 1985 Highway 16 North Millers Creek 336-667-4444 Move Staley John Robinson • 828-773-0597 • Open 24 hours BOXING Coach and Trainer • Certiﬁ ed oving personal trainer With Us! M • Zumba • Yoga 336-838-3717 vanS • Silver Sneakers 1014 Old Hwy. 16 N Training and Competition • Silver Fit Millers Creek 28 • MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April 2016

and songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and Artists vocalist John Cloyd Miller. Veterans of the continued from Page 27 Asheville music scene, the couple released a debut duet album, “Equinox,” in April 2015, following the birth of their daughter dolin and his brother Gary on banjo, they in February. “Equinox” showcases the ele- became child sensations and by 1969 had gant simplicity of two instruments and two won first place in the World Championship voices. They are founding members of Red in Union Grove. He had an Indie nomi- Zoe & Cloyd June. Miller is the grandson of bluegrass nation in Southern gospel music for his Wood & Wire indeed a main act. fiddler and Wilkes County native, the late album “Let Us Cross Over the River.” The rooted in traditional bluegrass, with ele- Jim Shumate. Natalya’s father is a master latest recordings by Williamson include ments of progressive grass such as modern ZOe & ClOYD jazz pianist and and her grandfather was his solo “Lloyd Loar Mandolins,” and with harmony and song forms.” Saturday a professional klezmer musician. She is his brother, Gary, and an all-star band, Zoe & Cloyd is the wife-husband duo of an accomplished fiddler in several styles the Williamson Brother’s “Bluegrass!” He WOOD brOTHerS fiddler and singer Natalya Zoe Weinstein as well as an inspiring vocalist. founded Mandolin Central in 1990. Saturday The Wood Brothers’ new album, “Para- WOOD & WIre dise,” captures the latest chapter in the Saturday ongoing evolution of a band—and a fam- Wood & Wire is a young acoustic band ily—navigating the joy and challenges of a with a love for pure music played well. life in music. Dubbed “masters of soulful In 2011, the group exploded onto Aus - folk” by Paste, when the Wood Brothers tin’s bluegrass and old-time music scene released its debut studio album in 2016, through appearances at Old Settlers Music Chris Wood already had legions of devoted Festival, Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival, fans for his incomparable work as one- Austin City Limits Music Festival and third of Medeski Martin & Wood, while his the IBMA World of Bluegrass and else- brother Oliver toured with Tinsley Ellis where. The band’s influences range from before releasing a half-dozen albums with Led Zeppelin to Doc Watson – and every- his band King Johnson. Almost a decade thing in between. “We’re from all over later and with drummer Jano Rix added the country,” says Bassist Dom Fisher, as a permanent third member, it’s become describing the resulting sound as “strongly quite clear that The Wood Brothers are

