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Home , Aly Bain, Balsam Range, Band of Joy, Barry Bales, Before This World, Bluegrass mandolin

2 • MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April, 2017 Lineup focuses on 30th Festival packed with special collaborations Twitter (@MerleFest) and Facebook. Use hashtag But there’s plenty new #MerleFest to connect with other festivalgoers There are numerous special musical sets scheduled at this years on social media. MerleFest, plus fans can expect more to occur when talented at MerleFest 2017 In addition to musical performances, MerleFest artists gather for the weekend. offers special activities and shopping options. Those officially planned include: The year is the 30th anniversary of MerleFest, The Shoppes at MerleFest is a centrally-located a milestone that brings many favorite artists back shopping village that features demonstrating arti- On Friday to the festival’s stages for fresh collaborations and sans, vendors, convenience foods, official Mer- • 12: 15-1 p.m., Mayes Pit/Cohn Auditorium, History of Mer- special events. leFest memorabilia and services such as first aid, leFest with “B” Townes, former festival director; “We focused the MerleFest 2017 lineup on honor- lost and found, and Internet access. • 1:15-2:15 p.m. Creekside Stage, ’s Flexigrass ing artists who have performed with The Stage will feature various workshops Jam with Del McCoury, David Holt, Nicky Sanders, Joan Wernick, over the last 30 years of the festival,” said Steve and dance instruction with plenty of opportunities Charlie Muench, Darin and Brooke Aldridge and Mike Ashworth; Johnson, MerleFest artist relations manager. for festival attendees to cut loose with an array of • 1:15-2 p.m., Walker Center, Jack Lawrence’s MerleFest “This was also a way to showcase the bands our music styles, and the Mayes Pit/Cohn Auditorium Veterans Jam with , , Joe Smothers, T. fans have continuously requested over the years.” in Thompson Hall will be devoted to a variety of Michael Coleman, and Pat McInerney; Johnson said as many musicians as possible workshops and demonstrations. • 3:45 -4:30 p.m., Walker Center, Docabilly Blowout from the first festival were “reunited “ this year. The Songwriters Showcase Coffeehouse at the hosted by Mitch Greenhill with special guests T. Michael Cole- For example, the “Reunion Jam” from 3:15-4 p.m. Austin Stage in Alumni Hall offers a venue where man, Jeff Little, , Jim Avett, Tara Nevins, Jeb Saturday will include Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, songwriters can showcase their original songs. Puryear and Pat McInerney; , and on The Pickin’ Place provides musicians of all • 5:15-6 p.m., Hillside Stage, with the Watson Stage. All five performed at the first levels and genres to meet old friends and make Del McCoury; festival. Bush, Fleck and Douglas were among the new ones while singing and playing their favorite • 6:30-8:30 p.m., Watson Stage, the members of then. tunes together. Bush and Douglas, along with Peter Rowan, Jack Tour with Jerry Douglas and , featuring Lawrence and Joe Smothers, have never missed For children and families and more; being on the festival lineup. MerleFest is meant to be a fun, educational • 10:30 to midnight, Dance Stage, Chatham County Line Many special sets will pay tribute to the music experience for children, too. They can play music Electric Holiday. and life of Doc Watson, whose influence remains through MerleFest’s Instrument Petting Zoo, plus strong on the festival he helped start in memory of there are many performances gearred for children On Saturday his son and musical partner, . and entire families on the Little Pickers Stage. • noon-1:30 p.m., Creekside Stage, Memories of The Watson “We are indeed very excited to have a few new The Little Pickers Family Area is enhanced with Family hosted by T. Michael Coleman with Watson Family Friends; things to bring to the stages” this year, added crafts, face-painting, games, storytelling and a • 1-2:30 p.m., Hillside Stage, present “Songs Johnson. large grassy play area, all free of charge. of Doc Watson;” This includes the Transatlantic Sessions Tour Because of MerleFest’s emphasis on families, •2-2:45 p.m., Creekside Stage, Mando Mania, featuring Sam on Friday, with Jerry Douglas and Aly Bain and many children have grown up among the MerleFest Bush, Tony Williamson, Drin Aldridge, , Casey Camp- featuring James Taylor and other guests. stages and later brought their own kids back to bell and Tommy Norris. Festival Director Ted Hagaman said this two- participate in this legendary weekend of music. • 3:15-4 p.m., Watson Stage, Reunion Jam with Sam Bush, hour show will be the 10th Transatlantic Session, The festival supports youth who already play Jerry Douglas, Béla Fleck, Mark Schatz and Bryan Sutton; and the first filmed in the U.S. The others were music by providing them with performance oppor- • 3:45-4:45 p.m., Chris Austin Stage, Crossing Borders: Ameri- filmed in the United Kingdom. tunities in the Acoustic Kids Showcases hosted can and Canadian Artists in the Round with Ken Tizzard, Joe Hagaman said Watson talked to Taylor about by musician Andy May and held on Friday and Smothers, Sarah Burton, Chris Jones, Megan Nash and Jim Avett; performing at MerleFest over the years but it never Saturday of MerleFest. • 4:15-5:45 p.m., Hillside Stage, Hillside Hour with happened until now. Also at MerleFest, a yoga class will be offered ; He said fans can expect Taylor to perform several on Friday at 9:30 a.m. on the Dance Stage. The • 6:30-7:15 p.m., Americana Stage, Jack Lawrence’s of the songs he is best knoswn for, as well as join Nature Walks of the gardens and forest on the Jam with Bryan Sutton, Steve Lewis, Tommy Edwards and Ste- in with other artists in this special set. WCC campus are offered on Friday, Saturday phen Mougin; This 30th anniversary is sure to be a special and Sunday. • 6:30-7:45 p.m., Hillside Stage, Sunset Jam with the Kruger four days, said Johnson “and we hope something “For those wanting an affordable weekend Brothers; that would make Doc, RosaLee and Merle proud.” getaway, MerleFest provides a true value to its • 9:45-11:15 p.m., Watson Stage, Donna the Buffalo’s Saturday The new MerleFest Museum with photos, video customers,” said Hagaman. “The admission prices Night Jam with special guests; and mementos of past festivals will be open to offer are extremely reasonable – especially considering • 10:30 p.m. to midnight, Dance Stage, Front Country’s Satur- festival-goers the chance to appreciate MerleFest’s that we feature over 100 acts on 13 stages. Also, day Night Throw Down; deep-rooted history. there are no hidden charges,” he said. Video clips from past MerleFests will play peri- There is free parking, free shuttles that deliver On Sunday odically on the large screen near the Watson Stage. you to the entrance, a free program guide and all • 10-10:45 a.m., Creekside Stage, Gospel Songs of Doc Watson The complete lineup and stage schedules are children 12 and under are admitted free with a with the Jeff Little Trio; posted at .org/lineup and available on paid adult. • 10-11 a.m., Americana Stage, Sunday Blues with Roy Book the MerleFest mobile app, which includes festival Window World, based in North Wilkesboro, is Binder, Jorma Kaukonen, Charles Welch and Todd Albright; updates in real time. Updates are also delivered via the presenting sponsor of MerleFest. • 4:15-5:45 p.m., Watson Stage, Band Acoustic Set. MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April, 2017 • 3 Basics on parking, seating, shuttle services and more at MerleFest Free parking and shuttle services are provided from the Blue Lot, located off N.C. 268 West in Wilkesboro, to the main festival entrance at . The Blue Lot is also an easy half-mile walk to the festival grounds. General admission seating is first-come, first-served and is located at all stages. At the Watson Stage, general admission seating is located directly behind the reserved seating area. Children ages 12 and younger are admitted free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult except in the reserved seating area where a four-day reserved STEP UP TO GMC WITH THESE seating wristband is required regardless of age. Four-day reserved seats are located in front of the Watson Stage with chairs EXCEPTIONAL OFFERS provided and set up prior to the festival. Seating has been arranged to meet relevant codes and to provide comfort and safety. Unoccupied reserved seats may be used by anyone before evening break or until the owner returns. Special wristbands are required for entry to the reserved BELOW seating area after dinner break. 1 Children 12 and under get front-of-house seating at the Little Pickers Stage. MSRP To protect the grounds, all chairs and blankets must be removed daily except the festival-owned chairs in reserved seating area. Chairs are provided at some ON SELECT16% 2017 SIERRA 1500 CREW CAB AND ACADIA VEHICLES IN STOCK of the other stages or you may bring your own. An on-site overnight storage and lost and found tent is available free of charge in The Shoppes at MerleFest. $3,552 FACTORY REDUCTION BELOW MSRP + $5,452 PURCHASE CASH For persons with appropriate government-issued handicapped parking creden- tials, special parking is available at Parking Lot H, which is at 127 Executive $ in Wilkesboro. This is a flat, paved parking lot with easy access to U.S. 421/Brushy THAT’S 9,004 BELOW MSRP Mountain Road exit and is about two miles from the main entrance to the festival. ON THIS SIERRA1 There is no cost to park in this lot. ADA-equipped shuttles transport guests to and from this lot to the main festival entrance continuously during the festival. An ADA-specific seating area is provided on the Watson Stage field to accom- modate wheelchair attendees and one guest on a first-come, first-served basis. $2,200 FACTORY REDUCTION BELOW MSRP + $5,438 PURCHASE CASH Guests of ADA fans must provide their own chair or blanket to sit on. Wheelchairs can be accommodated at all stages on a first-come, first-served basis. $ THAT’S BELOW MSRP ADA-accessible restroom facilities are available in all open buildings on the 7,638 1 festival grounds. In addition, there are ADA-accessible portable toilets located ON THIS ACADIA at various locations across the festival grounds and at the ADA Parking Lot H. OR GET THIS GREAT LEASE OFFER A few festival rules 2017 GMC TERRAIN SLE-1 ULTRA LOW MILEAGE LEASE FOR WELL-QUALIFIED For public safety and in consideration request of artists; LESSEES WITH A CURRENT NON-GM LEASE of all guests the following are prohibited • unauthorized drones; $ 24 $2,269 during MerleFest on the Wilkes Com- • unauthorized ATVs, golf carts, 199 due at signing PER MONTH2 MONTHS after all offers munity College campus: Segways, and hoverboards (or similar DEPOSIT REQUIRED. TAX, TITLE, LICENSE, DEALER FEES EXTRA. MILEAGE CHARGE OF $.25/MILE OVER 20,000 MILES. • all tobacco products; vehicles) on campus and campgrounds; AT PARTICIPATING DEALERS ONLY. • all electronic oral devices (e-ciga- • glass containers; rettes, e-cigars, e-pipes, etc.); • tents, canopies, tall oversized chairs, FIND YOURS AT GMC.COM 1Based on MSRP of $56,275 Sierra; $47,740 Acadia. On 10% of vehicles in stock, while stock lasts. Not available with some other offers. Take delivery by 5/1/17. See participating dealer for details. 2MUST BE A • alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs; tents, umbrellas, and hammocks that CURRENT NON-GM LESSEE. BASED ON NATIONAL AVERAGE VEHICLE SELLING PRICE. EACH DEALER SETS ITS OWN PRICE. YOUR PAYMENTS MAY VARY. Payments are for a 2017 Terrain SLE-1 with an MSRP of $28,225. 24 monthly payments total $4,776. Payments may be higher in some states. Option to purchase at lease end for an amount to be determined at lease signing. GM Financial must approve lease. Take delivery by 5/1/17. Mileage charge of $.25/mile over 20,000 miles. Lessee pays for maintenance, excess wear and a disposition fee of $495 or less at end of lease. Not available with some other offers. ©2017 General • weapons; obstruct the view for other guests. Motors. All rights reserved. GMC® Sierra® Acadia® Terrain® • pets, unless certified as medically In addition, everyone must have proper necessary. Certification paperwork credentials to enter the festival. should be presented at front gate; No one is permitted in any of the BLACK BUICK GMC OF STATESVILLE • unauthorized video recording, audio backstage areas without the proper 809 SALISBURY ROAD • STATESVILLE, NC 28677 • 855-810-7530 recording or flash photography at the wristband. FIND YOURS NOW at blackautomotivegroup.com 4 • MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April, 2017

3 FIRST CITIZENS LN 1 Daniel Hall

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Lovette Hall 5 MEADOWVIEW DR. Museum Hayes Hall

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9 11 Heritage 7 10 Crafts

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Legend

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• Elevators • Information Restroom •4 Little Pickers Stage •9 Mayes Pit 13• Walker Center

• Expo Lost & Found Security Wi-Fi Hotspot •5 Americana Stage

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ALBERTI FLEA CIRCUS country/blues guitar player and Friday, Saturday, Sunday singer based in , Mich. Part magician, part storyteller Todd bought his first 12-string and part comedian, Jim Alberti guita r in 1992. Todd lea r ned much is a third-generation flea circus from listening to the records of impresario. After a career in the greats: Blind Lemon Jeffer- theater, Alberti revived the flea son, Blind Willie McTell, and circus that was once performed George Carter. Along the way, by his great-uncle and later his he became friends with a few of grandfather. He envisioned the contemporary giants of the bringing it to a new generation folk/blues revival of the 1960s: that had never experienced a Paul Geremia, , flea circus. Alberti first took the and Dakota Dave Hull – men- DARIN & BROOKE revived flea circus on the road tors who have taught him how ALBERTI FLEA CIRCUS ALDRIDGE THE AVETT BROTHERS in the 1980s, and for over two to navigate the road. Todd’s first decades, he and his troupe of album, “Fourth Floor Visitor,” is gifted band, and their dedication tional . “Faster and others. fleas have captivated audiences available on Jett Plastic Record- to create their most adventurous & Farther” is rooted in the stel- at fairs, festivals and theme ings at JettPlasticRecordings. album with their latest release, lar musicianship of Darin and THE AVETT BROTHERS parks across the U.S. and Can- com. His latest album, “Detroit “Faster & Farther.” The duo has Brooke’s bluegrass and gospel Thursday, Saturday ada. They have also attracted Twelve String,” was released on placed several tracks at the top background and showcase The Avett Brothers made national feature stories on CNN . of the charts on Americana/ appearances by special guest mainstream waves with their Headline News and CBS Evening Roots, SiriusXM and bluegrass artists like New Grass Revival/ 2009 major-label debut, “I and Magazine, as well as coverage by DARIN & BROOKE ALDRIDGE and gospel charts. They have Doobie Brothers legend, close Love and You,” landing at No. local TV, radio and newspapers. Friday, Saturday received multiple nominations friend and 2016 touring partner 16 on the Billboard Top 200. In Husband and wife duo Darin from the International Bluegrass , New Grass Revival 2012, “The Carpenter” hit No. TODD ALBRIGHT and Brooke Aldridge drew on the Music Association, the Society member , Country 4 on the Billboard Top 200, Friday, Saturday, Sunday traditions of their native North for the Preservation of Hall of Famer and close Todd Albright is a 12-string, Carolina, the savvy of a young, Music of America and Inspira- friend , Union Station Continued on Page 6 Serving Wilkes and Surrounding Counties Because Of Your Support, We Are Growing!! Thank You!!

