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Home , 45 Years of Memories, Alison Brown, Band of Joy, Bela Fleck, Buddy Miller, Chris Thile

MerleFest 2012 p. 20

Watson, and suggested asking Doc to play a “one-, one- night, one-man show” to raise funds for the garden for the blind. In October 1987 Ala Sue, Bill and “B” met with Doc who generously agreed to do the concert in the John A. Walker Community Center (now referred to as the Walker Center) and had a November date available for the event. “B” admits freely to his naivety when he told Doc, “Great!” At this meeting Doc asked that the garden for the blind be Mark O’Connor, , , , & perform in 1988. named in honor of his late son Merle, and so it became the David Holt playing rhythm on impact of more than $10 create a variety of landscapes Eddy Garden a paper bag; tap million to the region? for them to study. He devel- for the Senses. dancing on his amplified step-a- oped “The Garden Master tune; explaining his MerleFest is the result of a Plan,” which included a Back at the college, Bud picking technique; Tony Rice and serendipitous combination of walking trail and a wildflower Mayes, manager of the Walker jamming with Sam individuals with vision, talent walk, a Japanese garden, an Center, and President David Bush, Béla Fleck, John Cowan and perseverance. First among evergreen garden and a garden Daniel informed “B” that and Jerry Douglas; all the artists them is Frederick William for the blind, which would a concert in November was singing “Tribute to Merle” with Townes IV, nicknamed “B.” emphasize aromatic plants and totally unrealistic. Other con- Doc on —Music, In the ‘70s and ‘80s, “B” was feature Braille identification certs at the venue were planned Moments and Memories of a signs. The college budget was a year ahead and did not fill the first Eddy Merle Watson (WCC) horticulture instruc- tight, so “B” took full advan- the 1,100 seats. Bill and “B” Memorial Festival. tor with a grand vision to tage of a chance to present his had to meet with Doc again develop the grounds of the fundraising plan at a WCC to tell him that the November two-year public institution. trustees’ meeting. “B”’s talk concert could not happen. A 1988 The campus was a blank slate resulted in enthusiasm, pub- few days later Doc called to of acres of lawn and a few licity, several donations and the say that his daughter, Nancy, It began in 1988 as a one-time trees, so “B” wanted to develop creation of the WCC Gardens and his wife, RosaLee, came Wilkes Community College theme gardens to enhance the Board. A member of the board, up with the idea of Doc and Endowment Corporation education of his students with Ala Sue Wyke, knew Bill some of his and Merle’s musi- event to raise funds for a hands-on planting that would Young, a close friend of Doc cian friends playing a festi- campus garden for a rural val at the end of April 1988. community While touring, Doc would college. A fine group of musi- call Bill Young and tell him cians donated their talents to about various artists, includ- memorialize a fallen friend and ing Chet Atkins, , support his musician father. , By 2011 the festival attracted and Sam Bush, who had com- nearly 80,000 participants over mitted to playing in memory four days to hear 90 musical of Merle for free. Bill wrote acts on 14 stages. How did these names down on a napkin MerleFest begin and how did it and handed them to “B.” “B,” evolve into the greatest annual a novice at festival planning, celebration of “traditional plus” was starting to feel a little music in the world and a fun- overwhelmed. Bill suggested draiser that has an economic another meeting with Doc and Festival goers listen to music at the first festival. RosaLee to work out details. MerleFest 2012 p. 21

At this meeting, since so many to get this monument in place. phone numbers for a few artists business. Sure enough, when artists wanted to play, it was From that point forward, Jim and, luckily, agent Keith Case. “B” called, Cliff said he would decided to make the one-night has been involved in promot- “B” called Keith and left mes- do anything for Doc. When concert into a two-day festival ing the festival. He has also sages but received no reply. Cliff visited the campus, “B” and to name it the Eddy Merle become a valued and trusted “B” was persistent and even- told him that the house was Watson Memorial Festival. personal friend to Doc. tually caught up with Keith sold out. Cliff suggested that With Bud Mayes’ blessing, said, “I heard Doc was they have the festival outside event was put on the calendar RosaLee suggested having a going to have a little festival to accommodate more folks to for Saturday and Sunday, April workshop as well where artists for Merle. I book a lot of these which “B” replied, “What do 30 and May 1, with all pro- could talk about their instru- people, and I’m not sure they you mean, have it outside??!!” ceeds going to the Eddy Merle ments and share ideas about have that date open.” – “B”’s Watson Garden for the Senses. their musical styles. This added nightmare! But the nightmare Cliff said, “Well, let’s look a second venue to the festival; quickly faded as Keith became around the campus.” They As Doc promoted this event the workshop would be held a valued colleague in the artist came to the area in front of during his concert tour, one in the Pit, now known as the booking process. In the mean- what is now the Watson Stage, gentleman heard about it and Mayes Pit-Cohn Auditorium. time, Doc was talking up the and Cliff said, “You could have wanted to become personally At this point “B” admitted that festival at his concerts, so the it in that field, have it inside involved in helping to make he was not musically inclined Walker Center box office was and outside.” it happen. Jim Rouse gave his and asked Doc, “What is a getting many calls from all name to Doc on a slip of paper, festival?” and “What kind of over the country for tickets, When “B” proposed the which Doc put in his pocket. music do you play?” Needless and the house sold out. inside/outside idea to Bud and As RosaLee was doing laundry to say, “B” was on a steep President Daniel, he recalls one day, she came upon this learning curve. Now that they had artists, “B” them saying, “Are you crazy? slip of paper and called “B” to asked Bud Mayes about the You have sold out the Walker recommend that he give Jim a One night “B” woke up in a sound system. Bud told him Center. You need to cut and call to see how he could help. bit of a panic as he realized he that the Walker Center did not run.” “B” persisted and with When “B” called Jim, Jim could not be sure who would have a sound system, and it was the backing of Bill and Doc, asked, “What is it that I can actually show up to perform. too late to rent one. Back to he went back to Bud and do to help you?” “B” explained He had yet to talk to any Doc, who said his friend Cliff President Daniel, who even- that he really needed a monu- artists or plan who would Miller, who used to play with tually conceded that it was his ment to place at the Garden for play when. So, he and Bill him and Merle, would take show and okayed the outside the Senses recognizing that it went back up the mountain to care of the sound. Cliff had venue idea. was established in memory of see Doc to work out some of played with Doc and Merle Merle. Jim gladly made plans these “details.” Doc gave them and was in the sound system So at this point, the event had evolved from a one-man, one- night show to a three-venue, multiple-artist, two-day fes- tival, which led to another problem—how to schedule all of the artists who were going to show up for the festival. Almost none of them were in band configurations. Doc had said that his old friend would help with the schedule. Ralph was a success- ful folk musician and music producer who had “discov- ered” Doc by getting him to the in the ‘60s. At this time he was the curator of the Smithsonian Folkways Museum and hap- pened to be working in France, The 1988 audience awaits anxiously in front of the stage. Continued On Page 22 MerleFest 2012 p. 22