Where memories begin…

900 Main Street • North Wilkesboro • 336-838-5964 www.michaelsjewelry.com • facebook.com/michaelsjewelry MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April 2016 • 29 MerleFest pays tribute to Watson legacy Despite his death on May son was born in Deep Gap in of fiddler Gaither Carlton, albums together and won 29, 2012, at 89, Watson’s Watauga County. His father, when he was 24 and she two Grammys. musical influence and his General Dixon Watson, was was 16, Watson tuned pia- Merle was killed in a positive ambassadorship a farmer and laborer who nos to support his growing tractor accident in 1985. for his beloved southern led singing at church. His family. Although broken-hearted Appalachians continues. mother, Annie, sang old bal- Eddy Merle was born in by the loss, Doc said Merle MerleFest helps insure lads while doing household 1949, and Nancy Ellen in told him in a dream to press that the legacies of Doc chores and at night sang the 1951. In 1953, Doc got a job on with the music. He did Watson and his wife, the children to sleep. playing electric guitar in this and helped start Mer- late Rosa Lee Watson, and Left blind by an eye infec- a local country band and leFest in Merle’s memory. their son, the late Merle tion as an infant, Doc had a traded his Martin for a Gib- Doc is revered for his flat- Watson, remain a vibrant few years of formal school- son Les Paul. The group often picking and finger-picking and positive force - partic- ing at the Raleigh School for lacked a fiddler and Watson styles, as well as his voice. ularly in northwest North the Blind. He was 5 or 6 when taught himself fiddle tunes He received seven Gram- THe lATe DOC AND rOSA lee WATSON of Deep Gap. Carolina. he received his first harmon- on the electric instrument, mys, including the Lifetime Arthel Lane “Doc” Wat- ica and 11 when his father in addition to the popular Achievement Award, and made him a fretless banjo. finger-style music of Merle was inducted into the Inter- After Doc taught himself the Travis and Chet Atkins. national Bluegrass Music Carter Family’s “When the Smithsonian Institute Hall of Fame. Roses Bloom in Dixieland,” folklorist Ralph Rinzler Rosa Lee Watson died Doc’s father bought him a “discovered” Watson in six months after Doc died. $12 Stella guitar, and soon 1960 at the Union Grove She was 81. They performed he was learning the rythym fiddler’s convention. together and co-wrote “Your chords. He learned to flat Merle joined Doc in Long Journey,” featured on pick and then Jimmie Rodg- 1964 as rhythm guitar- the Grammy Award-winning ers’ picking style. ist and eased most of the album “Raising Sand.” Their After his marriage in burdens of the road from grandson and Merle’s son, rICHArD WATSON performs with his grandfather, Doc Watson. In the photo at far 1947 to Rosa Lee Carlton, his father’s shoulders. Doc Richard Watson, carries on right is his father, Merle Watson, for whom MerleFest is named. a neighbor and daughter and Merle made about 20 the family’s musical tradition. Brushy Mountain Specialty Interiors Midtown Plaza Shopping Center Smokehouse Your Local Office Supply & Furniture Headquarters and Creamery