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DOWNTOWN NORTH WILKESBORO 336.838.5964 | michaelsjewelry.com MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April, 2017 • 7 them to study in the degree path Lineup of their choosing. continued from Page 6 ROY BOOK BINDER band formed several years ago Friday, Saturday, Sunday out of an “estrojam” – a monthly Roy Book Binder has the gathering of female old-time goods: the original, the bare- players in the Upstate. Band knuckle, the low-down blues. members are Amy Buckingham Who can say they were friends (, guitar), Lucy Allen (gui- with the Rev. Gary Davis and tar), Brooke Lauer (, fiddle) ? And toured and Nancy Hamilton (upright with Arthur Big Boy Crudup, bass). released its first , and ? Roy CD, “Because We ARE,” in 2015. can. He’s been featured on PBS BETHEL UNIVERSITY RENAIS- The BattleAxes play good time and interviewed by SANCE BLUEGRASS BAND ROY BOOK BINDER THE BLUEGRASS EXPERIENCE music with good singing and on “Fresh Air.” Roy Book Binder danceable drive. The band per- is a veteran guitar instruc- forms originals, songs by singers tor and has taught at the Fur and gospel numbers. Peace Ranch, along with Jorma Kaukonen and others. When Roy Welcome to Wilkesboro BETHEL UNIVERSITY RENAIS- rolls his tour bus to town, a one- SANCE BLUEGRASS BAND man blues-fest ensues. Roy plays Friday, Saturday and entertains, feeding his fans MerleFest 2017 Bethel University Renais- music and stories. sance Bluegrass band is an ensemble built of currently THE BLUEGRASS EXPERIENCE Musicians and Fans enrolled Bethel students. Bethel Saturday University is located in McKen- The Bluegrass Experience zie, Tenn. Renaissance, an arts has been a fixture of the North Th e Town of Wilkesboro program, provides scholarships to the performers and allows Continued on Page 8 www.WilkesboroNC.org Welcome To Historic Downtown Wilkesboro Old Fashioned Waggles Pet Supply Candy Store & More Items from & Dog Wash, LLC Presents 10th Annual Local Artisans Specialty Pet Food, 336-990-0599 101 West Main Street, Wilkesboro, NC Accessories and Fun (Formerly Royalls Custom Framing) Do-It-Yourself Tubs to www.SweetSmilesCandyStore.com Dinner and Induction Ceremony at [email protected] Wash Your Dogs! Stone Center for Performing Arts For Store Hours Check Website, Facebook or Call $35 613 Cherry Street • North Wilkesboro You Wash ... or We Can Wash For You! Saturday, June 10, 2017 Doors Open 6 PM • Dinner 6:30 PM • Ceremony 7:15 PM Welcome MerleFest Fans and Pets Russell F. Ferree Tickets 336-667-3171 or wilkesheritagemuseum.com Real Estate Attorney 2017 Inductees: 336-903-4906 • Laura Boosinger • Don • T-F 9-6 • Sat. 9-4 105 West Main Street • Phil Jamison • The Skillet Lickers • Larry Skipper Closed Sundays and Mondays Performances by: Laura Boosinger with the www.wagglespetsupply.com Wilkesboro, NC 28697 • Larry Skipper with Uncle Joe and the Shady Rest • Phil Jamison with Paul Brown • The New Skillet Lickers • Virginialina 103 E. Main Street russ@ferreelawfi rm.com Sponsors: Town of Wilkesboro, Communities In Schools, Timothy D. Welborn, Jim and Rose Andrews, Museum Gift Shop, A.C.A. Creations, Tom & Ann Graves, Johnson Oil Company, A-1 Self Storage, Clyde Downtown Wilkesboro and Geri Cook, Mike Martinez/NC Mountain Investments, Payne Power Equipment, Kirk Gunton, Wilkes (336) 838-0024 Fax (336) 838-7600 Regional Medical Center, Issac G. Forester, Carolina in the Fall/Heart of Folk, Holiday Inn Express, Signfactory Direct Inc. Eric and Marilyn Payne. 8 • MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April, 2017

harmony vocals supported by Lineup banjo, fiddle, guitar, and bass. continued from Page 7 During these years, the group focused on bluegrass songs and Carolina traditional music scene fiddle tunes, but they also blended for 46 years. Since winning a in Cajun, honky-tonk, waltzes, World Championship band prize Texas swing and early rock. The at Union Grove in the early ‘70s, band performed at concerts, festi- the group has performed in a vals, night clubs, conventions and broad area. The band was a colleges all over the eastern U.S. LAURA BOOSINGER AND mainstay at many of bluegrass and recorded two . The THE MIDNIGHT PLOWBOYS festival creator Carlton Haney’s Midnight Plowboys held a reunion events and was a nine-year-long at the 2012 Bascom Lamar Lun- 10s. He has been awarded the 1 debut on the chart. weekly performance at the sford Festival at Mars Hill Uni- Spirit Award from “Strictly Coun- With three platinum-albums, Chapel Hill music venue, Cat’s versity, and the Plowboys were try Magazine,” Bluegrass Gospel “,” “You Get What You Cradle, increasing its appeal to reborn with Brian Hunter , Laura Song of the Year from the National Give,” “JEKYLL + HYDE” and five- younger audiences. Four albums Boosinger, Emma McDowell, Quartet Convention, and the Gov- times platinum “The Foundation,” and thousands of performances Mike Hunter and Robert Reeves. ernor’s Award from the State of along with the 2013 project “The haven’t diminished the energy, West Virginia in addition to win- Grohl Sessions Vol. 1,” the band creativity and love of perform- MARK “BRINK” BRINKMAN ning the Chris Austin Songwriting has sold over 25 million singles ing of these skilled musicians Friday, Saturday Contest twice. He was nominated and 8 million albums to date. It has BRINKMAN BUCKNER and singers. Award-winning songwriter, three times for Songwriter of the earned a series of 15 No. 1 hit radio bluegrass picker and performer Year by the IBMA. singles and is only the second act MerleFest 2017. LAURA BOOSINGER AND THE “Brink” Brinkman has been writ- to top both the country and active MIDNIGHT PLOWBOYS ing songs his entire life. He enjoys ZAC BROWN BAND rock formats. Members of Zac ANDY BUCKNER Friday, Saturday, Sunday writing new songs for the blue- Sunday Brown Band are Zac Brown, Coy Sunday Laura Boosinger and The Mid- grass, Americana, gospel, and The Zac Brown Band is a three- Bowles, , Daniel de los Andy Buckner plays country, night Plowboys, a roots music country genres. Brink is one of the time Grammy Award winner and Reyes, Jimmy De Martini, Chris Southern rock, blues and blue- string band from Asheville, per- most sought after and recorded multi-platinum group. Its latest Fryar, and grass. The 24-year-old’s grainy, formed and recorded from 1980 songwriters. Brink has had seven platinum-certified album marks Matt Mangano. It will present a until 1990. Their sound featured No. 1 songs along with many top the band’s fourth consecutive No. special acoustic performance at Continued on Page 9 Duncan Insurance Robert Handy Agency LLC. Proudly Serving Wilkes County Since 1949 Camping Center 407 Main Street, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659 336-667-7111 RV and Camper Serving All Your Insurance Needs Sales and Service Locally owned and operated We service all makes and models Propane refi lls On-site repairs Large stock of replacement parts 4387 Highway 421 West • Wilkesboro, N.C.

Beth Johnson, Dana Holbrook, Agent Mike Duncan, New Owner-Paul Mears, 336-973-4109 Agent Jeff Walsh, Darlene Colbert and Sheila Crews www.handycamping.com MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April, 2017 • 9 musical style is a blend of roots country, lucky to play with almost every one of Lineup bluegrass, and rockin’ hillbilly blues that my heroes. I’ve gotten to play with Bill continued from Page 8 is true Southern Americana. In addition Monroe, Doc Watson, and ; to performing at this year’s festival, Mark I’ve been to the mountain,” says Bush. soulful voice embraces his roots and will again act as emcee for the Chris shares authentic songs inspired by Austin Songwriting Contest and the Mer- CHATHAM COUNTY LINE his upbringing. Buckner absorbed his leFest Band Competition. Friday influences honestly. Born and raised in For nearly two decades, Raleigh-based Madison County, he’s from a long line of SAM BUSH BAND Chatham County Line has consistently musicians. He started singing in church Friday, Saturday crafted top-notch, original acoustic at age 4 and knew he wanted to be a per- The Father of Newgrass, Sam Bush has music that draws upon American roots forming musician after seeing David Holt long since established himself as roots forefathers like and John play with Buckner’s first cousin, Grammy royalty, revered for his solo and sideman Hartford while acknowledging its own BUMGARNER SAM BUSH nominee Josh Goforth. Inspired by art- work, which includes time with Emmylou members’ backgrounds in rock. Chatham ists like , , Steve Harris, and others. Instead County Line’s latest album, “Autumn,” Earle, and , there’s no of kicking back and soaking up honors is a treasure trove of the wistful bal- questioning Andy Buckner’s Southern- such as his Americana Music Association ladry and dynamic toe-tappers that influenced country style. “I believe in Lifetime Achievement Award and many have become the band’s hallmarks. John good Southern music,” Grammys and International Bluegrass Teer (/fiddle), Chandler Holt Music Association trophies, Bush still (banjo), and Greg Readling (bass) add MARK BUMGARNER strives to create something new, culmi- stellar three- and four-part harmonies for Friday, Saturday nating in his recent album, “Storyman.” vocal highlights, while their impeccable He’s a son of the South, but Mark’s Bush is one of five artists who have per- yet unconventional picking impresses CHATHAM COUNTY LINE musical influences span the American formed at every MerleFest. Bush helped without overshadowing Wilson’s rich tham County Line (CCL) has hosted a landscape, from the traditional sounds expand the horizons of bluegrass music, storytelling. special Electric Holiday Tour where the of the Appalachian Mountains to the fusing it with , rock, blues, funk and band eschews its acoustic mantle and West Coast country and of the other styles. And although Bush is best CHATHAM COUNTY LINE embraces the advent of electricity. With 1960s and ‘70s. Mark has spent the last 30 known for jaw-dropping skills on the ELECTRIC HOLIDAY the addition of drummer Evans Nicholson years performing with several national mandolin, he is also a three-time national Friday and electric bass player Jay Brown, CCL’s and regional touring bands, including junior fiddle champion and Grammy For over a decade of Decembers, the the Nashville-based Jubal Foster. His Award-winning vocalist. “I’ve been pretty single-mic-surrounding, all-acoustic Cha- Continued on Page 10 Little Creek Nursery Come See Our Large Variety Hundreds of Colors! Lilies Shrubs Tony and Jackie Huffman 336.957.1294 336.957.1657 1423 Suncrest Orchard Road • North Wilkesboro

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toured the world and produced Lineup many Grammy-nominated and continued from Page 9 Grammy-awarded recordings. After 15 years, he joined Seldom Greg Readling gets to moonlight Scene in Washington, which led COUNTERCLOCKWISE to the band Chesapeake. He on pedal steel and , and COLEMAN THE CONTENDERS STRING BAND DEAR BROTHER Dave Wilson and John Teer get to also produced and recorded scratch their itch. music for Doc Watson and oth- together song crafter Jay Nash olina-based five-piece band has Banjo maestro Chandler Holt ers. Later on, T. Michael, David and percussionist Josh Day, who quickly become a local favorite, might even sing a song or two. Holt, and Bryan Sutton formed was raised in Wilkesboro. The molding unique interpretations The band will put new energy Sutton, Holt, and Coleman, pay- pair bonded over a shared love of of time-tested songs and long behind some CCL classics and a ing homage to Doc Watson. His The Band, roots music and admi- forgotten melodies while never few AM radio goldies. It has long interest in video production led ration for the great American forgetting the musical traditions been the band’s dream to bring him all over the world to places songbook. Collaboration, they of ages past. the Electric Holiday out in the like Rwanda, Kosovo, Russia, concluded, was inevitable. The off season, and that is what will and South America. T. Michael duo, making a second appear- DEAR BROTHER DONNA THE BUFFALO happen for the 30th MerleFest. also began music scoring for ance at MerleFest this year, cre- Saturday tions and bluegrass festivals and CCL will perform its Electric documentaries and movies. T. ates Americana music that is full Guitarist Evan Swink, a North hearing his family’s bluegrass Holiday show on Friday at the Michael released his first solo of grit, with a steady heartbeat Carolina native, began singing, band practice. Celia Millington- Dance Stage. project, “Pocket,” in 2016. He and a hint of honky-tonk. writing and playing music while Wyckoff, a New Jersey native, enlisted Doc Watson and a few in college. Since moving to Ashe- T. MICHAEL COLEMAN started playing upright bass in others. T. Michael will play with COUNTERCLOCKWISE ville in 2006, he has focused on the 1970s in Iowa City, Iowa, with Thursday, Friday, his own band this year at Mer- STRING BAND bluegrass. Mandolin player Nate Saturday, Sunday the Bluegrass Union. She retired leFest for the first time. He will Saturday Sitzman, a Wisconsin native, has from Penn State University and While at Appalachian State also host “ Bridging the traditional and been playing for nearly 20 years moved to Asheville in 2014. University, T. Michael developed Memories.” the progressive, Counterclock- and works as an instrument an appreciation of folk music, wise String Band plays a style repairman near Asheville. John DONNA THE BUFFALO which led him down the road THE CONTENDERS of bluegrass that is both com- Duncan, from western North Friday, Saturday, Sunday to Deep Gap when he began Saturday, Sunday pellingly new and refreshingly Carolina, plays fiddle, sings har- Continuously touring America playing his bass guitar with Over a decade ago, a chance familiar. Energetic, creative, and mony and writes songs. He grew Doc and Merle Watson. They meeting in brought genuine, the Central North Car- up attending fiddlers’ conven- Continued on Page 11 Mark’s Guns & Ammo

•Large Selection of Firearms Crouse Park • Sparta, N.C. •Large Selection of Ammunition Saturday, June 24 • Starting at 4 p.m. •New Edition Hydrographic & Cerakote Featured Artists Finishes Now Available. Many Colors New-Used Collector Items Gun Repair

Byron Hill Carrington Kay • and more artists Anthony Smith Concealed Carry Classes Available • Call For Details! Breweries Tickets are $10 for adults • Children 5 and under free 177 Reece Road, Dobson, NC 27017 Food Trucks $5 for students with a parent or school ID • Family pass $30 Come to Northwest North Carolina and 336-386-8707 enjoy a day  lled with Mountains, Music, and More! 10 am-6 pm Mon.-Fri; 10 am-2 pm Sat. wwww.backwoodsbeat.comw • facebook.com/BackwoodsBeatat Since 1985 MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April, 2017 • 11 Lineup continued from Page 10 since 1989, Donna the Buffalo has created a community envi- ronment at its shows through groove-heavy and danceable music. With roots in old-time fiddle music that evolved into a soulful electric American mix infused with elements of Cajun/ zydeco, rock, folk, reggae and country, Donna’s music often emphasizes social and moral responsibility, and the band members are fun and celebrate life. Donna the Buffalo is Jeb Puryear (vocals, electric guitar) and Tara Nevins (vocals, guitar, fiddle, accordion, scrub board) joined by David McCracken (Hammond organ, Hohner Clavi- net, piano), Kyle Spark (bass), and Mark Raudabaugh (drums). Donna the Buffalo drew its origi- nal inspiration from a part of

PAT DONOHUE the American heritage: the old- time music festivals of the South that drew towns and counties together.