Continued From Page 21

which is why he did not imme- diately return “B”’s calls. Finally, the weekend before the festival “B” got a call at home from Ralph, who said, “I know Doc wants me to speak or do something at a memorial for Merle. Do you know anything about it?” John Hartford tips his hat Bill Mathis & sing “A Song for Merle” “B” responded, “Doc told me that you would schedule the “B” said, “Somewhere out in the Walker Center introduc- set outside. “B” explained the musicians and tell them when the field.” tions. The concert was going schedule to their road manager and with whom they will play.” extremely well until Sunday who said they needed an hour Jim said, “You need a stage!” afternoon when New Grass just to set up and would only Ralph said, “Okay. I am Revival with Sam Bush, John appear on the outdoor set. flying into Greensboro on As a result, Ralph Williams, Cowan, and Béla “B” went backstage at the Wednesday. Can someone pick a supporter of the college, Fleck rolled in just an hour Walker Center to tell George me up?” helped “B” arrange to have before they were scheduled to Hamilton IV the news, and two flatbed trailers delivered go on stage. They were sup- he responded, “Well, “B,” you Of course, “B” picked him up, and placed side by side in front posed to be the last group are just going to have to go and Ralph worked with college of the cabin. The 200-year-old to perform in the Walker out there and tell those folks staff to develop a schedule for log cabin was donated to the Center and then play the last that if they want to see New who would play with whom, college by Joe and Lillie Brewer when, where and for how long. and placed in the field as part of the Garden Master Plan. Jim Another big help showed and several volunteers spent up the last week as well. Jim an all-nighter with hammers Matthews was a carpenter from in hand turning the flatbeds Elkin, N.C., who had worked into a serviceable stage. The on festivals in . He audience sat on hay bales and walked into “B”’s office two their own folding chairs. The days before the festival and informal ambience was exem- declared, “You need my help!” plified by a dog chewing on a So “B” showed him the venues. bone in the front row. David When they got to the field, Jim Holt emceed and played on asked, “Where are they going the outside stage while George to play?” Hamilton IV took care of

Grandpa Jones performing in 1988 Bill Young, Doc Watson & George Hamilton IV MerleFest 2012 p. 23

to pick around with once again. touching tribute. Wayne and Doc led the singing in 1988 Yes, Merle’s gone to heaven to the familiar tune of “Will to pick flat-top for his Lord. the Circle Be Unbroken” and He’ll play for Him guests are invited to join each “Treasure’s Untold.” year in singing the following He’ll be missed by bluegrass fans, for Merle: just like you and me, His daddy, but most of all A Song his momma, RosaLee. for Merle Mark O’Conner the Smith Sisters perform Repeat chorus He learned to pick the Grass Revival, they will need One of the great traditions while his dad was on the road. to get out of their comfort- of MerleFest, “Tribute to Doc Watson was a model for his able, reserved seats and walk Merle,” began as the finale son. Also, at the end of the first fes- on down the hill to the outside of the first festival when all When Doc sat center stage and tival during the dedication of stage.” With much trepida- the artists gathered on stage sang, the garden, Bill Young spoke tion “B” did just that and was to sing “A Song for Merle.” his son Merle picked out lead. these words: “This evening we relieved when everyone fol- Shortly after Merle’s death, are here to celebrate the life of But now we don’t have Merle to lowed him down to the other Wayne Hayes, a great friend pick a young man who enriched the venue to enjoy what turned out of the Watsons, dealt with the lives of all of us who have been around with anymore. to be a legendary performance. pain he felt by composing the present the last two days— From the Blue Ridge Mountains Eddy Merle Watson. We of Carolina remember him with love . . .” to California by the sea, Doc and Merle made bluegrass The 1988 festival was a great success that raised money to a way of life. add planters, walkways and They never forgot their roots, nor other improvements to the from Eddy Merle Watson Garden where their music came. for the Senses. It was planned Now Merle’s up in heaven, we’ll as a one-time event, but again be singing once again. “B”’s perseverance resulted in the festival we know today. Mule Ferguson, a local busi- Chorus nessman and amateur musi- Will the be unbroken, cian, owned a video record- , Lord, bye and bye. ing business, and he filmed When God’s heavenly choir sings, the outside concert and the workshop in the Pit. WFMX He’ll have Merle pickin’ the lead radio recorded the audio. In the sky, Lord, in the sky. Mule encouraged “B” to sync the audio and video and try to Yes, Merle will be missed by his sell VHS tapes of the concert loved to raise more funds for the ones left on earth. garden. “B” and Mule spent His Gallagher guitar once evenings syncing the audio and video and then presented the touched us all. idea of marketing the record- His daddy is his daddy, but most ing to Bill Young. Bill thought of all his friend, it was a good idea, but all the And someday we’ll have Merle Jerry Douglas signing the guitar made by Ralph Williams Continued On Page 24 MerleFest 2012 p. 24

Building the Doc Watson Theatre, a.k.a. Watson Stage, in 1989

Continued From Page 23 playing on the cabin porch. artists would have to give their Ultimately, 5,000 tapes were permission. This was a daunt- sold worldwide, which created ing task that “B” worked hard great publicity for the 1989 on by making repeated calls to festival. artists and agents.

In the meantime, there was a 1989 groundswell of enthusiasm for a second festival as evidenced In preparation for the second by many calls to the Walker festival, “B” researched blue- Center. Once again, Bill and grass music and continued his “B” met with Doc and asked work developing the college him about another festival. grounds. One big improve- Doc agreed that it was a good ment was building the Doc The first box office idea, but this time he felt that and Merle Watson Theatre. the artists would need to be Ralph Williams knew of donated. Dwight used volun- playing backup for her. Doc compensated in some way. Also a church that had bought teer and construction student said it was a great festival, but at this meeting, they decided to trusses that were too small for labor to build the covered he wanted a greater variety of have a small concert in the fall its new building. “B” asked venue, so the 1989 festival traditional music and more of 1988 to unveil the record- Dwight Hartzog, the WCC was held on the skeleton of opportunity for musicians to ing of the 1988 festival. This construction instructor, if he the original Watson Stage with jam in unique combinations. concert was called “Autumn could build a stage and use the the Cabin Stage serving as a Pickin’ in the Gardens” and trusses to cover it. Dwight was “tweener” to cover set changes Motivated by Doc, “B” began featured Doc and a few friends amenable, and the trusses were on its larger neighbor. researching and contacted Robin and Linda The 1989 lineup included Williams who knew the scene fewer individual artists and well. They suggested he call more bluegrass bands, such to see if he would as , Jim and Jesse play. When “B” called, Pete’s and The Boys, Mac wife, Toshi, answered and Wiseman and the Wildwood said that they had always Express, and wanted Doc to play at Pete’s The Clinch Mountain Boys, in upstate and and the New York. Pete agreed to play Bluegrass Boys. Another his- at MerleFest if Doc would torical moment at the ’89 fes- come up to his event. When tival was “B” asked Doc about it, he said performing on the Watson he would be glad to play if “B” Dedication of Doc & Merle Watson Theatre Stage with a young would take him up there. “B” MerleFest 2012 p. 25