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Children 4 and under always eat free at the Smokehouse! Welcome MerleFest Fans! Look for our Handcrafted Ice Cream at the Shoppes at MerleFest and look for our trailer near the Dance Tent Award-winning Hickory Smoked Barbecue, Ribs, and Chicken Serving Lunch and Dinner Come see us Monday through Saturday at the Brushy Come by and let Darrell, David and Jerry help you! Closed Sunday Mountain Office Supplies Delivered Free To Local Businesses! Full Service Catering Smokehouse! Midtown Plaza Shopping Center Call for take-outs 312 Wilkesboro Avenue www.brushymtnsmokehouse.com North Wilkesboro 336.990.0774 pencarellc.com 201 Wilkesboro Boulevard • North Wilkesboro • 667-9464 30 • MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April 2016 Shoppes at MerleFest expanded to offer even more The Shoppes at MerleFest is a shop- don’t see every day in local stores. enhance the MerleFest experience, includ- announced from the stage and posted in ping village featuring the MerleFest Gift ing umbrellas, hats, sunscreen, some over- the MerleFest Mall. Shop with official MerleFest memorabilia, Heritage Crafts the-counter medicines and other first aid commercial vendors, Heritage Crafts and A special feature of The Shoppes at sundries, mugs, WCC apparel, postcards expo Center services such as first aid, overnight stor- MerleFest is the Heritage Crafts tent. and seasonal gifts. The Expo Center presents the best in age/lost & found and Internet access. This area features some of the region’s The bookstore will be open from 10 a.m. acoustic musical instruments, accessories It has been expanded this year to offer finest artisans as creating authentic crafts to 4 p.m. the first three days of MerleFest. and media by the world’s leading compa- even more. using traditional methods. nies that sponsor MerleFest. They entertain and educate MerleFest MerleFest Mall At the Expo Center, fans can go straight MerleFest Gift Shop fans about their work. The MerleFest Mall is the source to the makers to try out the latest in acous- The MerleFest Gift Shop is the destina- Live demonstrations, exhibits and shop- for musical recordings, T-shirts and tic instruments and accessories or pur- tion for official MerleFest T-shirts, caps, ping opportunities make this special. autographs from favorite MerleFest chase new or vintage string instruments. children’s items and more. performers. The Expo Center provides one of the most MerleFest strives to invite unique ven- WCC bookstore The Autograph Station is located within significant trade shows in the acoustic dors to the festival who offer wares you The WCC Bookstore offers items that the Mall. Autograph schedules will be music industry - all at MerleFest. MerleFest offers music on 13 different stages Russell F. Ferree MerleFest has 13 different stages, including: •Pickin’ Place, where fans and musicians pick and sing; Real Estate Attorney • Watson Stage, with some of the largest acts; • Dance Stage, with all kinds of dancing; • Cabin Stage, next to the Watson Stage, with some • Mayes Pit Learning Stage, with instructional New Location of the best acoustic music; sessions and more; • Creekside Stage, under tent near Moravian Creek, a • Chris Austin Stage, with some of the best song- 105 West Main Street pleasant spot for performances; writing and blues music; Wilkesboro, NC 28697 • Little Pickers Family Area, offering activities, games • Plaza Stage, with guitar, banjo, and mandolin and live music for the young; contests and songwriter’s coffee house and workshops; [email protected] • Americana Stage, relaxed venue on lawn; • Hillside Stage, with artists up close and jammin’; • Traditional Stage, beneath large tent, featuring • Walker Center, Home of Midnight Jam, other indoor (336) 838-0024 Fax (336) 838-7600 traditional music at its best; shows. MerleFest Food choices diverse MerleFest food is one of the event’s Brushy Mtn. Smokehouse & Creamery USED CARS-TRUCKS-PARTS defining features.In the Watson Stage area If You’re Looking For A Particular Make or Model, are two food tents operated by and benefit- Food Tent 3 Give Us A Call - Most Times We Can Find Exactly What ing community and campus nonprofits. They Shoppes Area You Are Looking For -- offer diverse entrées, sides, desserts and Boomer-Ferguson PTO beverages. Other food options are in The West Wilkes Athletic Boosters Club Inc. On the Lot Financing • Acres of Used Parts Shoppes at MerleFest and other locations. North Wilkesboro Elementary School 24 Hour Wrecker Service Blue Moose Coffee Lodge Call 835-4442 or 835-7837 Nights Food Tent 1 Watson Stage Area Food Tent 4 WCC Culinary Booth SOUTHEASTERN CARS & PARTS Thompson Hall Area Hwy. 268, Ronda, N.C. WCC Culinary Hamburger Booth Brushy Mtn. Smokehouse & Creamery WCC Culinary BBQ Booth Blue Moose Coffee Lodge Alamance CC Culinary Booth Fishing Creek Arbor Baptist Church Food Tent 5 •Beautiful Rooms North Wilkesboro Kiwanis Club Hayes Hall Area • Free Breakfast Vikings Athletic Club Lowes Foods Fresh Market Wilkes Civitan Club WCC Clubs Drink Booth •Highspeed Internet Blue Ridge Opportunity Commission ALAS Pop Kettle Corn • Pet Friendly Central Wilkes Middle School Jacob & Mabrey’s Gourmet Cotton Boy Scout Troop #333 Candy Official Sponsor Vandalia Cheerleaders Jason’s Mini Donuts MerleFest 2016 Hospitality House The Farmer’s Wife Communities In Schools Fudge Farm www.Addisoninn.com Wilkesboro, NC Food Tent 2 Food Tent 6 MerleFest Mall Area Little Pickers Family Area 336-838-1000 North Wilkesboro Lions Club WCC Clubs Drink & Snack Booth WCC Clubs Drink Booth 800-672-7218 MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April 2016 • 31

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