PAT DONOHUE Friday, Saturday Grammy Award-winning fin- gerpicker Pat Donohue’s devo- tion to acoustic guitar has made him an American standard. He echoes the tones of Robert John- son, Blind Blake, or Muddy Waters. Pat enjoys entertaining fans with intricate fingerpicking, easy wit, and nim- ble interpretations of old blues, swing, R&B and original tunes. His original tunes have been recorded by Chet Atkins, , and . For over 20 years, Pat was the lead guitar player and songwriter for the “Guy’s All Star Shoe Band” Continued on Page 12 12 • MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April, 2017

sound graces more than 1,500 immigration, unrequited love Lineup albums, including discs released and myth. As a producer, Doyle continued from Page 11 by , , has been at the helm of some James Taylor, , of the most highly acclaimed on the NPR favorite “A Prairie Earl Scruggs, and recordings in Irish and Irish/ Home Companion.” Pat’s lat- others. Since 1998, he’s been a American music, including his est release, “Blue Yonder,” is a key member of second Grammy nomination fine collection of original folk/ and Union Station. He’s also co- project, “Double Play.” Doyle blues tunes, traditional blues, music director of the BBC-TV has been featured on over 130 rock, and jazz numbers as well series “Transatlantic Sessions.” recordings and toured exten- as humorous parody. His latest solo album, “Traveler,” sively and/or recorded with Joan JERRY DOUGLAS JOHN DOYLE ERIC ELLIS features guest appearances by Baez (music director/guitarist), JERRY DOUGLAS such friends as Paul Simon, , Jerry Friday, Saturday Camp soars on lead vocals and is one of the premier bluegrass Mumford & Sons, Douglas, Tim O’Brien, Béla guitar; multi-instrumentalist banjo players in western North Fourteen-time Grammy and others. Fleck, , Linda Award-winning master and sideman handles Carolina. His grandfather and Thompson and others in Irish, high harmony and mandolin; father were musicians, along Jerry Douglas is to the resonator JOHN DOYLE bluegrass, English folk and guitar what was to Charlie Cushman tackles banjo with his second cousin, David Friday, Saturday Americana. and ; musician Johnny Johnson, a Wilkes master the electric guitar. Douglas is a John Doyle, a native of Dublin, freewheeling, forward-thinking Warren plays fiddle; and Barry musician and recording artist. Ireland, who now lives in Ashe- EARLS OF LEICESTER Bales contributes on vocals and “David has been a big influ- recording artist who incorpo- ville, is a Grammy-nominated FEATURING JERRY DOUGLAS rates bluegrass, country, rock, bass. With their second album, ence on me, making me want multi-instrumentalist, song- Saturday “Rattle & Roar,” the Earls have to keep playing music,” said jazz, blues and Celtic into his writer, singer and producer of Jerry Douglas, lauded as music. Douglas is one of the conjured up a fresh batch of Ellis, adding that other influ- Irish and Irish/American music. today’s finest Dobro player and Earl Scruggs ences include the Stanley Broth- most innovative recording art- His percussive guitar playing has brought together a group of ists, both solo and as a member songs, delivered with the Earls’ ers, the Osborne Brothers, and changed the role of the instru- superb pickers called the Earls signature blend of virtuosity and Flatt & Scruggs. He has played of J.D. Crowe & the New South, ment in Irish music and arguably of Leicester to pay homage to , Boone perspective. and recorded with Jim Shumate, the overall sound of traditional Flatt & Scruggs. The inimitable Jim Buchannan, , Wes Creek, the Grammy-winning The Irish music being played today. Douglas remains the band’s pro- Earls of Leicester, and Strength ERIC ELLIS Golding and . He His songs tell stories of the Irish ducer and Dobroist; songwriter, Sunday In Numbers. Douglas’ distinctive Continued on Page 13 experience in war, adventure, singer, and producer Shawn Wilkesboro native Eric Ellis Sit and relax… the river is always playing your favorite tune Mike’s Body shop Highway 268 East 210 Elkin Highway, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659 (336) 667-9291 336-957-2332 • http://roaringrivervineyards.com www.mikesbodyshopnc.com Fax (336) 667-0504

Welcome MerleFest Fans! Move Staley

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Along with mandolin- Thursday, Friday FRONT COUNTRY has won 14 Grammy Awards and ist Adam Roszkiewicz, guitarist The Gravy Boys, from the FLANDO CALRISSIAN received 30 nominations. He has Jacob Groopman, violinist Leif Raleigh/Durham area, perform Saturday been nominated in more differ- Karlstrom, and bassist Jeremy acoustic Americana music that Chris Flanders and his band ent categories than any instru- Darrow, this quintet has been draws deep from the well of play an original brand of Ameri- mentalist in Grammy history. called “passionately intoxicat- cana interwoven with rock, jazz, ing” and “orchestral,” and Mel- Continued on Page 14 GRAVY BOYS and threads. Flando SCOTT FREEMAN Calrissian presents lyrically Sunday masterful and musically artful Scott Freeman is a fiddler and songs with an acoustic jam never mandolin player from Mount Thursday, April 27 far away. Airy. He grew up listening to ------bluegrass and mastered his Watson Stage The MerleFest Bluegrass Jam Autograph Session instruments with the help of a BÉLA FLECK Sutton, Holt and Coleman Camp with Pete & Joan Wernick - with Megan Nash turntable and his older brother. Saturday 3:00 PM - 3:45 PM Listen as the students from the 7:00 PM - 7:30 PM He became a sought after side- Born and raised in New York ------MerleFest Bluegrass Jam Camp ------man for esteemed traditional City, Béla began his musical showcase their talents. bands. For the last 15 years, he Autograph Session career playing the guitar. In 4:15 PM - 5:15 PM 5:20 PM - 5:45 PM with Del McCoury Band the early 1960s, while watch- has given lessons in fiddle, man- ------8:00 PM - 8:30 PM ing “The Beverly Hillbillies,” dolin, and guitar in his home- Del McCoury Band The Bill Young Tribute ------the bluegrass sounds of Flatt town of Galax, Va. Scott’s music 5:45 PM - 6:45 PM featuring Banknotes Autograph Session & Scruggs ¬flowed out of the ranges from the traditional old------6:46 PM - 7:10 PM with Mandolin Orange TV set and into his young brain. time and bluegrass to jazz and Mandolin Orange ------Earl Scruggs’s banjo style caught swing. 9:00 PM - 9:30 PM 7:15 PM - 8:15 PM Raffle Drawing Béla’s interest immediately. Any ------world-class musician born with FRONT COUNTRY ------Dance Stage The Avett Brothers Megan Nash Thursday Night Dance Party the names Béla (for Bartok), Saturday 8:16 PM - 9:00 PM Anton (for Dvorak) and Léos (for What started as a group of 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM with Scythian 10:30 PM - 11:59 PM Janacek) would seem destined friends playing bluegrass in San Cabin Stage Autograph Booth to play classical music. Already Francisco’s Mission District has Autograph Session SCOTT Jack Lawrence a powerfully creative force in morphed into a touring power- with Mountain Heart FREEMAN 3:46 PM - 4:15 PM bluegrass, jazz, pop, rock, and house of song and sound, tran- 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM Sunday, April 30 Watson ------Gospel Songs of Autograph Autograph Session Blues hosted by Roy Theatre of Jef with the loveable Traditional Jam Silent Auction Doc Watson with with & Book Binder with 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM raccoon. with special guests Stage Winners the Jeff Little Trio Booth His Fabulous Jorma Kaukonen, ------2:00 PM - 2:30 PM Scott Freeman, Eric The Kruger Announced 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM Autograph Session Superlatives Charles Welch and Steve and Ruth ------Ellis, Steve Lewis Brothers and ------with Natalie 4:30 PM - 5:00 PM Todd Albright Smith Alberti Flea Circus and Laura Boosinger Kontras Quartet Gospel Hour MacMaster and 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM 12:15 PM - 1:30 PM 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM 2:10 PM - 2:30 PM with Jim Avett Donnell Leahy Dance ------Traditional ------11:00 AM - 12:00 PM 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM Stage String Madness with Meet and Greet with Peter Rowan Natalie MacMaster Mipso ------Mitch Greenhill and Flattop - Come and Plays and Sings The Green Grass Stage and Donnell Leahy 3:35 PM - 4:15 PM Hillside Autograph Session Pat McInerney meet our MerleFest Traditional Songs Cloggers Women Who Sing 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM with Jeff Little Trio 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM mascot “Flattop.” 2:15 PM - 3:00 PM ------Stage with Strictly Strings and Play Traditional 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM ------Bring your cameras ------Southbound played Andy Buckner Band 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM Music with Carol Marty Stuart & by Bill Mathis, Jack ------The Contenders to take your picture Plaza Stage 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM ------Rifkin, Jeanette His Fabulous Lawrence and T. Autograph Session 12:45 PM - 1:30 PM with the loveable MerleFest Open Mic ------Old Time Dance Queen, Laura Superlatives Michael Coleman with The Transatlantic ------raccoon. hosted by Donna the Buffalo Tunes with Boosinger, Emma 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM Sessions Tour John Driskell 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM The Local Boys 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM Carol Rifkin and McDowell, Brooke ------Creekside 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM Hopkins ------Lauer, Amy 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM ------Jeanette Queen Zac Brown Band ------2:00 PM - 2:45 PM The InterACTive Buckingham and Stage Mipso 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM 4:15 PM - 5:45 PM Autograph Session ------Theatre of Jef Kim McWhirter Sunday Morning 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM ------with The Kruger Jeff Little Trio 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM Devotions ------Contra Dance with Cabin Brothers 3:15 PM - 4:00 PM ------with Reverend Roy The The BattleAxe Band 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM Meet and Greet with Shape Note Singing Stage Dobyns and 1:45 PM - 2:30 PM 3:00 PM - 3:45 PM Andy May ------Little Flattop - Come and with Laura Boosinger accompanied on the ------11:00 AM - 11:30 AM Autograph Session meet our MerleFest 10:45 AM - 11:30 AM piano by Jeff Little The Contenders Americana Pickers with Jim Avett mascot “Flattop.” ------9:30 AM - 10:00 AM 3:00 PM - 3:45 PM 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM Stage Stage Bring your cameras Pete & Joan The Steel Wheels ------12:31 PM - 1:00 PM ------Sunday Morning The InterACTive to take your picture Wernick’s 14 • MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April, 2017 Friday,28 April Cabin Stage Jerry Douglas and Aly Jerry 10:30 PM - 11:30 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM 12:15 PM - 12:45 10:15 AM - 11:00 11:05 AM - 11:30 Orchestra with Russ 9:15 PM - 10:00 12:45 PM - 1:30 James Taylor,Sarah Sessions Tour with Newberry and Newberry The 1:30 PM - 2:00 6:30 PM - 8:30 4:46 PM - 5:45 3:15 PM - 4:15 2:00 PM - 2:45 Cunningham, John The Transatlantic O’Connell, Declan Leftover Salmon O’Rourke, Karen The Stray Birds Darin & Brooke Doyle, Donald S Raffle Drawing Barenberg, Phil Bain Featuring: Steep Canyon Matheson, Joe Todd Albright Ed Snodderly Jarosz, Maura Pat Donohue Watson Peter Rowan Transatlantic ------Lydia Luce Sierra Hull Stage Scythian Aldridge Aldridge Lineup Rangers continued from Page 13 our country’s diverse musical heritage. Steve Storms (guitar, vocals), Steve Celestini (lead Songwriting Contest Joan Wernick, Charlie Charlie Joan Wernick, String Madness with Winners Announced 10:00 PM - 10:30 vocals, harmonica), Bill Spag- 12:00 PM - 12:45 10:45 AM - 11:30 Flexigrass Jam with Brooke and Aldridge Bryan Sutton Band Bryan Sutton Band Holt, Nicky Sanders, David Holt and The by contest chairman by contest chairman 9:30 AM - 10:15 Del McCoury, David Wayne Henderson Muench, Darin and Muench, Darin 5:15 PM - 6:00 4:00 PM - 4:45 2:45 PM - 3:30 1:15 PM - 2:15 8:35 PM - 9:15 5:50 PM - 6:30 2:50 PM - 3:15 Creekside Chatham County The Gravy Boys Darin & Brooke Mitch Greenhill Raffle Drawing Raffle Drawing Raffle Drawing Pete Wernick’s Jim Lauderdale Lighting Bolts nardi (mandolin, vocals), Joe Mike Ashworth Happy Traum Chris Austin and Friends ------Stage Spagnardi (guitar, vocals) and Aldridge Tom Spagnardi (bass, vocals) Line are The Gravy Boys. Their shows feature heartfelt vocal harmonies, boot-stomping rhythms, lively banter and hon- with Chatham County 11:00 AM - 11:45 12:00 PM - 12:30 with The Gravy Boys Autograph Session Autograph Session Autograph Session Autograph Session Autograph Session Autograph Session David Holt and The 12:15 PM - 1:00 9:45 AM - 10:30 with Jim Lauderdale with The Stray Birds with Darin & Brookewith Darin Autograph 4:00 PM - 4:30 5:15 PM - 6:00 4:00 PM - 4:45 2:45 PM - 3:30 1:30 PM - 2:15 6:30 PM - 7:15 3:00 PM - 3:30 2:00 PM - 2:30 1:00 PM - 1:30 Chatham County Mark Bumgarner with Del McCoury with Del McCoury with Bryan Sutton with Bryan est musicianship. They released The Gravy Boys Lighting Bolts Steep Canyon Locust Honey Hillside Megan Nash ------Booth Stage Scythian Rangers

three CDs of original music: Aldridge Band Line “Crackerjack Whistle” (2012), Line “Dust Bowl Lover” (2009), and “Workin’ the Angels for Hand- outs” (2007). caller Uncle Tedcaller White Friday Morning Yoga Friday 10:45 AM - 11:30 with Leftover Salmon - Bring your- Bring own mat with Carol Rifkin and Jeanette Queen with with The Gravy Boys Autograph Session Autograph Session Autograph Session Autograph Session with String Madness with String with a pinch of roots 12:15 PM - 1:30 9:30 AM - 10:15 splash of bluegrass! Laurie Brintle-Jarvis Brintle-Jarvis Laurie Let It Bubble Over and Round Dance Boosinger and The Boosinger 2:15 PM - 3:00 9:00 PM - 9:30 8:00 PM - 8:30 7:00 PM - 7:30 6:00 PM - 6:30 5:00 PM - 5:30 5:15 PM - 6:00 3:45 PM - 4:30 with Steep Canyon for a yoga session. Dance Tunes with Mountain Square Friday Afternoon honky tonk, and a and join instructor and join instructor Dance with Laura rock, a handful of Freestyle Dance Learn to Square with Donna the with Scythian ------Dance Banknotes Stage Scythian Rangers Buffalo