Little Pickers Family Area

campers got to play a number honed their skills at Camp or two on the Cabin Stage for Harrison. Vince Gill sings back up for EmmyLou Harris in 1989 the Thursday crowd. By 1999 Pete had begun teaching blue- readily agreed and so began his for MerleFest’s spectacular grass jamming on all instru- 1991 intense exposure to the world success. Other innovations in ments, not just . The of “traditional plus” music. 1990 included big audience camp became the world’s The 1991 festival was the tents, many music workshops, first bluegrass jam camp. In first four-day event and was mountain heritage craft dem- 2006, with the camp pushing the beginning of many other 1990 onstrations, nature walks and the Walker Center’s limits, important additions and hay rides. “B” suggested moving the jam innovations that have become The 1990 festival did branch camp to the beautiful new hallmarks of MerleFest, includ- out from pure bluegrass to At the 1990 festival “B” asked YMCA property called Camp ing the Little Pickers Stage, include more folk music and if he would Harrison at Herring Ridge in Caboose Concerts, Creekside with musicians such host one of his banjo camps Boomer, N.C. The folks there workshops and performances as Gamble Rogers, Happy the next year. So the first offered a large meeting hall in the Pit. When not in use, Traum, , MerleFest camp was in 1991 and a great layout of cabins workshop stages were available Etta Baker, and Robin and in the backstage room of the where campers could stay, eat for any artist or the public to Linda Williams. This trend original Watson Stage. The together, and jam at all hours, use. This idea has grown into toward a wide variety of “tra- camp soon outgrew the small even by a campfire by the lake the Pickin’ Place, which is ditional plus” music has con- backstage room and relocated at night. In 2011, 60 musicians made up of the Traditional tinued and is a major reason to the Walker Center. Early on, Continued On Page 26

Midnight Jam with Pete Wernick, Peter Rowan, Parking lot jam and Tony Rice MerleFest 2012 p. 26

Laurie Lewis

Continued From Page 25 with a few performances at Jammin’ Tent, Bluegrass Wilkes County elementary Jammin’ Tent, Anything Goes schools and grew to as many Jammin’ Tent, and Hands-On as 30 performances over a Tent. Starting on the Monday two-day period. Logistics for evening before MerleFest, the program in the early years everyone is encouraged to play, took many hours of prepara- Food vendors listen and dance. tion securing sound systems, sound technicians and a , Fleck and the Flecktones at a It was in 1991 that the transportation guide or a van and Dave Rawlings, and junior high school that ended MerleFest Outreach Program pickup at local hotels to trans- . The years have with the principal and stu- began. At an International port the bands to the schools. included many memorable dents crowding the gym floor Association The program has been stream- performances, riveting tales to dance. Another memorable (IBMA) conference in lined over the years. of lost artists trying to find a performance featured Doc and Owensboro, Ky., “B” learned school on the outskirts of the Richard Watson and Charles about the IBMA Outreach Artists that have performed rural county, and students Welch performing at a nursing Program with area schools. include MerleFest favorites overwhelmed to hear songs home to a room packed with “I was impressed with that Béla Fleck and the Flecktones, performed in Spanish at their residents, doctors, nurses and program, and it fit the mission , The school. staff overwhelmed by such of the college, so we applied Waybacks, the John Cowan talented musicians. Ricky the idea to MerleFest.” , Donna the Buffalo, Some special highlights Skaggs wrote a letter after an Outreach Program began , included a performance by Béla outreach performance recall-

Crowd gathered at the Watson Stage MerleFest 2012 p. 27

Doc Watson with ing it as the best experience have the opportunity to You get the chance to play In 1991, ten nonprofit groups he ever had. Mark Richards, experience. with people you don’t usually from the immediate area sold current production technician perform with.” food. The college could have for the Walker Center and The first Midnight Jam was managed all the moneymaking MerleFest, began his career held in the Walker Center in Still today, Midnight Jam aspects of the festival, but, in at the age of 16 at a small ele- 1991. The idea of a Midnight exemplifies the fact that keeping with the mission of the mentary school when he ran Jam was conceived during a jamming became a defining college, it was decided to help the sound system for an out- midnight conversation between feature of MerleFest from the community by encouraging reach performance by Gillian “B” and Tony Rice at an IBMA the beginning as the mix of the participation of local non- Welch and Dave Rawlings. conference. They were trying artists collaborate in unique profit groups. MerleFest has A few years after that perfor- to come up with something ways. In 2011, become the major fundraiser mance, Gillian approached new that could be added to brought unprecedented life for several of these groups. The Mark at MerleFest and offered enhance MerleFest. Tony sug- to the Walker Center stage first for-profit vendors selling him a job touring with her, gested a jam at midnight – The during the Midnight Jam. musical instruments, CDs which he was delighted to Midnight Jam. Tony agreed He incorporated artists from and accessories came that accept. Shortly after that, to co-host the set with Peter every genre, including jugglers, year. Since then other vendors Mark was introduced to Cliff Rowan, and the Midnight Jam cloggers and Grammy-winning are approved and set up to sell Miller of SE Systems and was born. Grammy Award- jammers, into the action. Fans many other items, including was hired to run the sound winning musician Laurie never knew what was going to crafts, clothing and jewelry, for the Walker Center per- Lewis says it well: “You never happen next on stage. in what is now known as The formances during MerleFest. know what’s going to happen. Shoppes at MerleFest. MerleFest 25 welcomes Mark as a full-time employee of The 1991 lineup included Wilkes Community College Ronnie Milsap, Kathy Mattea, and MerleFest, and he recalls , EmmyLou fondly what brought him here. Harris, & Quicksilver, Jerry Douglas, Since its inception, the , Béla Fleck, Outreach Program has been Tony Rice Unit, Sam Bush, offered to area schools at no Peter Rowan, and the Red cost. The program has intro- Clay Ramblers. Some notable duced tens of thousands of artists played for the first time children to the rich musical in 1991. Pete Seeger made heritage of this region. It good on his promise to play, has enriched their lives and and Alison Krauss got a boost exposed them to genres of early in her career by playing music that many would never with her band, Union Station. Alison Krauss & Union Station with Doc Watson Continued On Page 28 MerleFest 2012 p. 28

Continued From Page 27

After the 1991 festival “B” received a call from the University of North Carolina Television (UNC-TV). “B” agreed to let UNC-TV film the festival for eventual broadcast. They brought eight cameras and videotaped all four days of the 1992 festival, captur- ing high-quality recordings of concert performances, artist interviews, workshops and fun activities. Much of this footage was shown on public televi- sion stations nationwide over a three-year period in a series entitled “Pickin’ for Merle… Doc Watson and Friends.” In addition, UNC-TV worked 1992 flood almost ruins the grounds for the festival with WCC staff to create a spectacular two-hour videotape the MerleFest mascot—the Walker Center and the Austin of festival highlights, includ- big, friendly raccoon you see 1993 Stage, there were eight venues. ing a jam with Doc Watson ambling around the grounds. and Tim O’Brien singing Why a raccoon? Based on For the 1993 festival the Another significant addition in “Blue Moon of ” his suggestion, Merle’s band, shuttle bus system began, 1993 was designating Thursday backed by Jerry Douglas Frosty Morn, used a raccoon which made it more conve- night of the festival as Bill and on , Pete Wernick on as its logo. A naming contest nient to park and camp off Evelyn Young Night to honor banjo, and the incredible gave Flattop his name – a campus at the former airport the late Bill Young and his triple of , truly fitting one because of area. MerleFest partnered with widow Evelyn. “I really don’t Mark O’Connor and Rickie Merle and Doc’s mastery of the area Boy Scout troops, who know what I would have done Simpkins. In another great flattop guitar. The Doc Watson use their buses to provide the without Bill over the years,” jam, “Bluegrass Breakdown” is Guitar Championship began in shuttle service to free parking says Doc Watson. “The friend- played by Ricky Skaggs, Tony 1992 as well. at the Blue Lot. With the addi- ship he and Evelyn showed to Rice, Jerry Douglas, David tion of all-day concerts in the me and my family meant so Grisman, Del McCoury, Pete Wernick, Mark O’Connor and Rickie and Ronnie Simpkins. 1992

Rain plagued several festi- vals in the early years. Merely days before the 1992 festi- val, Moravian Creek flooded the festival grounds and the lower campus buildings. The Boomer Fire Department helped pump water away on the Monday and Tuesday before the festival.