GREEN GRASS CLOGGERS AND STRICTLY CLEAN STRINGS Songwriting Contest Songwriting Contest judges Joseph Terrell,judges 11:30 AM - 11:45 10:00 AM - 10:15 12:30 PM - 12:45 12:00 PM - 12:15 and Jeanette Queen 11:00 AM - 11:15 10:30 AM - 10:45 10:30 PM - 11:59 with Mitch Greenhill contest chairman Jim contest chairman Friday Night Dance with Charles Welch with Mentoring Session County Line Electric County Line Electric Party with Chatham with Joe Smothers Brinkman and MayaBrinkman by Mark Bumgarner by Bumgarner Mark Terrell, “Brink”Mark Lauderdale. Hosted with judges Joseph Finals with contest 8:00 PM - 9:30 9:31 AM - 9:45 1:00 PM - 1:15 2:00 PM - 3:30 Midnight Plowboys The Chris Austin The Chris Austin with Carol Rifkin with Ken Tizzard with with Winners with with Winners with Pete & Joan with caller Uncle Lauderdale and with Bob Hill chairman Jim chairman Bumgarner ------Austin Stage with Mark GREEN GRASS CLOGGERS Ted White Wernick de Vitry de Vitry AND STRICTLY STRINGS Holiday Saturday, Sunday The Green Grass Cloggers have shared their original danc- ing with audiences for 46 years. 11:00 AM - 11:45 10:15 PM - 10:30 Alumni Hall. This is a Bryan Sutton Band 12:15 PM - 1:00 9:45 AM - 10:30 9:45 PM - 10:00 Brinkman and MayaBrinkman Americana Donna the Buffalo 1:30 PM - 2:15 4:00 PM - 4:45 2:45 PM - 3:30 9:15 PM - 9:30 8:45 PM - 9:00 8:00 PM - 8:15 5:30 PM - 7:00 3:30 PM - 5:30 Coffeehouse with Coffeehouse with Coffeehouse with Coffeehouse with Coffeehouse with private session for Mark Bumgarner winners only - not Mark Bumgarner Bumgarner Mark

Their unique style combines The Local Boys de Vitry. Held in Acoustic Kids with Andy May Joe Smothers Peter Rowan Songwriter’s Songwriter’s Songwriter’s Songwriter’s Songwriter’s Megan Nash Mark “Brink”Mark Showcases ------Ken Tizzard Stage

Western figures Andy May Scythian and original steps inspired by flatfooters Willard Watson (Doc’s cousin) and Robert Dot- son. The GGCs, from Asheville and Greenville, won the World Bring yourBring cameras to yourBring cameras to Meet and Greet with Meet and Greet with 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM 11:00 AM - 11:30 10:00 AM - 10:30 take your picture with take your picture with the loveable raccoon. the loveable raccoon. 9:30 AM - 10:00 Flattop - Come and Flattop - Come and Alberti Flea Circus Alberti Alberti Flea Circus Alberti meet our MerleFest meet our MerleFest Traditional 6:30 PM - 7:15 5:00 PM - 5:30 4:00 PM - 4:30 3:00 PM - 3:30 2:00 PM - 2:30 1:00 PM - 1:30 5:15 PM - 6:00 Alana and Tom of Clogging Championship in 1972 Bethel University Carol Rifkin and The InterACTive The InterACTive Bluegrass Band Jeanette Queen mascot “Flattop.” mascot “Flattop.” Steve and Ruth Locust Honey Theatre of Jef Theatre of Jef Briarhoppers Renaissance Pickers ------and 1974. They have performed ------Stage Stage The WBT Little nationally and globally for over Smith four decades and have been honored with numerous state and local awards, including an induction to The Blue Ridge guest Joel Landsberg Roy Book Binder with 10:05 AM - 10:45 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM 10:15 AM - 10:45 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM The BattleAxe Band Tommy Edwards and guests Todd Albright, Bob Crawford of The Pat Donohue, Jorma Bass Workshop with Bass Workshop Thumbpicking with Nixon, Mike Palmer, Tradition hosted by Happy Traum, Larry Workshops hosted Wayne Henderson On The Road With Road On The 6:00 PM - 6:45 4:30 PM - 5:15 2:15 PM - 3:00 1:15 PM - 2:00 Music Hall of Fame. 3:00 PM - 3:45 1:30 PM - 2:15 Avett Brothers and and The Midnight and The Roy Book Binder Laura Boosinger Laura Boosinger Partial Capo with Mayes Pit Variations of the Doc: Songs and Welcome to the Auditorium) by Happy by Traum Country Blues Country Mitch Greenhill Locust Honey Exploring The Kaukonen and Briarhoppers Josh Goforth Josh Goforth Steve James and Friends ------MerleFest Plowboys The WBT MITCH GREENHILL (Cohn Friday, Satur- day, Sunday A product of the 1960s Lawrence, Sam Bush, Jorma Kaukonen, Jim Jorma Plaza Stage 12:00 PM - 12:45 10:45 AM - 11:30 String Madness with MerleFest Open Mic Jeb Puryear, and Pat T. Michael Coleman Smothers, T.Michael The Kruger Brothers The Kruger Memories with Jack MerleFest Veterans of Doc Watson with of 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Greenhill, T.Michael Workshopwith The

C a m b r i d g e Coleman, Jeff Little, Stories and Songs Blowout with Mitch Mitch Greenhill and 5:00 PM - 5:45 3:45 PM - 4:30 5:15 PM - 6:45 4:15 PM - 5:00 3:15 PM - 4:00 2:30 PM - 3:15 1:15 PM - 2:00 Jerry Douglas, Joe Jerry Avett, TaraNevins, Docabilly Blues The Stray Birds Coleman, Peter The Local Boys Rowan and Pat The Waybacks Pat McInerney Jam with Jack Band with Pat Avett Brothers

folk music Songwriting Walker Center ------McInerney McInerney McInerney McInerney McInerney Stage hosted by scene, Green- Lawrence hill recorded two albums GREENHILL Continued on Page 15 MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April, 2017 • 15 Lineup continued from Page 14 Aly Bain Stage with Mipso Surry Line ------Center Swift Creek Countdown Walker Douglas and Alison Brown Appalachian for Prestige, one reissued as Opening Act Dear Brother Dear Brother special guests Jeff Little Trio Todd Albright Todd ShadowGrass ShadowGrass featuring Claire featuring hosted by Jerryhosted by John Doyle and John Doyle Virgil Harden & Harden Virgil with special guest hosted by hosted by Review The Transatlantic The Transatlantic Wayne Henderson Wayne Flando Calrissian 4:15 PM - 5:00 1:00 PM - 1:15 1:30 PM - 1:45 2:00 PM - 2:15 2:30 PM - 2:45 3:00 PM - 3:15 3:30 PM - 3:45 5:30 PM - 6:30 4:15 PM - 5:00 The Midnight Jam Lynch, I Draw Slow, Slow, I Draw Lynch, Compass Records Compass Records

“Shepherd of the City Blues” 11:45 AM - 3:45 PM Sessions Workshop 11:30 PM - 11:59 (2000). He performed along the 10:15 AM - 11:15 East Coast and accompanied Rosalie Sorrels on “If I Could Be the Rain.” Later, he performed in California honky-tonks with Si Kahn Brinkman Plaza Ramblers Stage Henderson great artistsgreat ------Percussion

the country-rock band Fron- Showcases Shady Rest Shady Mark "Brink" String Band Spice Creek of Mike with Andy May with Andy May Acoustic Kids with Workshop Anatomy of the Anatomy with judges from Jens Kruger and Nate Harris and The Trailblazers The Trailblazers MerleFest Band Trajan Wellington Wellington Trajan Up Close Watson, and other Watson, with Pete Wernick, Wernick, with Pete The Avett Brothers The Avett with Wayne Guitar with Wayne 2:45 PM - 3:30 3:45 PM - 5:15 1:45 PM - 2:30 5:45 PM - 6:30 tier while also as a Counterclockwise Uncle Joe and the Uncle The Hook & Bullet by Mark Bumgarnerby The Local Boys and The Local Boys 9:45 AM - 10:15 12:45 PM - 1:30 of Songwriting with Competition hosted The Craft/Business Rev. Gary Davis, Doc Gary Davis, Rev. 10:15 AM - 10:30 10:45 AM - 11:00 11:15 AM - 11:30 11:45 AM - 12:00 PM 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM studio guitarist and producer. 12:30 PM - 12:45 After joining his father Manny Greenhill at Folklore Produc- tions, he worked as agent/man- with ager and producer for Doc and Beyond (Cohn raccoon. raccoon. McGhee Plowboys Stage Merle Watson, , and MerleFest Tunes Tunes John Doyle John Doyle ------Experience I Draw Slow Slow I Draw Josh Goforth Theatre of Jef Old Time Irish Locust Honey Locust Honey The Bluegrass David Holt and David by by Traum Happy Auditorium) learned from my Welcome to the Welcome with the loveable teacher, Brownie Brownie teacher, Mitch Greenhill: Greenhill: Mitch The InterACTive The InterACTive with Bryan Sutton Mayes Pit Mayes

others. He and Mayne Smith Laura Boosinger Happy Traum: The Traum: Happy and The Midnight Songs and Finger - 5:45 PM - 6:30 4:30 PM - 5:00 4:00 PM - 5:00 1:00 PM - 1:45 2:30 PM - 3:15 2:30 PM - 3:00 3:30 PM - 4:00 Traditional - Learn - Mavericks hosted Workshops Raised By Musical Alberti Flea Circus picking Blues Styles picking 9:45 AM - 10:30 9:30 AM - 10:15 of Doc Watson and Watson of Doc The Guitar Stylings ing and Working with Working ing and 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM released “Storm Coming”and 10:45 AM - 11:30 “Back Where We’ve Never Been.” Smith Mipso raccoon. raccoon. Little 10 String Jim Avett Jim Avett Stage Bela Fleck Bela Fleck Symphony Symphony ------The Earls of Pickers Renaissance Jerry Douglas Ed Snodderly Ed Snodderly Theatre of Jef Stephen Mougin Steve and Ruth Steve with the loveable mascot "Flattop." mascot "Flattop." mascot "Flattop." mascot "Flattop." Bluegrass Band The InterACTive The InterACTive Bethel University Bethel University 1:30 PM - 2:00 2:45 PM - 3:30 1:30 PM - 2:15 6:30 PM - 7:15 4:00 PM - 4:45 5:15 PM - 6:00 to take your picture your to take to take your picture your to take featuring Leicester featuring tar Jam with Bryan meet our MerleFest meet our MerleFest meet our MerleFest meet our MerleFest Bring your cameras cameras Bring your Bring your cameras cameras Bring your Flattop - Come and Flattop - Come and 12:15 PM - 1:00 Sutton, Steve Lewis, Lewis, Sutton, Steve Tommy Edwards and Edwards Tommy Jack Lawrence Gui - Lawrence Jack 10:00 AM - 10:30 10:30 AM - 11:00 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM 11:00 AM - 11:45 Meet and Greet with Meet and Greet with

VIRGIL HARDEN & THE APPALACHIAN COUNTDOWN

VIRGIL HARDEN & THE Binder Jim Avett Jim Avett Kaukonen Kaukonen Stage with Jorma ------APPALACHIAN COUNTDOWN ------Steve James Steve The Greatest The Greatest The Greatest The Greatest The Greatest The Greatest The Greatest with Roy Book with Roy American and the Round with Show on EarthShow Show on EarthShow Show on EarthShow Show on EarthShow Show on EarthShow Show on EarthShow Show on EarthShow Blues Show on Blues Show Earth hosted by Acoustic Blues Acoustic Blues Acoustic Blues Acoustic Blues Acoustic Blues Acoustic Blues Acoustic Blues Ken Tizzard, Ken Joe Smothers, Sarah Sarah Smothers, Roy Book Binder Roy Megan Nash and with Steve James James with Steve with Todd Albright with Todd with Pat Donohue with Pat with Happy Traum with Traum Happy 2:45 PM - 3:15 3:45 PM - 4:45 2:10 PM - 2:40 1:35 PM - 2:05 1:00 PM - 1:30 with Charles Welch Greatest Acoustic Crossing Borders: Borders: Crossing Americana

Saturday 9:45 AM - 10:30 Burton, Chris Jones, Canadian Artists in 12:25 PM - 12:55 11:50 AM - 12:20 PM Appalachian Countdown, an 11:15 AM - 11:45 acoustic bluegrass band headed by Virgil Harden, began about 14 years ago. Members of Appa- lachian Countdown are Chan- ly Strings Plowboys Plowboys Dr. Banjo! Dr. Stage Stage and Guests Dance Austin ------I Draw Slow Slow I Draw dler Beavers (mandolin), Matt Showcases Front Country Front Learn to Jam with Andy May with Andy May Acoustic Kids with Workshop Saturday Night Saturday and Dance with Flatfooting and Flatfooting Cloggers Teach Teach Cloggers Square and Flat Welcome Welcome to The and The Midnight with Dance Party Donna the Buffalo Donna the Buffalo with Down Throw Irishacana Music The Green Grass The Green Grass 5:00 PM - 5:45 3:15 PM - 4:00 7:00 PM - 8:15 1:45 PM - 2:30 9:00 PM - 9:30 Bryan Sutton Band Hiser (banjo), Josh Brown (lead Mountain and Old Time Dance Tunes Pete Wernick. Bring Wernick. Pete 9:00 PM - 10:00 12:15 PM - 1:00 9:45 AM - 10:50 with the your own instrument own your Autograph Session Autograph Foot Dance Moves! with Strict Cloggers - and learn to jam with with Sam Bush Band with Laura Boosinger with Laura 10:30 PM - 11:59 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM guitar), Ron Truman (upright 10:00 PM - 10:30 bass) and Virgil Harden (lead vocal, guitar). Harden has writ- ten several hundred songs. Their goal is to present a memorable Buffalo Buffalo Watson with The Brothers

musical experience, reminiscent Symphony Booth ------Transatlantic with 10 String Jerry Douglas Sessions Tour Sessions Tour with Donna the with The Kruger Jim Lauderdale Jim Lauderdale with I Draw Slow Slow with I Draw with The Earls of with Sunset Jam with with Peter Rowan Rowan with Peter The Night Drivers The Night Drivers when families gathered on log Jarosz with Sarah Leicester featuring Leicester featuring with Chris Jones & 6:30 PM - 7:45 1:00 PM - 1:30 2:00 PM - 2:30 3:00 PM - 3:30 4:00 PM - 4:30 1:00 PM - 2:30 3:00 PM - 3:45 4:15 PM - 5:45 5:00 PM - 5:30 6:00 PM - 6:30 7:00 PM - 7:30 8:00 PM - 8:30 with The Waybacks with The Waybacks with The Waybacks with The Waybacks Autograph The Kruger Brothers Autograph Session Autograph Session Autograph Session Autograph Session Autograph Session Autograph Session Autograph Autograph Session Autograph Session Autograph Autograph Session Autograph Autograph Session Autograph 12:00 PM - 12:30 cabin porches to share laughter Hour Hillside Album and good times while enjoying bluegrass. NATE HARRIS AND SPICE CREEK RAMBLERS Friends Friends Brothers Brothers 10 String Stage Stage Symphony Symphony ------Experience The Kruger Showcases Saturday Tizzard Ken Peter Rowan Rowan Peter Peter Rowan Rowan Peter Coleman with Hillside Renaissance Tommy Norris Tommy Campbell and Sarah Jarosz Mando Mania Songs of Doc with Andy May with Andy May Watson Family Family Watson Darin Aldridge, Acoustic Kids The Bluegrass Watson Family Watson Tony Williamson, Tony Bluegrass Band Memories of The Sierra Hull, Casey Hull, Casey Sierra Jorma Kaukonen Jorma Kaukonen Bethel University Bethel University Creekside 3:15 PM - 4:15 4:45 PM - 5:30 6:00 PM - 6:45 2:00 PM - 2:45 9:16 PM - 9:45 7:16 PM - 7:45 Playing his 6:05 PM - 6:30 9:30 AM - 10:15 12:00 PM - 1:30 9:30 AM - 10:00 hosted by T. Michael T. hosted by featuring Sam Bush, featuring The Avett Brothers: Brothers: The Avett 10:45 AM - 11:30 own brand of 10:30 AM - 11:15 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM driving folk, Nate Harris performs as a solo artist as Guests Bob Hill

NATE HARRIS 10 String Stage Stage Cabin Tift Merritt well as with Symphony ------Ken Tizzard Tizzard Ken Mark Schatz I Draw Slow Slow I Draw Claire Lynch Claire Lynch Watson Sarah Jarosz Sarah Jarosz Night Drivers Jeff Little Trio Front Country Front with Donna the Raffle Drawing String Madness Sam Bush, Jerry The Contenders The Contenders Sam Bush Band Bryan Sutton and Reunion Jam with and Pat McInerney and Pat 1:15 PM - 1:45 2:35 PM - 3:15 5:05 PM - 5:30 3:15 PM - 4:00 1:45 PM - 2:30 4:15 PM - 5:00 7:45 PM - 9:15 6:30 PM - 7:15 Buffalo and Special Buffalo Chris Jones & The Chris Jones & with Mitch Greenhill 12:30 PM - 1:15 9:45 PM - 11:15 Douglas, Bela Fleck, Bela Fleck, Douglas, Saturday Night Jam Saturday 10:45 AM - 11:15 12:00 PM - 12:30 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM 10:00 AM - 10:45

Continued on Page 16 April 29 Saturday, 16 • MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April, 2017

World of Bluegrass, Chet Atkins 1972. Shortly after, Hill joined Lineup International Appreciation Doc and Merle Watson as an continued from Page 15 Society and numerous venues, original member of Frosty Wayne has toured in the U.S., Morn. In 1980, NEMS Records the Spice Creek Ramblers based Asia, Africa and Middle East. of London signed Hill as a solo in Boone. Harris’ music includes His lightning-fast articulate artist and renamed him “Fred traditional, old-time, bluegrass, playing was influenced by close Hill.” Bob has written songs with acoustic blues, and rock. He friends Doc Watson and E.C. and for and has recorded and WAYNE plays the guitar and harmon- Ball. Singer, fiddler, guitarist and performed with , HENDERSON BOB DAVID HOLT & THE HOOK ica, sings and composes, and tunesmith Helen White toured JJ Cale, Jack “Cowboy” Clem- & FRIENDS HILL JOSH GOFORTH & BULLET on his recently released albums, extensively with Wayne in the ent, Don Everly, Ray Stevens, “Painted Mountain” and “Pale U.S. and Europe. Helen founded Lacy J. Dalton and others. Hill “Folkways” and “Great Scenic MerleFest 2017. Grammy-nomi- Light in a Darkened Room,” he and was executive director of recently released “Keepin’ the Railway Journeys.” He was fea- nated Josh Goforth is descended shows a talent for songwriting. the Junior Appalachian Musi- Wolves Away” and is working tured in the film “O Brother, from many of the old-timers Holt The Spice Creek Ramblers are cians program for 15 years. The on a new project. Where Art Thou? ” and was host learned from in the late 1960s in Chris Capozzoli, Jeff Moretz, subject of a recent documentary of the Nashville Network’s “Fire Madison County. Goforth and Scott Haynes and Zach T. Smith. “Herb Key: Nurturing American DAVID HOLT on the Mountain” and “American Holt have performed together Heritage,” guitarist and bassist Thursday, Friday, Saturday Music Shop.” From 1998-2012, for 18 years. WAYNE HENDERSON Herb Key grew up in Wilkes Four-time Grammy Award Holt toured and performed with & FRIENDS County, living close to the land winner David Holt is a musician, Doc Watson. In 2002, Doc and THE HOOK & BULLET Thursday, Friday, Saturday and learning traditional music. storyteller, artist, historian, and Holt won two Grammys for their Saturday Wayne Henderson is a National Known as one of the best guitar radio and television host. For classic “Legacy,” a three-CD set The Hook & Bullet is a genre- Heritage Award recipient, hon- repairmen in the region, Key is a more than 40 years, the multi- with interviews, music, and a defying duo – Audrey and James ored for his craftsmanship as a keeper of stories and sings songs instrumentalist has collected live concert about the inspiring Barnes – whose brand of “Ameri- luthier and his renowned finger- about Wilkes legends. and performed the songs and life and music of Doc Watson. cana Drumgrass” is a whole lot style Appalachian guitar play- stories of the Blue Ridge. In Holt tours the country perform- of music from just two people. ing. Sponsored by the National BOB HILL addition to making critically ing solo, with Josh Goforth and Grounded in the songs and tra- Council for Traditional Arts, Thursday, Friday, Saturday acclaimed recordings, Holt is with David Holt and the Light- ditions of Southern folk, the Smithsonian Institution, Office Bob Hill sold his first pub- host of popular PBS programs: ning Bolts. Goforth and the of Arts America, European lished song to Ray Charles in “David Holt’s State of Music,” Lightning Bolts join David at Continued on Page 17 WELCOME TO MERLEFEST Wilkesboro Location 3384 W. U.S. Highway 421 • Wilkesboro Conveniently located north on U.S. 421 Only 3.5 miles from MerleFest 336-973-CARS (973-2277) Statesville Location 1032 Glenway Drive • Statesville Conveniently located off I-40 (Exit 151), I-77 (Exit 51B) and TWO GREAT LOCATIONS off U.S. 21 across from the Crossroads Shopping Center for all the MerleFest travelers 704-872-7717 Packages include: Synthetic Blend High Mileage Full Synthetic Hours FREE 4 Months of Roadside Assistance • 24-hour service Package Package Package SAVE ON SERVICE Monday-Friday • Towing up to 15 miles 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. $ 00 $ 00 $ 00 • Lockout assistance OFF OFF OFF Saturday • Tire change service Any10 service Any20 service Any50 service • Jump start and/or battery service over $100 over $200 over $500 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. • Tire pressure check Up to 5 quarts with Up to 5 quarts withh Up to 5 quarts withh • Inspect all fluids and top off washer fluid standard oil filter standard oil filter standard oil filter Good at Wilkesboro or Statesville • Free tire rotation • Visual brake check $34.95 $54.95 $69.95 Meineke Car Care Centers • Standard oil filter 350 Bonus 400 Bonus 450 Bonus No expiration Rewards Points Rewards Points Rewards Points

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Country Album with the band gifts as a composer and lyricist. Lineup for 2013’s “Uncaged.” He also Themes of loss and restoration continued from Page 16 co-wrote “It’s Not OK,” “I Play run through the album. the Road,” “Nothing,” and many pair expands that musical tent others. When touring with the I DRAW SLOW with the beat of a kick drum, Zac Brown Band, John began Saturday unconventional banjo picking, as the bass player but now plays Dublin roots band I Draw Slow and the depth of their songwrit- the guitar and banjo. In 2012 released “Turn Your Face to the ing. Audrey’s rich and soulful he released an original record Sun” in April. The band’s impact JOHN DRISKELL SIERRA I DRAW SLOW STEVE voice cuts through her drums called “Daylight,” a collabora- abroad is redrawing the map for HOPKINS BAND HULL JAMES tion with . This and keys, melding in sibling har- these Irish/Americana songwrit- Hailing from Lumberton, Jef 1976 to 1993, Jef was a member year, John brings his band, John mony with James on haunting ers. While filling the airwaves performs mime, variety arts, of TOUCH, North Carolina’s Driskell Hopkins Band, for its songs that surprise and com- on tastemaker stations at home and mask theater for children touring mime theater ensemble. first MerleFest appearance. pel. Born and raised in Wilkes and abroad, it has played to and families throughout the County, they are based in the audiences in the UK, Germany, STEVE JAMES SIERRA HULL Southeast. In addition to shar- Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Denmark, Belgium and at North Friday, Saturday Friday, Saturday ing his work on the Little Pick- American festivals that include ers Stage for many years, last Steve James (guitar, slide gui- Singer, mandolinist, and for- JOHN DRISKELL HOPKINS BAND MerleFest, Pickathon, Winter- year Jef was at the Ocrafolk tar, mandolin, vocals) has been mer child prodigy Sierra Hull Sunday grass, RockyGrass, Grey Fox, Festival on Ocracoke Island, described as “an underground signed with Rounder at age 13 John Driskell Hopkins is best Red Wing, Edmonton Folk Fes- N.C. Pickle Festival in Mount legend.” Making his third appear- and distinguished herself by known as a founding member, tival and Sisters Folk Festival. Olive and the Very Special Arts ance at MerleFest, he looks back becoming the first bluegrass vocalist, multi-instrumental- I Draw Slow is comprised of Festival in Pembroke. During on decades of string work, song musician to receive a Presiden- ist, and songwriter for the Holden siblings Dave (guitar) his career, he has also been the craft, and fancy traveling in his tial Scholarship to the presti- Zac Brown Band. He has been and Louise (vocals), Adrian Hart opening act for Preservation own words, “From when I was gious performing since the ‘90s with (violin), Colin Derham (claw- Hall Jazz Band, Doc Watson, a kid, learning to sing and play, in . Last year she released Brighter Shade, a rock band he hammer banjo) and Konrad Mike Cross, the Heath Broth- what stuck with me was the “,” her first new founded. Later, he began song- Liddy (double bassist). ers, Chuck Davis’ African-Amer- basic blues, country, and folk album in five years. Though she writing and performing with ican Dance Ensemble, Molasses songs and styles; the ones that is best known for her work as a Zac Brown. Hopkins co-wrote THE INTERACTIVE Creek, Kaira Ba and the Paper- really get the story across … mandolin player, Hull reveals the chart-topping single “Toes” THEATER OF JEF hand Puppet Intervention. From and won a Grammy for Best in these songs her abundant Friday, Saturday, Sunday Continued on Page 18 18 • MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April, 2017 Jarosz has received many nods Americana and helped invent Lineup including Grammy nominations psychedelic rock. A member of continued from Page 17 for Best Folk Album and Best the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame American Roots Song. and a Grammy nominee, he is a and always had the best pickin’ founding member of two legend- too! That’s what I was into then. CHRIS JONES & ary bands, That’s what I’m into now.” THE NIGHT DRIVERS and the still-touring Hot Tuna. Saturday Kaukonen is constantly look- SARAH JAROSZ Whether it’s in the studio or ing to take his musical horizons SARAH CHRIS JONES & THE Saturday on stage, Chris Jones & The further still, always moving JAROSZ NIGHT DRIVERS JORMA KAUKONEN Sarah Jarosz has been Night Drivers are making some forward. described by the New York of the most distinctively elegant Times as “one of acoustic yet driving music to be heard THE KRUGER BROTHERS JIM LAUDERDALE music’s most promising young anywhere. They deliver it with Each day Friday, Saturday, Sunday talents; a singer-songwriter and a blend of dry and emotional Originally from Switzerland, Jim Lauderdale is a “song- mandolin and banjo prodigy with authenticity that has won the brothers Uwe and Jens Kruger writer’s songwriter,” who has the taste and poise to strike that loyalty of a growing number began playing North Ameri- written/co-written many modern rare balance of commercial and of fans across the country and can folk music at an early age classics for iconic artists, and critical success.” “Undercurrent” around the world. and were particularly inspired an intuitive sideman, who has is a milestone for Jarosz in more referred to The Night Drivers as by recordings of Doc Watson, enhanced the ways than one. It is her first music of “… some of the best players in Flatt & Scruggs, Bill Monroe and THE KRUGER BROTHERS release since graduating with bluegrass. Chris Jones’ voice is other progenitors of country, a bevy of honors from the New England there with the great masters.” bluegrass, and folk music. After was “Behind the Barn, Vol. 2,” esteemed Conservatory of Music in Boston gaining a recording contract as released in 1997. The Kruger musicians. and her first since relocating to JORMA KAUKONEN well as a radio show on the Swiss Brothers moved to the United As a solo art- . While “Under- Friday, Saturday, Sunday Broadcasting Corporation, they States in 2002 and are now based ist since 1986, current” is a creative landmark In a career spanning a half- teamed up with bass player Joel in Wilkesboro. Doc Watson once he has cre- for Jarosz, she has been mak- century, Jorma Kaukonen has Landsberg from New York been said, “The Kruger Brothers is ated a body JIM ing music for most of her life. been one of the most highly playing together professionally just about as fine a band as I’ve of work span- LAUDERDALE When she was 11, she performed respected interpreters of Ameri- since 1995. The first recording ever played with. I love to play at her first bluegrass festival. can roots music, blues, and project to include Landsberg music with them.” Continued on Page 20