Along with being filmed, the 1992 festival introduced Evelyn & Bill Young look on as Chet Atkins plays. Boy Scout shuttle bus MerleFest 2012 p. 29 much to us. A day does not go by that RosaLee and I don’t think of Bill and remember something we shared. We sure do miss him.” Bill Young was instrumental in laying the foundation for MerleFest by suggesting to Doc that he perform for a one-time fund- raising event for the college.

The debut of the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest (CASC) occurred in 1993. The contest was established in memory of Boone, N.C., native Chris 2011 CASC Finalists Austin, a talented songwriter and multi-instrument musician The 12 finalists participate in , Sarah Lee Guthrie, Other MerleFest regulars who was killed in a plane crash the on-site contest to choose Laurelyn Dossett. Hayes included, of course, Doc in 1991 along with six other a winner from each category. Carll, James Nash and Wyatt and Richard Watson along members of Reba McEntire’s The winners then have a Cabin Durrette. with T. Michael Coleman, band and her tour manager. Stage performance of their Joe Smothers, Bob Hill, Sam Proceeds from the contest song. The contest receives Many new family activities, Bush, Jerry Douglas, Tony were designated to establish approximately 800 entries such as face painting, crafts, Rice, Peter Rowan and Pete the Chris Austin Memorial each year. penny dig, juggling, sand art, Wernick. Merle’s band, Frosty Scholarship to benefit students storytelling and sing-alongs, Morn, is a regular feature at of Wilkes Community College Gillian Welch won the first were added to the Little Pickers MerleFest. and build the Austin Stage. To country category of the CASC, Family Area. More recently, date the scholarship has helped which gave her career a signifi- the Youth Showcase, hosted 74 students. cant boost. Other winners have by Andy May, on the Little 1994 included , Michael Pickers Stage has grown in The CASC consists of four Reno Harrell, Adrienne popularity. Musicians aged 16 In 1994, the main festival categories: bluegrass, coun- Young, Martha Scanlan, and younger of any talent level entrance was moved to its try, gospel/inspirational and David Via, Sam Quinn and are encouraged to display their present location in front of general. Entries are judged by a Johnny Williams. The contest pickin’ skills. the pond. This added much panel of professional songwrit- has always had a reputation needed space to the growing ers, publishers or other music of having top songwriters Beausoleil, Mary Chapin festival. The Dance Stage was industry professionals from to judge the on-site contest. Carpenter and bluesmen separated from the Traditional the Nashville music commu- On-site judges have included Cephas and Wiggins were Stage, and the Hillside Stage nity who volunteer their time. , Gillian Welch, among the 1993 first-timers. debuted, making a total of 10 venues. Doc’s three-hour All-Star Jam on Friday night ended with a lively set featur- ing bluesmen John Cephas and Phil Wiggins. Ralph Stanley and The Clinch Mountain Boys also played at the festival that year. During a special set on Sunday they were accom- panied at different times by Doc, Larry Sparks, Ricky Skaggs and EmmyLou Harris. Newcomers to the 1994 festi- val included Sweethearts of Little Pickers Family Area offers face painting and children’s activities. Continued On Page 30 MerleFest 2012 p. 30 1995

Four days of great weather and great music characterized MerleFest 1995. A huge crowd of fans, many dancing, filled the Hillside Stage area to hear newcomer . Other first-timers included Nickel Creek, Chesapeake, and Gillian Welch, who returned as an extremely successful artist after having won first place in the first CASC-country category. Donna the Buffalo The 1995 lineup included Ricky Skaggs Ricky Skaggs, The Tractors, Continued From Page 29 the road, band member Kay Alison Krauss & Union which provides a wealth of the Rodeo, Junior Brown, J.D. Crouch wrote a song called Station, Junior Brown and the MerleFest information and a Crowe and the New South, Iris “Boomer Breakdown.” Crouch legendary John Hartford. forum for audience feedback. Dement, Eustace Conway and wrote a letter to “B” that Since then, the website has MerleFest favorite Donna the included the song and asked Inspired by audience surveys, become increasingly sophisti- Buffalo. “B” for the dates for the next letters from participants, and cated and now allows fans to “MerleFest.” “B” was intrigued observation of other festi- buy tickets over the Internet. For the first five years the fes- by the term and brought the vals, MerleFest has imple- It also is used to promote tival was known as the Eddy idea of renaming the festival mented many changes that other MerleFest social media Merle Watson Memorial to . With have enhanced the festival venues: Facebook, Twitter and Festival. However, that was their blessing and enthusiasm, experience. The MerleFest an e-newsletter. MerleFest’s about to change. After playing “MerleFest” stuck and is now Gift Shop began selling all 22,000 Facebook friends have at the 1994 festival, the band recognized worldwide. things MerleFest in 1995 and lively discussions and share Strictly Clean and Decent expanded in 1996. Also that photos, and the MerleFest broke down in Boomer, N.C. year’s program promoted the electronic newsletter, which While waiting to get back on new and growing website, began in 2008, delivers fes-

Leftover Salmon Gillian Welch Darrell Scott MerleFest 2012 p. 31 tival information monthly to 18,000 fans. 1996

On Friday evening, April 26, 1996, the great music was exemplified by a solid two-hour performance of folk music by first-timer . Other new faces included Alvin Youngblood Hart, the , Darrell Scott and Dave Van Ronk. Of course, MerleFest welcomed back many of its longtime friends like John Cowan, Peter Rowan, Ricky Skaggs, Frosty Morn, Jerry Douglas, David Dixie Chicks Holt, Sam Bush, Cephas and Wiggins, Tony Rice and Bill Volunteers serve in various temperatures Friday night and ships and permitted the college Monroe and The Bluegrass capacities during School Day steady rain on Sunday, paid to make $1,104,233 in capital Boys. The acoustic blues show to help ensure the safety of all attendance of 26,853 was up improvements. emceed by Roy Book Binder children while on the festival 18.5 percent over 1996’s total on the Austin Stage began in grounds. Many have volun- of 22,650. Overall participa- In addition to artists like the 1996 and has become a favorite teered with this program from tion was 45,122, including Dixie Chicks, EmmyLou of the festival. According to a its inception and always want 2,100 volunteers and 10,000 Harris, , Alison local newspaper report, Alison to have a role in such a vital public school students who saw Krauss, Béla Fleck and the Krauss, a big draw on Sunday, part of MerleFest. entertainers at their schools on Flecktones and Ricky Skaggs, called MerleFest the best festi- Thursday and Friday through MerleFest 1997 celebrated the val in the country as she signed the Outreach Program. Some diversity that it is known for by autographs and spoke to fans 1997 40 area nonprofit organizations showcasing the “Afro-Celtic” after playing with her band netted more than a quarter of sounds of the Laura Love Union Station. In 1997, the 10th edition of a million dollars through their Band, the Scottish folk music MerleFest featured the new involvement in the tenth fes- of and In addition, beginning in Americana Stage, which tival. Over the first 10 years, Natalie MacMaster, and the 1996, MerleFest began wel- brought the number of venues the proceeds from MerleFest Cajun sounds of Steve Riley coming more than 3,200 up to 11. Despite freezing funded $238,135 in scholar- Continued On Page 32 public school students on Friday of the festival as part of School Day. The students arrive on buses with their teachers and chaperones to experience the festival first- hand and learn about the musical heritage of this region. School Day was an addition to the Walker Center School Events Program, which started in 1984 and offers plays or musical performances through- out the year that relate to the curriculum in area schools. Béla Fleck & The Flecktones MerleFest 2012 p. 32

Continued From Page 31

and the Mamou Playboys, and the traditional sound of The . 1998

Major improvements occurred at the Doc and Merle Watson Theatre prior to the 1998 festi- val. Construction crews raised the entire structure approxi- mately six feet, which greatly improved visibility, and added new wings to make more space for audience seating and artist Hootie & The Blowfish with Doc Watson & friends hospitality. The raising of the stage proved to be well-timed viated the mad rush to get tival a much safer process,” The creation of the Lounge because the lower campus was good seating in front of the says Kathy Gray, a member of gave the Instrument Contests flooded by heavy rains just Watson Stage and solved the the MerleFest team since the a new home. By this time, days before the festival started. problem of chairs that were festival’s first year. “I’ll never the Instrument Contests “B” said he was impressed too high and blocked views. “I forget watching the crowd included the Doc Watson that festival organizers were remember having to stand at waiting at the festival gates, Guitar Championship, the able to overcome the flooding the entrance gate and measure and as soon as the gates would Merle Watson Bluegrass problems and be ready for the the height of festival goers’ open, the sea of people would Banjo Championship and the crowds. He said, “It’s a chal- chairs as they entered the gates literally flood onto campus. It Championship (dis- lenge to pull it off anyway. to ensure that fans could see was exciting!” continued in 2011 due to lack I was just amazed at how over each other with an unob- of participation). smooth it all went. That goes structed view of the stage,” says The newly constructed back to people planning. We Sherry Dancy, who has been Alumni Hall introduced Good weather and a record already were ahead of schedule a part of the MerleFest team two new venues to MerleFest number of fans from around before the rain came.” since the beginning. “We had 1998-the Plaza Stage and the the country (and the world) a height limit so that everyone Lounge. The Lounge hosted combined to make MerleFest A big improvement in 1998 would be able to see the stage Friday Night Coffeehouse, 1998 perhaps the best edition was the assigned seating from the field.” a gathering place for singer- to date. On Saturday after- section in front of the Watson songwriters to socialize and noon Leftover Salmon played Stage. About 3,000 chairs “Adding the reserved seating display their talents, and the to thousands of people on the sold out in advance. This alle- also made entry into the fes- Saturday Night Teen Dance. Hillside Stage; a thousand fans

Before reserved seating, chairs were measured to ensure festival goers could see the stage. Sandy Feat sand sculpture MerleFest 2012 p. 33

Fleck, John McEuen, Pete Wernick, Jens Kruger, Tom Adams and . Doc joked that he was over- whelmed by banjo pickers. Rounding out the sound were Stuart Duncan on and T. Michael Coleman on bass. After a rousing standing ovation from a packed audi- ence, the musicians encored While Doc sang, lead singer with the Scruggs tune “Foggy stepped to the Mountain Breakdown.” background and danced with his four-year-old daughter. The rains gave way to glori- 2000 Sam Bush, Hootie and ous Carolina blue skies and warm, comfortable weather On Thursday evening of packed the Walker Center for some displacement during the on Saturday and Sunday. MerleFest 2000, Willie Nelson the ; weeks leading up to MerleFest sang non-stop, song after song, blues artists Catfish Keith and as the entire campus is trans- On the Traditional Stage, during freezing temperatures, Roy Book Binder were on the formed into festival grounds.” Charles Frazier read from giving a most memorable Austin Stage; and Doc Watson his bestselling novel “Cold performance. He wowed the led “Doc’s Jam” on the Watson Mountain.” Frazier said the Watson Stage crowd by playing Stage. 1999 book was inspired by listening hits that spanned his career. to “My Home Is Across the The large crowd’s enthusiasm Another regular feature at MerleFest 1999 opened with Blue Ridge Mountains” sung earned him three encores. MerleFest began in 1998: two days of cold wind, heavy on the Creekside Stage during Sam Bush accompanied Willie Sandy Feat’s incredible sand rain and mud. As rain poured an earlier MerleFest. Saturday and added a little bluegrass sculpture. Every year the artists down in sheets, Hootie and the night, North Carolina native flavor. This was the last year amaze festival goers with intri- Blowfish, completely unfazed Earl Scruggs, considered that Grammy Award-winning cate sand art on display in by the weather, set the tone on the father of bluegrass banjo artist John Hartford would front of the Visitors Center. Thursday evening, giving blue- picking, told the story of the perform at MerleFest; he died The massive sand display takes grass interpretations to their hit five-string banjo and talked of on June 4, 2001, after a long 16 tons of sand and approxi- songs. The band was joined musicians taking the instru- battle with non-Hodgkin’s mately 25 hours to create. In throughout by Sam Bush on ment in new directions. lymphoma. It also was the the weeks after the festival, the fiddle and Chris Thile on year that Old Crow Medicine as the last signs of MerleFest mandolin. At one point Doc Joining Doc and Earl on Show appeared in the lineup. begin to fade away, Sandy and Richard shared the stage. the Watson Stage were Béla Continued On Page 34 Feat’s sand sculpture remains to endure the test of weather and wear.