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musical partner for over 25 – rock ‘n’ roll, folk, bluegrass, Lineup years. His career began in the Cajun, soul, zydeco, jazz, and continued from Page 18 late 1960s when Jack began per- blues. The evolution of Leftover forming with bluegrass-gospel Salmon’s music is influenced ning 28 albums of imaginative great Carl Story on TV and else- by Leftover Salmon co-found- roots music that encompasses where. The next several years ers Drew Emmitt (mandolin, country, bluegrass, soul, R&B, provided a wealth of opportu- vocals) and Vince Herman’s and rock, as well as helping pave nity that continues to fuel his (guitar, vocals) keen musical JACK the way for the current Ameri- talents today. After stints in The instincts. The addition of new LAWRENCE LEFTOVER SALMON JEFF LITTLE TRIO cana movement. Jim has written New Deal String Band and The band members over the years songs and worked with some of Bluegrass Alliance, Jack became has nurtured an unmistakable tinctive two-hand style, much the finest artists in traditional somewhat of a journeyman play- evolution and freshness in Left- influenced by the mountain flat- and modern music, including ing electric and acoustic guitar over Salmon’s sound and has picked guitar tradition, is breath- Robert Hunter, , in many different musical set- added an edge to the long-last- taking in its speed, precision, and Elvis Costello, and tings. In 1983 he was hired by ing power of the band’s music. clarity. Jeff’s involvement with others. He co-hosts with Buddy Merle Watson and continued Fueled by the rhythm section of fiddle tunes, old-time country, Miller “The Buddy & Jim Show” with Doc after Merle’s untimely long-time bassist Greg Garrison, and traditional blues dates to on SiriusXM and co-hosts “Music his growing up in Boone, where death. Jack takes great pride in drummer Alwyn Robinson, and THE LOCAL BOYS City Roots,” a weekly live show. his association with MerleFest Salmon’s newest member, key- his family owned a music shop. Jim received the since the planning stages of the boardist Erik Deustch, the band The shop was a regular gather- Keith Urban. He is director of Lifetime Achievement Award, first festival in 1988, performing is currently enjoying a creative ing place for regional musicians, the Entertainment Technology presented by George Strait, on at every one. renaissance. including Doc Watson, who program at Northeast State in Sept. 21, 2016, as part of the would stop by to pick a few tunes. Bristol, Tenn. 15th annual Americana Honors LEFTOVER SALMON JEFF LITTLE TRIO Jeff is conversant with old-time, & Awards. Friday Friday, Saturday, Sunday country, bluegrass, THE LOCAL BOYS For the past quarter-century, With few exceptions, the piano and blues. With a rack-mounted Each day JACK LAWRENCE Colorado’s Leftover Salmon has doesn’t play a prominent part in harmonica and vocals, he can be All members of The Local Each day established itself as one of the Appalachian or Americana music a one-man show. He also worked Boys have deep roots in tradi- Jack Lawrence has been called great purveyors of Americana and is rarely the lead instrument. with a wide range of commer- tional music, plus a love for the a “flatpicking powerhouse.” He cial country artists as a musi- music, digging deep into the But Jeff Little is an exception – Continued on Page 21 is best known as Doc Watson’s well that supplies its influences and a remarkable one. His dis- cian or manager, most notably

Monday through OPEN! Friday 6:00 AM 105 Oakwoods Road • Wilkesboro, N.C. to (Brushy Mountain Road) 6:00 PM 336-838-7200 1915 West Park Drive • Suite 200, North Wilkesboro • 336-667-2541 PERFORMERS Join us for food, drinks & live music Thursday, May 4 drinks 6:00 p.m. • dinner 6:45 p.m. Pottery in all shapes, sizes and colors Wayne Henderson Herb Key & Friends • Hanging • Mulch • S o il • Perennials $ 00 baskets • A z a l e a s • Water • Potting mix Tickets 30 • Boston • Long pine fountains • Vegetable May be purchased at ferns needles • Pottery plants Ruby Pardue Blackburn • Annuals • Wind chimes Josh Brown, Joe Moore, Adut Daycare Center Jonah Horton & Mike Palmer Monday, Tuesday, Th ursday and Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Call for more information 336-667-2541 Medicaid Wednesday 9 a.m.-2 p.m. • Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and VA LandscapeDepotNC www.wilkesadultdaycare.org Approved MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April, 2017 • 21 traditional songs and tunes of her new home of Nashville. She Lineup the American Southeast. With recorded her first LP in Janu- continued from Page 20 a rotating instrumentation of ary 2017 and is currently touring , open-back and resonator with her first EP, “The Tides.” banjos, and acoustic and resona- musical styles that influenced tor guitars, they set an empha- CLAIRE LYNCH NATALIE Mac- and evolved from old-time coun- sis on lively arrangements that Saturday try and bluegrass. The band is MASTER WITH showcase their signature vin- Claire Lynch continues to LOCUST HONEY CLAIRE LYNCH DONALD LEAHY fairly standard in its acoustic tage vocal harmonies. Joined by blaze her own trail – a trail that instrumental arrangement: John Miller (The Fox Hunt, The has led her to three Grammy NATALIE MacMASTER guitar, bass, banjo, Dobro and Hackensaw Boys) on upright nominations and to thrice being WITH DONNELL LEAHY mandolin. Where it differs from bass, they have been touring the named International Bluegrass Sunday MANDOLIN most groups is that it has four U.S., U.K. and Ireland since 2012. Music Association Female Hailing from Cape Breton ORANGE superb lead vocalists who also Vocalist of the Year. As a song- Island, , award- sing harmonies: John Akin, LYDIA LUCE writer, she’s recorded much of winning musician Natalie Mac- Aaron Soots, Eric Childers, and Friday her catalog, while her tunes have Master received her first fiddle mother from Cape Breton. Over Tommy Rape. This gives them an Lydia Luce graduated from been recorded by many, includ- at age 9. Natalie has received the last 11 years, he and Natalie unparalleled ability to find the Berklee College of Music in Bos- ing , Kathy Mat- numerous awards in the U.S. and have not only shared their focus perfect combination of voices to ton and has a master’s degree tea, The Seldom Scene, and The Canada, recognizing both her on musical pursuits but have set render any song. The Local Boys from University of California- Whites. As a singer, her back- musical talent and importance their sights on raising their six have performed at MerleFest for Los Angeles in viola perfor- ground harmonies have graced to Cape Breton’s fiddling tradi- children in the same home and the last 17 years. mance. As an independent albums by artists as diverse as tion and international profile. musical heritage they received. Americana singer/songwriter/ , Donna the MacMaster will be joined by her LOCUST HONEY violist, she is leveraging those Buffalo, , and husband, fiddler Donnell Leahy. MANDOLIN ORANGE Friday, Saturday tools to enhance her songwriting Ralph Stanley. Claire’s MerleFest Honing his remarkable talent Thursday As Nashville-based Locust on both viola and guitar. Her lyri- performance will include Mark since the age of 3, Donnell has Mandolin Orange has steadily Honey, Chloe Edmonstone and cally moving and professionally Schatz (bass, banjo), Bryan spent his entire life with a fiddle picked up speed and fans since Meredith Watson bring their composed music derives deep McDowell (mandolin, fiddle), in his hand. His initial skills “This Side of Jordan,” the band’s experience in old-time, blue- roots from personal family, love, and Jarrod Walker (guitar, were learned at home from his 2013 breakthrough debut on Yep grass, and pre-war blues to both and life experiences, and she mandolin). parents – a fiddle-playing father their original material and the is beginning to make a mark in from Ontario and a step-dancing Continued on Page 22 Welcome MerleFest Fans For All Your Scott Ashley Real Estate Needs Owner Contact Terrie! Call or Text 336•984•8873 Email: [email protected] To search any listing in Wilkes MLS Terrie Stackhouse 336-667-1966 2868 Hwy. 268 west at Corner of old Browns ford road Realtor • Broker www.stackhousehomes.com Ext. 608 Welcome To MerleFest USED CARS-TRUCKS-PARTS Pick Up All Your Camping Needs From Us! If You’re Looking For A Particular Make or Model, Milk • Coffee • Boiled Peanuts • Ice • Snacks • Propane • Wood Give Us A Call - Most Times We Can Find Exactly What You Are Looking For -- Jake & Amos Canned Goods Natural Light On the Lot Financing • Acres of Used Parts 24 Hour Wrecker Service 18 PaCk Call 336-835-4442 or 336-835-7837 Nights Non-Ethanol 12 oz. Cans SOUTHEASTERN CARS & PARTS Gas $ 99 Hwy. 268, Ronda, N.C. Regular Gas availaBle at all loCations 11 22 • MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April, 2017

his Acoustic Kids Showcases, and will play here this year with Lineup he has provided performance T. Michael and Mitch Greenhill. continued from Page 21 opportunities for hundreds of young musicians at festivals for TIFT MERRITT over two decades. Saturday Roc Records, last year’s follow- Merritt found acclaim com- up “Such Jubilee,” and its new DEL McCOURY BAND ing not just from critics and 2016 album, “Blindfaller.” The Thursday awards organizations but her BILL MATHIS ANDY MAY DEL McCOURY BAND duo – singer/songwriter and The Del McCoury Band is own heroes, like Emmylou Har- multi-instrumentalist Andrew the most awarded bluegrass ris, who marveled that Merritt Marlin and violinist/guitarist band of all time. Its most recent “stood out like a diamond in Emily Frantz – formed Man- release, “Streets of Baltimore,” a coal patch.” Of her album, dolin Orange in 2009 in Chapel took home the 2013 Grammy for “Traveling Alone,” Paste Maga- Hill, N.C. Best Bluegrass Album, adding zine wrote, “’Traveling Alone’ … to the band’s already impres- not only shows her true lyrical BILL MATHIS sive 2006 Grammy win for “The and vocal range but suggests an Sunday Company We Keep” and over 30 adventurous spirit beneath the Bill Mathis has been involved International Bluegrass Music placid surface.” In 2014, Merritt with MerleFest since 1989 when Association awards, including recorded with and was a tour- a staff member asked if he could PAT TIFT nine ing member of ’s McINERNEY MERRITT MIPSO help with a sign. After that, times. The Del McCoury Band old-time band Hands of Glory, Bill found himself on the sig- continues to cross genres and and in 2015, “Bramble Rose,” nage crew for 10 years or more. in 2016 released a full-length CD the song from her self-titled After Merle’s death, Bill’s picking of previously unrecorded, unre- debut record, was covered by partner and best friend, Wayne leased lyrics written by Woody Don Henley on his critically Hayes, wrote the tribute to Merle Guthrie and personally given to acclaimed solo album “Cass and mailed a cassette copy to Del to compose music for and County,” featuring Doc and Rosalee, and they perform. Del will of course con- and Miranda Lambert. Merritt loved it. They invited Wayne to tinue to perform the tunes that recently released her sixth stu- MOUNTAIN HEART NASH RIFKIN AND QUEEN perform the song at MerleFest, fans love and enjoy like “Beauty dio record, “Stitch of the World,” The band’s name has been syn- steeped in prairie longing. The and a great friendship ensued. of My Dreams,” “My Love Will on Yep Roc Records. It was through Wayne that Bill onymous with cutting-edge lead single from the record “Deer Not Change,” “1952 Vincent excellence in Head” earned her a nomination also became friends with the Black Lightning,” “Can’t You MIPSO Watsons. Upon Wayne Hayes’ circles since the group’s cre- for Best Songwriter of the Year Hear Me Callin’,” and “High on Saturday, Sunday ation. Mountain Heart or its at the 2016 Western Canadian death in 1999, Doc asked Bill to a Mountain.” Chapel Hill’s Indie Ameri- assume the tribute to Merle. He members have been nominated Music Awards (WCMA). cana quartet Mipso – Jacob for or won IBMA and Grammy gladly accepted the invitation PAT McINERNEY Sharp (mandolin, vocals), and performed that song with awards. They have appeared on CAROL RIFKIN AND Friday, Saturday, Sunday Wood Robinson (bass, vocals), the revered stage of the Grand JEANETTE QUEEN Doc many times. Now Bill is Drummer/percussionist Pat Joseph Terrell (guitar, vocals), accompanied by Jack Lawrence Ole Opry in excess of 130 times Friday, Saturday, Sunday McInerney has structured a and Libby Rodenbough (fiddle, and have shared the stage with Carol Rifkin and Jeanette and T. Michael Coleman on the career as a studio and touring vocals) – is influenced by the Cabin Stage to close MerleFest nearly everyone in the business. Queen team up to share their musician on both sides of the contradiction of its progres- The band is comprised of top- talent and knowledge about on Sunday every year with the Atlantic. Pat was born in London sive home and the surrounding tribute to Eddy Merle Watson. call studio pros at every posi- traditional North Carolina to Irish parents. In 1978, he emi- rural Southern landscapes. Cur- tion with unmatched energy and music. Award-winning multi- grated to Nashville to become rently celebrating the release a keen sense of entertainment instrumentalist Carol Rifkin’s ANDY MAY a member of Don Williams’ of its fourth album, “Coming Friday, Saturday, Sunday dynamics. sweet voice is recognizable on backing group, The Scratch Down the Mountain,” Mipso ven- stage or radio on WNCW. As May’s latest album, “Room for Band, after meeting them while tures further than ever from its Roots,” showcasing his creativ- MEGAN NASH a dancer and musician, Carol they were touring England. T. string-band pedigree to discover Thursday, Friday appeared in “Songcatcher” and ity, humor, and optimism as a Michael Coleman was living a broader Americana. Mipso’s songsmith - and his dynamic In the Canadian music scene, “Down Home, Appalachia to in Nashville at the time and third album release, 2015’s “Old Megan Nash consistently stands Nashville” with Tommy Jarrell. guitar chops - has been received thought Pat would be the perfect Time Reverie” (2015), shot up enthusiastically by country, out from the crowd. Whether She received Asheville’s 2013 drummer to record with Doc & the Billboard charts, landing at it be for her powerful, one-of- Bascom Lamar Lunsford Award Americana, and bluegrass radio Merle Watson on 1982’s “Guitar No. 1 on the Billboard Bluegrass stations across the U.S. With the a-kind voice, her deeply per- for Significant Contribution to Album.” Pat later contributed Chart and in the Top 25 of the sonal and insightful songs, or the Art of Appalachian Culture demand for his music stronger to Doc’s albums “Portrait” and Billboard Heatseekers Chart. than ever, May’s 2016 “Room for her unapologetically open and and the 2016 Lunsford Award. “Docabilly.” He also recorded honest personality, she makes Jeanette learned to play and Roots Tour” took him across with The Seldom Scene and MOUNTAIN HEART America and to Sweden and Ire- an impression upon everyone sing in the Queen family band Chesapeake. His connection Thursday who hears her. Recorded in in Jackson County. She carries land. May’s credentials include with T. Michael continues with Mountain Heart is the band a Grand Championship on gui- a 100-year-old church on the forward seven generations of playing on Coleman’s 2016 solo that has been fearlessly revolu- prairies, her most recent album traditions learned from her tar from Union Grove and an project “Pocket.” He’s proud of tionizing the way acoustic music International Bluegrass Music “Song Harvest Volume One” is his history with Doc and Merle can be presented and played. Continued on Page 23 Association Award. Through made up of seven solo songs MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April, 2017 • 23 songwriter with a career span- into a barn-dance, rock concert Lineup ning over five decades. From his experience. Nashville’s Music continued from Page 22 early years playing under the City Roots said Scythian is tutelage of Bill Monroe, Peter’s “what happens when rock star mother and sings the songs of stint in Old & In the Way and charisma meets Celtic dervish the mountains. his breakout as a solo performer fiddling.”The Washington Post and bandleader, Rowan built a said “Scythian’s enthusiasm is PETER ROANOKE devoted, international fan base contagious, and shows seem ROWAN SCYTHIAN SHADOWGRASS Saturday through his stream of origi- to end with everyone dancing, Nashville-based Roanoke is nal recordings, collaborative jumping around, or hoisting ous awards in youth and adult a rising Americana/folk band projects and touring. The late glasses.” Scythian includes Alex- competitions across the region. based. Joey Beesley (lead vocals, ‘60s and early ‘70s saw Rowan ander (fiddle, mandolin, bass, In 2016, ShadowGrass placed guitar) and Taylor Dupuis (lead involved in a number of rock, vocals), Danylo (rhythm guitar, fifth in the adult bluegrass band vocals) create rich harmonies folk and bluegrass projects. He accordion, vocals), and Larissa category at the Galax Fiddler’s STEVE AND JOE and unforgettable songs of started a solo career in the late (bass, , vocals) Fedoryka, Convention. The band includes RUTH SMITH SMOTHERS love, heartbreak and explora- ‘70s. Rowan currently performs Nolan Ladewski (flute, whistles, Kitty Amaral (fiddle), Presley tion. Joined by Zach Nowak internationally as a solo singer- banjolin, guitar, vocals) and Tim Barker (guitar), Kyser George the Americana Instrumental (mandolin, vocals), Kyle Breese songwriter, while stateside he Hepburn (drums, percussion). (bass), Luke Morris (mandolin), Group of the Year award from the (drums, banjo, harmonica), John plays in Peter Rowan Bluegrass and Clay Russell (banjo). Appalachian Cultural Music Asso- Fiorentino (bass) and Jo Cleary Band, Big Twang Theory and its SHADOWGRASS ciation. Their music combines (violin), Roanoke uses musical Texas Cousin Twang ‘n’ Groove Saturday STEVE AND RUTH SMITH Appalachian and Celtic musical chemistry to create a unique and and The Free Mexican Air Force. ShadowGrass is a group of Each day traditions with their own original captivating sound full of cultural young musicians from western MerleFest regulars Steve and music about mountain life and influences, roots instrumenta- SCYTHIAN North Carolina and southwest- Ruth Smith, from Doc Watson’s rural Appalachian values. tion, and memorable melodies. Thursday, Friday ern Virginia who crossed paths home county of Watauga, play Scythian plays roots music at local fiddler’s conventions in a distinctive blend of acoustic JOE SMOTHERS PETER ROWAN from Celtic, Eastern European the summer of 2014. The young Americana music with Celtic Thursday, Friday, Saturday Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Appalachian traditions musicians have held to their and Appalachian roots, featur- While attending Appalachian Grammy Award winner and with thunderous energy, tech- bluegrass roots, fast picking, ing hammered and Appalachian State, Joe and three fellow musi- six-time Grammy nominee Peter nical prowess, and storytelling and fresh arrangements, which mountain dulcimers, old-time cians formed the band, Fried banjo and guitar. They received Rowan is a bluegrass singer- songwriting, beckoning crowds have earned the band numer- Continued on Page 24