Hootie and the Blowfish, joined by Chris Thile, ushered in MerleFest 1999 by offer- ing a free concert for Wilkes Community College stu- dents. “This band’s generosity truly represented the spirit of MerleFest-giving in order to enrich the college and commu- nity,” says Ted Hagaman, festi- val director. “In this case, the students who always endure Charles Frazier Gillian Welch with MerleFest 2012 p. 34

Watson Stage and audience

Songwriting Contest-country A memorable moment during category, noted, “Winning the Dolly’s performance was when contest was the first time I was Doc joined her on stage. A noticed outside of Chapel Hill. funny thing happened as she I had such a good time and performed; she swallowed made so many friends here.” a bug. According to Ted Hagaman, festival director, “Dolly was just getting started 2001 when she choked a little bit, gave her famous giggle, and MerleFest 2001 set the record said, ‘Oh my, I think I just Tift Merritt for largest single crowd as swallowed a bug.’” The rest of 16,000 participants enjoyed her performance went off like Continued From Page 33 Vincent and the Rage, Gillian a bluegrass-flavored perfor- fireworks as she completely Many MerleFest fans were Welch and David Rawlings, mance by charmed the audience. already familiar with the Ralph Stanley and The Clinch legend on group; a few years previously, Mountain Boys, Peter Rowan Saturday night. On Friday Following on the heels of the they made an unscheduled and the Free Mexican Airforce, Dolly took a tour of the area, tremendous success of film “O appearance at the fountain, Nickel Creek, Claire Lynch, which included the view from Brother, Where Art Thou?” performing as fans tossed and Frosty Morn, the band the Brushy Mountains and The Band change into an open guitar established by Merle Watson. lunch at Glenn’s Restaurant, mesmerized crowds with the case. The group dubbed this A special MerleFest all-star jam a.k.a. Glenn’s Tastee Freeze, blended sounds of bluegrass, area “The Fountain Stage” included , Laurie a Wilkes County landmark. country, gospel, blues and folk and even made their own Lewis, , Missy In fact, she loved Glenn’s so appropriate to the time period cardboard sign indicating Raines, Claire Lynch and Sally much, she returned there to eat of the Great Depression in such. Others in the 2000 Van Meter. Tift Merritt, who a few times during her visit to the Deep South. It was Dan lineup included Rhonda won the 2000 Chris Austin MerleFest. Tyminski’s voice that was

Dan Tyminski Dolly Parton with Doc Watson MerleFest 2012 p. 35

Alison Krauss & Union Station Wylie Gustufson dubbed over George Clooney’s angles and magnifications are formance of “Good Woman’s project was produced as a in the 2000 American film on projected on the screen so that Love” to RosaLee, Doc’s DVD, VHS and music CD. “.” everyone can see the action. beloved “Sweetie.” , Peter Rowan and While on stage, Tyminski Crucial Reggae, Wylie and 2003 recalled that when he found 2002 The Wild West, Alison Brown out that his voice would be Quartet, Sam Bush, Leahy, Crowd control for MerleFest dubbed over George Clooney’s, The 15th edition of MerleFest T. Michael Coleman, Alison 2003 was further improved he called his wife and told her, in 2002 was a great success Krauss & Union Station, with new concrete sidewalks “George Clooney is going to setting an overall attendance The Kruger Brothers, The and a 50 percent reduction have my voice!” He said that record but less crowding. Waybacks, and Gillian Welch in the number of commercial she answered, “That’s my Following the crowding of the and David Rawlings appeared vendors, which added to green dream!” largest single day ever the pre- at MerleFest 2002. space. Also, as crowds grew vious year for Dolly Parton’s and fans were forced farther Others gracing stages at performance, organizers added Saturday night featured a from the Watson Stage, sound MerleFest 2001 included the general admission space at the great MerleFest Jam with quality deteriorated for those Kruger Brothers, Nickel Creek, Watson Stage and worked on Doc, Richard, Sam Bush, far away. To ameliorate this Sam Bush, Earl Scruggs Family minimizing the golf carts and John Cowan, Alison Krauss, problem, delay speakers were & Friends, Ricky Skaggs other vehicles on the grounds. Jerry Douglas, David Holt, installed behind the sound and , Del Volunteer headquarters moved Tony Rice, Peter Rowan, Earl mixer tower. These speakers McCoury and Marty Stuart. from the front entrance to the Scruggs and Nickel Creek. correct the sound attenua- Caboose, further relieving This jam was recorded, and tion problem and ensure great MerleFest added the large congestion. on April 1, 2003, MerleFest sound production regardless video screen near the Watson released “MerleFest Live! The of the distance between fans Stage in 2001. Various camera John Cowan dedicated his per- 15th Anniversary Jam.” This Continued On Page 36

Leahy Rhonda Vincent , Sam Bush and EmmyLou Harris MerleFest 2012 p. 36

Vassar Clements

Continued From Page 35 lightning storm struck just as and the stage. Special per- they came on stage. The show formances included Vassar must go on, and it did with Clements’ 75th birthday jam, the pizzazz that only Leahy the Acoustic Blues Showcase, can deliver. and “Follow Me Back to the Fold: A Tribute to Women in Bluegrass,” performed by 2004 Kristen Scott Benson, Dale Ann Bradley, Sally Jones, Before MerleFest 2004 the Kathy Kalick, , college built two new parking stop a record-setting atten- classics, and she also sang a Lynn Morris, Mark Newton, lots on the north side of dance. Saturday’s lineup was song she wrote in memory of , Tony Rice, Ron Alumni Hall. By moving the particularly outstanding with her father. The Avett Brothers Stewart and . festival check-in to the new a special Earl Scruggs birth- took their show beyond the lots, organizers significantly day set. Earl was joined by stage ... they strolled through MerleFest 2003 also wel- reduced the amount of traffic Doc and country music star the vendor shops singing to comed , and congestion along the Vince Gill. They played favor- the fans. Natalie MacMaster EmmyLou Harris, Leahy, shuttle route at the festival ites such as “Foggy Mountain wowed the crowd with her Ricky Skaggs, Rhonda Vincent entrance, which improved the Breakdown” and “The Ballad fast-paced Celtic fiddle on the and the Rage, Nitty Gritty safety of pedestrians and the of Jed Clampett.” Rosanne Cabin Stage. Dirt Band and Del McCoury. efficiency of the shuttle service. Cash performed Sunday afternoon to a stalwart audi- This was Leahy’s first perfor- Occasional rain on Friday, ence that ignored the rain. Doc mance at MerleFest. A terrible Saturday and Sunday did not joined her on two

Natalie MacMaster Earl Scruggs and Vince Gill John Cowan and MerleFest 2012 p. 37 2005

MerleFest 2005 celebrated the beginnings of bluegrass by hosting a reunion of Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys. Many former members played, including Earl Scruggs, , Wilkes County native Jim Shumate, Richard Greene, Tony Ellis, Del McCoury, Roland White, Blake Williams and Peter Rowan. The variety of MerleFest music was evi- Tony Rice and Alison Krauss Increased green space denced by first-timers such as , Robert Richard Watson, Béla Fleck Lockwood Jr., Rodney LaFave appeared on Saturday & The Flecktones, The Avett Crowell, and 2006 night in the Brothers, , Hot . Others making tribute, “Ribbon of Skyway: Tuna, John Prine, Chatham 2005 appearances at MerleFest Singer, guitarist and song- Endless Highway.” Another County Line, , included The Avett Brothers, writer , a founding great “MerleFest Moment” that The Duhks, Alison Brown Loretta Lynn, , member of the , both enlivened and ecstasized Quartet, Joe Smothers, Steep Darrell Scott, , drew one of the most spirited festival goers was when Nickel Canyon Rangers, Sam Bush, Béla Fleck, , crowds in years at MerleFest Creek broke out in the Brittney John Cowan and The Isaacs. Ricky Skaggs and the Kruger 2006. He performed with The Spears number “Toxic.” More Brothers. Waybacks on several Dead than ever MerleFest 2006 classics on Friday afternoon, represented the evolution 2007 MerleFest 2005 took home the moment that inspired the and connectedness of musical four awards at the North creation of Hillside styles that define the festival. In 2007, the 20th edition of Carolina Association of Hour. During the performance This just goes to show that MerleFest saw impressive infra- Festivals and Events Showfest, a number of artists including you never know what you’ll structure changes, including including the premier accolade, Sam Bush, Gillian Welch and hear during those spontane- the completion of Lowe’s Hall, the Kay Saintsing Award for Dave Rawlings spontaneously ous, unrehearsed “MerleFest which links the lower campus Event of the Year. joined the set. Pete and Mike Moments” that create never- to the Walker Center with two Seeger were both at the festi- ending “MerleFest Memories.” elevators. Also, staff worked val. Pete along with Sarah Lee diligently to increase green Guthrie, Johnny Irion, Slaid Other performers at MerleFest space and reduce the amount Cleaves, Guy Clark and Jimmy 2006 included Doc and Continued On Page 38

Nickel Creek Doyle Lawson MerleFest 2012 p. 38

Doc Watson with John Cowan at Album Hour 2008 Andy & Janice after proposal

Continued From Page 37 we wanted to achieve,” com- of the WCC Endowment of cars parked within the mented festival director Ted Corporation. “New Grass 2008 festival grounds. Organizers Hagaman. Revival reunited for one song. moved vendors onto a parking The story goes that Sam Bush, MerleFest 2008 kicked off lot to create The Shoppes at Elvis Costello and the Nitty Béla Fleck and John Cowan the new era of a greener MerleFest, which then created Gritty Dirt Band performed were on stage with Pat Flynn MerleFest as the organiz- a domino effect of relocating at the Watson Stage on Friday backstage looking on. Sam ers and volunteers began to parking and other services. night, followed by Sam Bush, asked Pat if he had time for just work toward reducing the The end result was extremely Tony Rice, Alison Krauss and one song. And there it was, all environmental impact of the positive, and staff and volun- Jerry Douglas on Saturday. of the members of New Grass festival and setting a positive teers were proud when they The Infamous Stringdusters, Revival on stage perform- example of responsible envi- saw their hard work come to Crooked Still and ing together, just as they had ronmental stewardship by fruition. “Once the festival were among a new wave of done in 1988 when they first adding more recycling bins. started, we saw people doing bands that wowed audiences. appeared at MerleFest. It was Musical “moments” included: exactly what was expressed in incredible! And, I think every- The Welcome Home Super the original vision—people “One of the greatest MerleFest one in the audience was just as Jam featuring The Duhks; reading and lounging on the moments for me happened thrilled about this moment as performing lawn and children playing in in 2007,” explains Allison I was!” with Peter Rowan; Donna the the grass. It was exactly what Phillips, executive director Buffalo with Jim Lauderdale;

20th Jam with members of MerleFest 2012 p. 39

Scythian

The New Generation Super none other than “Dr. Banjo” The morning after The Avett and with Jam featuring The Steel himself, Pete Wernick. Brothers’ performance, a the Kentucky Thunder, and Drivers, The Belleville Outfit, band of volunteers swept onto Scythian, making their debut The Dixie Bee-Liners, The The Avett Brothers drove campus to put things back in appearance at MerleFest. Farewell Drifters and Cadillac the crowds wild during their order before fans arrived to cel- Sky; “The Greatest Acoustic Friday night performance at ebrate more music, moments Speaking of The Stringdusters, Blues Show on Earth” featur- the Watson Stage. It was liter- and memories. band member Andy Hall ing Roy Book Binder, Mitch ally standing room only when created quite a memorable Greenhill, Happy Traum and suddenly the fans creatively Other 2008 perform- MerleFest moment in 2008 Pat Donohue; and the Spirit cleared a space for dancing. ers included when he proposed to Janice of Sunday set with Doc and They started passing chair after & Highway 111, The Dan Young, his future wife, during the Nashville Bluegrass Band. chair from reserved seating Tyminski Band, Marty a performance on the Watson The inaugural Hillside Album backwards from row to row. Stuart, Nashville Bluegrass Stage. Hour took place on Saturday In the dark, only the shadows Band, Carolina Chocolate afternoon as of chairs dancing above the Drops, Hot Buttered Rum, “I remember he was just a and John Cowan performed all crowds were visible until the The Infamous Stringdusters, little ways into the set, and he the songs on “ II.” impromptu dance floor was Old Crow Medicine Show, seemed to be a little nervous It was great to hear the familiar created. and the Ramble about something,” says Allison riffs being played on banjo by on the Road, Ricky Skaggs Continued On Page 40

Marty Stuart with Doc Watson The Avett Brothers MerleFest 2012 p. 40

Old Crow Medicine Show Album Hour 2009

Continued From Page 39 storm came through the area. Phillips, executive director The band Scythian, making of the WCC Endowment its debut at MerleFest on the Corporation. “Finally he Welcome Stage, soon had to stopped and asked Janice to move under the box office come onto stage with him. I tent to weather the storm. As think everyone knew what was the band continued to play, about to happen. He got down the audience continued to on one knee and popped the grow and soon the tent was question. And the crowd went packed shoulder to shoulder crazy.” with folks enthralled with the sounds of Scythian. “That year MerleFest added the Welcome made them a MerleFest favor- Stage in 2008. This stage is ite, and they haven’t missed and Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano located at the main festival a festival since. This is just entrance. Fans are able to enjoy one example of the kind of Music icon Linda Ronstadt great entertainment while excitement a special MerleFest 2009 made her first appearance by waiting for the gates to open moment can bring,” says Kathy closing the festival on a high or to get through the festival Gray, Director of Events and On Saturday evening at note with a performance of tra- lines. On late Saturday after- Hospitality. MerleFest 2009, the second ditional mariachi songs on the noon of the festival, a major highly anticipated Hillside Watson Stage. She was joined Album Hour was hosted by by the Grammy-winning The Waybacks and featured Mariachi Los Camperos ’ “Sticky de Nati Cano for a set of Fingers” with EmmyLou songs from her 1987 release, Harris turning in a surprise “Canciones de Mi Padre,” sung performance of “Wild Horses.” entirely in Spanish. Also joining The Waybacks were Sam Bush on and lead singer John 2010 Cowan. As usual, the hillside was packed with delighted As the economic recession had music fans who gathered to harsh effects on the nation, it find out what album that also had a bitter impact on would be featured, which is the festival. MerleFest 2009 always a closely held secret was the first year that more until the show begins. tickets were given away than Levon Helm were sold. This led to a serious MerleFest 2012 p. 41