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Chicken and Watermelon. The band had the opportunity to do a show with Doc and Merle Watson, and Merle took a liking to the group. Eventually, Joe ED joined Merle’s band, Frosty Morn. Years SNODDERLY STEEP CANYON R ANGERS of touring and more than a dozen albums with Doc forged a relationship of deep respect. Joe has performed at every Mer- leFest and also at Doc’s funeral. Joe also toured extensively with Jack Lawrence and recorded one album, “Smothers and Lawrence.” ED SNODDERLY THE STEEL WHEELS STRAY BIRDS Let video spread your message. Friday, Saturday Ed Snodderly is proof that Southern natured fun that earned the Steep Can- music, with all it peculiarities, is alive yon Rangers the Grammy Award for Best At RiverStreet Productions, we can and kicking. While “folk” doesn’t quite Bluegrass Album in 2013 and that drew capture Snodderly’s essence – he is more celebrated comedian/banjoist Steve Mar- help you with your video marketing needs: a singer-songwriter steeped in country tin to them when he needed a backing • TV Commercials and bluegrass – he nevertheless is tuned band. to the eccentricities of traditional music. • Web/Social Media Videos Jerry Douglas said of him, “Ed is carv- THE STRAY BIRDS • Product Demonstration Videos ing himself a niche for his own genre Friday • Client Testimonial Videos of and prose.” The A devoted trio of singers, songwriters, • Corporate Videos Country Music Hall of Fame Museum and multi-instrumentalists, The Stray honored him by inscribing a verse of his Birds’ passionate live shows and record- • Event Videos song, “The Diamond Stream,” in the Hall ings, “Magic Fire” (2016), “Best Medi- of Honor. Ed’s latest recording is titled cine” (2014), and “The Stray Birds” (2012), “Record Shop.” launched the band to turntables and fes- tival stages around the globe. “Magic THE STEEL WHEELS Fire” is an album of firsts for the Birds: Sunday their first with an outside producer, their Hailing from the Blue Ridge Mountains first with venerable guest musicians, and of Virginia, The Steel Wheels – Trent their first truly collaborative songwriting Wagler (guitar, banjo), Eric Brubaker effort. More importantly, perhaps, it is an (fiddle), Brian Dickel (upright bass), and album of mosts: the most exciting and Jay Lapp (mandolin) – are familiar with engaging music they’ve ever composed folk music traditions and how a string paired with their most outspoken and band should sound. Yet, the band’s name insightful lyrics yet. evokes a sense of forward motion, which is reflected in its latest album, “Wild STRING MADNESS as We Came Here.” The Steel Wheels WITH MITCH GREENHILL recorded the album in rural Maine. All Friday, Saturday, Sunday four band members hunkered down for Three hot instrumentalists pool their a week and a half to create “Wild as We talents to form String Madness, playing Came Here.” all-instrumental, all-acoustic music from Bach to Bebop. They created a reper- STEEP CANYON RANGERS toire of original compositions, string Friday band tunes and jazz. Improvised solos A bluegrass band at their core, the interweave with harmonies and unison Steep Canyon Rangers effortlessly walk lines to propel exciting musical explo- the line between festival favorite and rations. Mitch Greenhill served as Doc sophisticated string orchestra. They’re and Merle Watson’s manager, record pro- as danceable as the most progressive, ducer and blues sidekick. He recorded party-oriented string band and equally several albums, composed and designed comfortable translating their songs for music and sound for regional theater accompaniment by a full symphony. It’s and Broadway and appeared in movies. 877-973-3104 RiverStreetProductions.net that mix of serious chops and good- Continued on Page 25 l MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April, 2017 • 25 Lineup continued from Page 24 Brushy Mountain Bob Applebaum’s 40-plus years of pro- fessional experience in stage, recording, Smokehouse television and film include work with Béla Fleck, Pete Wernick and Stewart Dun- can. Peter Spelman’s extensive history as and Creamery soloist and band leader includes stints in MARTY both northern and southern California. STUART SURRY LINE Proud Sponsors of MARTY STUART & HIS MerleFest 2017! FABULOUS SUPERLATIVES Sunday Children 4 and under always eat free at the Smokehouse! Years from now when they’re talking about the great personalities in country music, they’ll mention Marty Stuart. He Welcome MerleFest Fans! went solo after working for both Lester Look for our Handcrafted Ice Cream at the Shoppes at Flatt and and then dragged country music into the 1990s, clinging to MerleFest and look for our trailer near the Dance Tent BRYAN SUTTON SWIFT CREEK the tassels of Lefty Frizzell and holler- Award-winning Hickory Smoked ing like . Along the way, he in 1995 as a member of ’ Barbecue, Ribs, and Chicken got a Golden Globe nomination for scor- Thunder band, playing on two Serving Lunch and Dinner ing Billy Bob Thornton’s “All the Pretty Grammy Award-winning records. After Monday through Saturday Horses,” collected five Grammys, married his tenure with Skaggs, Bryan went on Closed Sunday the beautiful country music legend Con- to build a career as a top studio guitar- Full Service Catering nie Smith, joined the , ist in Nashville. Bryan has also released Call for take-outs brought together his Fabulous Superla- six solo projects and has toured around www.brushymtnsmokehouse.com tives (Kenny Vaughan, the world with artists like Béla Fleck and Paul Martin), unveiled the Marty and and as a member of the Stuart Show on RFD TV and took the last legendary bluegrass band . Sut- photo of Johnny Cash. He’s a songwriter, ton has been honored as a ten-time win- performer unsurpassed, outlaw, student, ner of the IBMA’s Guitarist of the Year teacher, star-spangled instrumentalist, and received a Grammy in 2007 for Best photographer, philosopher, historian, Country Instrumental Performance for writer of prose and jumpin’ jack flash. his duet recording with Doc Watson.

SURRY LINE SUTTON, HOLT AND COLEMAN Saturday Thursday In mid-2014, Surry Line was formed Grammy Award winners Bryan Sut- by Michael Motley (lead vocals, song- ton, David Holt and T. Michael Coleman writer) and Nick McMillian (lead guitar, explore the musical traditions of North lead vocals). Surry Line fits mostly into Carolina. Each was inspired by and per- the Americana, folk, country and rocka- formed with Doc Watson over the years . billy genres with heavy influence from The trio’s latest CD, “Ready for the Times,” the musicians’ deep roots in traditional captures this vibrant legacy with impec- old-time music. Rodney Hodges (man- cable musicianship and singing. “Doc was dolin) and Bill Imus (bass) joined with a huge influence on all of us. We are follow- Michael and Nick in mid-2015. With one ing his lead in performing a wide range of all-original album under their belt, they songs and tunes that reach out and grab are excited to share with their fans new people. We are not trying to recreate the Come see us songs and new sounds with a new album past. We are playing music for today,” says in early 2017. at the Brushy Holt, who accompanied Doc for 14 years. Mountain Smokehouse! BRYAN SUTTON SWIFT CREEK Thursday, Friday, Saturday Saturday Bryan Sutton is one of the most accom- The band’s original songs feature plished guitarists of his generation. Born strong traditional and progressive blue- in Asheville, Sutton grew up in a musical grass influences, a touch of country, 201 Wilkesboro Boulevard family and was immersed in the heri- and a healthy dose of folk. The lineup North Wilkesboro tage of western North Carolina music. He seemed to come out of nowhere Continued on Page 26 336-667-9464 26 • MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April, 2017 men of Nashville’s music scene. years. He was raised in Chapel Lineup Rachel, a former Illinois state Hill and is beloved in North Caro- continued from Page 25 fiddle champion in the old-time lina for “Carolina on My Mind.” tradition, needed an outlet for Taylor sold more than 100 million is Kevin Brown, whose strong the new sort of songs she was albums, earning gold, platinum, tenor leads, rhythm guitar and writing; Christian, originally a and multi-platinum awards for songwriting frame the band’s classically trained violinist and classics ranging from “Sweet sound; Casey Elder, expertly now a touring member of the Baby James” in 1970 to “Octo- playing the mandolin and dobro; Jerry Douglas Band, was look- ber Road” in 2002. Taylor’s 2015 Galax award-winning fiddler ing to get in touch with the spirit release, “Before This World,” JAMES TAYLOR KEN TIZZARD THE TRAILBLAZERS Stephen Fraleigh, also playing of the rock bands he played in was his first new studio album bassist in top Canadian rock and-coming band comprised of the banjo and assisting with before he came to Nashville. in 13 years. It earned him his first bands, The Watchmen and Daniel Thrailkill of Mount Ulla, vocals; bassist Dennis Hoyle With love of the 5 ¬string fiddle ever No. 1 album on the Billboard Thornley. (Tizzard is featured (guitar and lead vocals), Alex setting the beat; and vocalist and its musical possibilities as Charts and a Grammy nomina- on six gold and platinum records Edwards of Salisbury, (banjo Ann Searcy, adding bluesy leads a focal point, the band’s mis- tion. He won multiple Grammy by Thornley.) He has received and harmony vocals), Ivy Phil- and spot-on harmony singing. sion statement was as clear as Awards. In 2012, Taylor received Juno nominations and MuchMu- lips of Champmansboro, Tenn. Swift Creek’s debut CD, “Winner it was expansive: two fiddles, the Chevalier of the Order of Arts sic Awards. And he has licensed (fiddle and harmony vocals), Winner Chicken Dinner,” was two voices, epic music. and Letters from the French gov- songs to such TV shows as “CSI” Jonah Horton of Wilkesboro, released in 2012. “Magnolia,” the ernment and the National Medal and “Fashion Television.” He is (mandolin) and Will Thrailkill band’s sophomore album came JAMES TAYLOR of Arts by President Barack considered an eloquent roots- of Mount Ulla (upright bass and out in 2016. Friday Obama in a White House cere- based singer/songwriter and gui- harmony vocals). The Trailblaz- James Taylor is appearing at mony. In November 2015, Taylor tarist with a prolific solo career. ers play a variety of musical 10 STRING SYMPHONY MerleFest as part of the “Transat- was presented with the Presi- Ken has toured internationally, genres, including bluegrass, gos- Saturday lantic Sessions” a televised series dential Medal of Freedom, the appeared on “The Tonight Show pel, progressive bluegrass, jazz Nashville duo 10 String Sym- that brings together innovative nation’s highest civilian honor. with Jay Leno,” and played such and folk. They opened for a per- phony began as a partnership Irish and Scottish artists with In December of 2016, he received major venues as the Air Canada formance of Ricky Skaggs and of mutual admiration – a much the best American roots artists. the Kennedy Center Honors. Centre. and also for needed creative release valve As a recording and touring art- . They performed for Rachel Baiman and Chris- ist, Taylor has touched people KEN TIZZARD THE TRAILBLAZERS at the Carolina in the Fall Fes- tian Sedelmyer, two 5¬ string with his warm baritone voice and Thursday, Friday Saturday Saturday tival in Wilkesboro. fiddle players and veteran side- guitar-playing for more than 40 Tizzard was the charismatic The Trailblazers are an up- Continued on Page 27 Proud Supporter

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BRICK OVEN 810 Main Street, North Wilkesboro Would like to welcome all Merlefesters! Backwoods Beat Music Festival Come try authentic Italian cuisine with a menu ranging from Songwriting Contest paninis and Brick Oven pizzas to hand-cut filets and lobster tail; from delicious fresh salads to family recipe cheesecake and Italian gelato. Or perhaps a glass of wine on our beautiful patio. $600 in cash prizes Maybe a craft beer or a full spirit from the bar, don’t worry about missing any of the great music, Branciforte will be playing the to be awarded live broadcast from MerleFest. Winning song will be performed So, if you’re looking to escape the rain or heat and want something good to eat ... at the festival on June 24 Come see us at 810 Main Street, North Wilkesboro Deadline for entry is May 13 Let us treat you to For contest rules and to download an application, Italian style Mountain hospitality! go to www.backwoodsbeat.com/contest BranciforteBrickOven.com www.backwoodsbeat.com • facebook.com/BackwoodsBeat MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April, 2017 • 29 Watson’s influence strong Doc Watson died on May 29, 2012, at 89, but his to support his growing family. influence on MerleFest remains strong. Eddy Merle was born in 1949, and his sister, The festival helps ensure that the legacies of Nancy Ellen in 1951. In 1953, Doc got a job playing Doc Watson and his wife, the late RosaLee Watson; electric guitar in a local country band and traded their son, the late Merle Watson, and their grand- his Martin for a . The group often son, the late Richard Watson, remain a vibrant and lacked a fiddler and Watson taught himself fiddle positive force. tunes on the electric instrument, in addition to Watson’s high standards for the festival. - in the the popular finger-style music of Merle Travis and quality of its music and its family atmosphere - are Chet Atkins. still followed. Smithsonian Institute folklorist Arthel Lane “Doc” Watson was born in Watauga “discovered” Watson in 1960 at the Union Grove County’s Deep Gap. His father, General Dixon Wat- fiddler’s convention. son, was a farmer and laborer who led singing at Merle joined Doc in 1964 as rhythm guitarist DOC AND ROSALEE WATSON church. His mother, Annie, sang old ballads while and eased most of the burdens of the road from his doing household chores and at night sang the chil- father’s shoulders. Doc and Merle made about 20 dren to sleep. albums together and won two Grammys. Left blind by an eye infection as an infant, Doc Merle was killed in a tractor accident in 1985. had a few years of formal schooling at the Raleigh Although broken-hearted by the loss, Doc said School for the Blind. He was 5 or 6 when he received Merle told him in a dream to press on with the his first harmonica and 11 when his father made him music. He did this and helped start MerleFest in a fretless banjo. After Doc taught himself the Carter Merle’s memory. Family’s “When the Roses Bloom in Dixieland,” Doc is revered for his flatpicking and finger- Doc’s father bought him a $12 Stella guitar, and soon picking styles and his voice. He received seven he was learning the rhythm chords. He learned to Grammys, including the Lifetime Achievement flat pick and then Jimmie Rodgers’ picking style. Award, and was inducted into the International PHOTO BY LONNIE WEBSTER After his marriage in 1947 to RosaLee Carlton, a Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame. WWW.LONNIEWEBSTER.cOm neighbor and daughter of fiddler Gaither Carlton, RosaLee Watson died six months after Doc died. MERLE WATSON RICHARD WATSON when he was 24 and she was 16, Watson tuned She was 81. Richard Watson died in 2015.

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PERFORMERS AT FIRST FES- 3 decades of TIVAL included, left to right, Mark O’Connor, MerleFest: Sam Bush, John Cowan Tony Rice, Bela Fleck and Jerry year-by-year Douglas.

It all began with a desire to raise money and Allison Krauss and Union Station. Pete the Blue Ridge Mountains” at MerleFest.. Revival, featured at the first festival, had for the Wilkes Community College gardens. Seeger came, making good on a promise in •2000: played many of an unplanned reunion for one song. “B” Townes, then WCC horticulture return for Doc performing at his festival. his hits Thursday night, with temps below •2008: The first Hillside Album Hour was instructor; Ala Sue Wyke, WCC Gardens •1992: WCC staff worked with N.C. freezing. officially held as the Waybacks and Cowan performed board member; and Bill Young, retired from Public TV to tape the festival. The series joined the lineup after visiting earlier. all songs on “ II.” Other artists Northwestern Bank, met with Doc Watson “Pickin’ for Merle” was shown on public TV •2001: MerleFest’s one-day record par- included the Avett Brothers, Old Crow Medi- in October 1987 to ask Watson about doing nationwide. Moravian Creek flooded the ticipation of 16,000 was set on Saturday cine Show, Levon Helm, Ricky Skaggs and a one night benefit concert for the gardens festival grounds a few days before the event. when performed that night. . Scythian debuted. at WCC’s Walker Center in November. Wat- •1993: Local Boy Scouts began running Also featured was the Band, •2009: The second Hillside Album Hour son was willing, but more time was needed shuttle buses. won the first which performed “Man of Constant Sorrow” was hosted by The Waybacks and featured so plans were made for holding a two-day Chris Austin Songwriting Contest. Beau- for the film “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” A the Rolling Stones’ “,” with music festival at WCC the next April. soleil, Mary Chapin Carpenter were among large Watson Stage video screden was new. Emmylou Harris. Linda Ronstadt closed •1988: The first festival was a fundraiser the artists. •2002: There was record attendance just the festival with traditional mariachi songs. for WCC’s new Eddy Merle Watson Memorial •1994: The main festival entrance was as improvements to reduce crowding were This was the first year more tickets were Garden for the Senses on April 30 and May moved out to its present location, adding unveiled. Artists included Patty Loveless, given away than sold, leading to an evalu- 1, held in memory of Doc and Rosalee’s son space for growth. The Dance Stage was Alison Brown Quartet, Sam Bush, Leahy, T. ation of the festival amid the recession. and Doc’s picking partner. Merle had died in separated from the Traditional Stage and Michael Coleman, Alison Krauss & Union •2010: Broad support, good weather and a tractor accident. Doc, Earl Scruggs, Wil- the Hillside Stage debuted. Ralph Stanley Station, the Waybacks and Gillian Welch. a stellar lineup helped turned things around. kes County native Jim Shumate, Tony Rice, and the Clinch Mountain Boys were accom- •2003: Improvements increasing general Artists included Elvis Costello, Dierks Bent- Chet Atkins, Grandpa Jones, Marty Stuart, panied by Doc, Larry Sparks, Ricky Skaggs admission space were unveiled. Special ley, , Taj Mahal, Mike Cross, New Grass Revival, David Holt; and EmmyLou Harris. performances included ’ & the Rage and the McCourys. The Zac Jack Lawrence, the Smith Sisters, John •1995: The festival’s new name, “Mer- birthday jam and a tribute to women in blue- Brown Band debuted. Steve Martin & the Hartford, Mark O’Connor, Jerry Douglas, leFest,” was welcomed by great weather grass. Artists included Leahy, Asleep at the Steep Canyon Rangers closed the festival. George Hamilton IV and others performed and a stellar lineup. A huge crowd filled the Wheel, Emmylou Harris, Rhonda Vincent •2011: The “traditional plus” celebra- on two side-by-side flatbed trailers. Hillside Stage area to hear Leftover Salmon. and the Rage and . tion continued by featuring diverse stars, •1989: The second Merle Watson Memo- •1996: made his MerleFest •2004: The festival check-in was moved including Zac Brown Band, Lyle Lovett, rial Festival was heavy on bluegrass, debut. The acoustic blues show, emceed by to two new parking lots. The lineup included and the Band of Joy, Randy including Bill Monroe, Ralph Stanley, Roy Book Binder, debuted on the Austin an Earl Scruggs birthday set. Doc Wat- Travis, and Scythian. Mac Wiseman and their bands. It featured Stage. Alison Krauss and Union Station son and Vince Gill joined Scruggs. When •2012: The 25th edition was welcomed EmmyLou Harris with a band that included was a headliner. performed, Doc Watson fans from every state and 15 other countries. young Vince Gill. WCC debuted the Doc & •1997: Despite freezing temps Friday joined her on two Johnny Cash classics. This was the last festival with Doc Watson. Merle Watson Theatre and an adjacent stage night and rain Sunday, paid attendance of The Avett Brothers debuted. His last performance was at the “Spirit of in front of a cabin moved to WCC. 26,853 was up 18.5 percent over 22,650 in •2005: Bluegrass roots were celebrated Sunday” set. Doc died May 29, 2012. •1990 : The festival included more folk 1996. The Americana Stage debuted. The with a reunion of Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass •2013: Doc Watson was celebrated, espe- and blues musicians, reflecting the diversity lineup featured the Laura Love Band, the Boys, including Earl Scruggs, Bobby Hicks, cially in a “Tribute to Doc Jam” hosted by that remains true to this day by embodying Rankin Family and Natalie MacMaster and Jim Shumate, Richard Greene, Tony Ellis, Sam Bush with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s Doc Watson’s “traditional plus” mantra. Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys. Del McCoury, , Blake Williams John McEuen and and others. The 1990 festival branched out with artists •1998: The Watson Theatre was raised and Peter Rowan. Also there were Loretta The Hillside Album Hour featured “Before such as Gamble Rogers, Happy Traum, Roy six feet to improve visibility and wings were Lynn, and . the Flood” by and The Band. Leon Book Binder, Etta Baker and Robin and added, plus an assigned seating section was •2006: Founding mem- Russell and performed. Linda Williams. Big tents, more workshops, established. The new Alumni Hall brought ber drew a crowd as he and the •2014: The largest number of artists craft demos and nature walks were added. the Plaza Stage and the Lounge. The first Waybacks performed Dead classics on the yet were featured, including , •1991: The first four-day event and Sandy Feat sand sculpture debuted. Rain Hillside Stage, giving birth to the Hillside , Old Crow Medicine Show the first year for the Midnight Jam, Little caused flooding again before the festival. Album Hour. Pete and Mike Seeger, Sarah and Dr. Ralph Stanley. Pickers Stage, Creekside workshops, Pete •1999: Hootie and the Blowfish was a Lee Guthrie and others performed in a •2015: Béla Fleck and Wernick’s banjo camp and the outreach hit despite wind, rain and mud. Joining tribute. helped open the festival Thursday while program, bringing festival artists to the the band were Sam Bush, Chris Thile and •2007: Changes increased green space Dwight Yoakam closed it out. Scythian’s Wilkes schools. Ten local nonprofits set Doc Watson with grandson, Richard. Skies and created space for The Shoppes at Mer- drive and passion were featured. up to sell food, starting the festival’s tradi- cleared Saturday and Charles Frazier read leFest. Elvis Costello and the Nitty Gritty •2016: Last year’s artists included John tion as a major fundraiser for non-profits. from his novel, “Cold Mountain,” on the Dirt Band performed on Friday, followed Prine, Old Crow Medicine Show, Jason The lineup included Ronnie Milsap, Kathy Traditional Stage. Frazier said the book was by Sam Bush, Tony Rice, Alison Krauss Isbell, John Oates, and Dave Mattea, Marty Stuart, EmmyLou Harris inspired when he heard “My Home Is Across and Jerry Douglas on Saturday. New Grass Rawlings Machine. MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April, 2017 • 31 Transatlantic Session Tour, with James Taylor, will be at MerleFest

Folk-rock star James Taylor will per- Each Transatlantic Sessions perfor- form on Friday night at MerleFest this mance also has a core group of musicians year as part of the “Transatlantic Ses- who form the “house orchestra.” At Mer- sions Tour,” a series of filmed musical leFest, this includes American bluegrass productions featuring Irish, Scottish and musician , Scottish fid- American roots artists. dler Phil Cunningham, Irish guitarist The tour is under the musical direc- John Doyle, Scottish artists Donald Shaw tion of Dobro virtuoso Jerry Douglas and James MacIntosh of Capercaillie, and Scottish fiddler Aly Bain. The live Scottish fiddler John McCusker, British concerts are primarily recorded in Scot- flute/whistle master Michael McGoldrick land and are broadcast on public TV in and British bassist . the U.K. and U.S. The Transatlantic Sessions set at Mer- Bistro Dining Drive Th ru “Transatlantic Sessions” is a televised leFest is from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday on the 809 Main Street 1921-A Highway 421 series that brings together innovative Watson Stage. Each guest will perform North Wilkesboro Wilkesboro Irish and Scottish artists with the best a small set of their own music, and then 336-838-0111 336-838-1011 American roots artists. all guests and the hosts will join on stage In addition to Taylor, the session at for a grand finalé. MerleFest will feature contemporary “We are very excited to host the Trans- folk/Americana singer-songwriter Sarah atlantic Sessions Tour at MerleFest for Lattes, espresso, cappuccinos, fresh smoothies, cold blended coff ee drinks, more. Jarosz; Irish folk singer and actress our 30th celebration.... We are especially Talia Espresso Main Street location—Homemade quiche, fresh salads, Maura O’Connell; Irish folk-rock singer- grateful to Jerry Douglas, a 30-year Mer- pastries, chicken salad croissants, soups, paninis and more. songwriter Declan O’Rourke; Scottish leFest veteran, and his manager, D.J. folk singer ; multi-instru- McLachlan, for making this possible,” [email protected] • www.taliaespresso.com mentalist, singer-songwriter and N.C. said Steve Johnson, MerleFest artist rela- Find us on transplant Joe Newberry. tions manager.

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