Steve Martin

Zac Brown Band Album Hour 2010

evaluation of the festival’s the , courted for years and finally future. It was an extremely The Avett Brothers, Dierks got to Wilkesboro. rough time for MerleFest as Bentley, , Great Big hard decisions had to be made. Sea, Rhonda Vincent & the One special memory from As a fundraiser, the WCC Rage, Scythian, The Travelin’ 2010 was & the Endowment Corporation had McCourys, and many more. As Steep Canyon Rangers ending to assess what to do to get back usual on Saturday, a sea of fans their set with a bluegrass rendi- on track. With the support and enjoyed another great Hillside tion of Martin’s classic spoof understanding from the com- Album Hour hosted by The “K ing Tut.” munity, sponsors, vendors and Waybacks who played every media, the festival was able to song on ’ album At this point MerleFest was turn things around in 2010. “.” Joining The receiving so many requests And, WOW, did things turn Waybacks were Sarah Dugas, from students wanting to around. The weather was rosy, Shannon Whitworth, Byron perform on stage that the the lineup stellar, and the fans House, Jerry Douglas, Jim festival expanded the Youth were destined for fun. A new Lauderdale and Elvis Costello. Showcase at the Little Pickers day awakened for MerleFest. Other significant performers Stage. This is not a contest; it is on the lineup included Zac an opportunity for youth ages Performers who turned in riv- Brown Band, making their 16 and under to display their eting performances included first official MerleFest appear- skills on stage at the festival. Doc and Richard Watson, ance after attending as a fan Elvis Costello enjoys Elvis Costello and the for a number of years, and Taj Album Hour 2010 Sugarcanes, Steve Martin and Mahal, who MerleFest had Continued On Page 42 MerleFest 2012 p. 42

The Doobie Brothers Jerry Douglas & Sonny Landreth

Continued From Page 41 lineup (considered the best ever Band; The Kruger Brothers; by many MerleFest Facebook and many more. The Waybacks 2011 fans) included Doc and hosted the fourth consecu- Richard Watson; ; tive Hillside Album Hour by Tornados threatened Wilkes (with playing the Allman Brothers’ County on the Wednesday newest member John Cowan); classic recording, “Eat a night before MerleFest 2011 ; ; Peach,” in its entirety, along began. Volunteers and staff and Band of with a version of “Whipping scrambled to take down Joy that included MerleFest Post” for good measure. signage and roll up tent sides favorites Darrell Scott, Buddy Joining them were their good in preparation for the worst. Miller, Byron House and Patti pals , John R. RV campers were encouraged Griffith; Nashville Bluegrass Burr, Larry Atamanuik and to sleep in the Randolph Hall Band; Blind Boy Chocolate The Wailin’ Jennys. gym. Fortunately, no torna- and the Milk Sheiks; Sonny dos appeared, and the show Landreth; Jerry Douglas fea- For more than 10 years went on without a hitch with turing and MerleFest tried to get Randy four days of beautiful weather ; Tim O’Brien; Travis to the festival, at a and a diverse and fully-loaded Alison Brown Quartet with special request from Doc and schedule of artists. An amazing Stuart Duncan; Del McCoury RosaLee. His appearance in Tim O’Brien

Lyle Lovett Robert Plant & The MerleFest 2012 p. 43

Doc with Randy Travis The Waybacks at Hillside Album Hour 2011

2011 was special to Doc on to festival goers, “B” Townes broadcast on the big screen at many levels. Most significant and a video crew spent the Watson Stage, for MerleFest to Doc was when Randy trav- entire weekend interviewing 25 guests. eled with him to Boone for a one artist right after another, short visit with RosaLee, who capturing their favorite mem- One significant change at was unable to attend the festi- ories of MerleFest over the MerleFest 2011 was the relo- val due to health concerns. years. Sam Bush recollected cation of Austin Stage into special moments happening Alumni Hall. Due to increas- A “Tribute to John Hartford” throughout the festival, as he ing concerns of safety at the included The John Hartford has attended all of them; Doc Austin Stage, festival organiz- , Alison Brown, Watson talked about the love ers agreed that the stage needed Sam Bush, Tim O’Brien, Peter that MerleFest artists have for a new home. Alumni Hall was Rowan, Tut Taylor and other his son Merle; and over 20 the perfect fit for the CASC, special guests. John Hartford others included in the inter- the Greatest Blues Show Ever, died ten years earlier in June views mention their indebted- and continuing with the 2001. ness to what this festival has Instrument Contests and the meant to their careers. These Songwriters Coffeehouse. Tut Taylor at Tribute Nestled away in a classroom interviews will be used as a to John Hartford in Lovette Hall, unbeknownst special treat, video vignettes Continued On Page 44

Tribute to John Hartford Del McCoury Band MerleFest 2012 p. 44

Doc and Nashville Bluegrass Band Chris Thile

Continued From Page 43 to MerleFest has a one-of-a- counties attended through ples set by their friends and “What a great weekend!” kind experience.” MerleFest School Day. More colleagues who produce other exclaimed festival director than 10,200 students enjoyed respected and loved festivals Ted Hagaman. “With over 90 The total participation over the performances through the known for both the quality of artists playing on 14 stages, four days of MerleFest 2011 Outreach Program. their music and the first-class representing everything from was 77,459. Fans came from 48 treatment of their participants. bluegrass and blues, to gospel, states, the District of Columbia Since the inaugural event in Several artists have said that country and Americana, we and 12 foreign countries. Over 1988 MerleFest has endeavored MerleFest pays close attention feel that we succeeded again 75 civic, community and insti- to improve each year, based to detail and has the best tech- in giving our festival guests a tutional entities earned an on comprehensive review and nical and sound production in great value for their entertain- estimated $428,108 through evaluation with input from the industry. ment dollars. I’m always so their participation. More than artists, patrons, sponsors, pleased to see how respectful, 4,600 volunteers made the vendors, volunteers, staff, and, Since its inception, volun- friendly and courteous the fes- festival possible by contribut- most importantly, loyal and teers have been integral to tival attendees are. MerleFest ing over 49,000 hours. More dedicated fans. Additionally, the success of MerleFest. fans have no equal! It is our than 2,800 school children MerleFest staff and volunteer Individual volunteers, volun- hope that everyone who comes from Wilkes and surrounding leaders draw upon the exam- teer stagehands, and volunteer groups, including college and community organizations, help to make the festival a success. Also, food booths are run by local non profits, with proceeds going to further their work and mission. “Quite simply, MerleFest would not be possi- ble without the support of our 4,000-plus volunteers,” says festival director Ted Hagaman. “Some of these individuals and organizations have given of their time since the festival began, and we are so grateful to them.”

The benefits of MerleFest to Jerry Douglas Volunteers enjoying the music of MerleFest WCC were best summed up MerleFest 2012 p. 45

“My Friend Merle” set on the Watson Stage MerleFest Crowd by President Gordon Burns: musicians and music fans. This he had with Ralph Rinzler as let us remember to “celebrate “It’s monetary, but it is greater was nicely expressed by Jerry they worked on the schedule the life of a young man who than that. It’s a culmination of Douglas: “It’s the first festival for the very first festival. He enriched the lives of all of us many years of work between of the season, and it’s a great says that Rinzler told him, “At –Eddy Merle Watson.” the college and the commu- time for musicians to come some point and time the fes- nity. It represents the fruition out of hibernation and have a tival will take on a life of its * Most of the information about of cooperation over the years reunion to kick off the season.” own.” How prophetic a state- early festival years is based on an to develop the college and help Chris Thile adds, “You get to ment that was. interview with “B” Townes. it better serve the commu- see everybody you want to see nity. MerleFest complements here, and then perform with As we gather to enjoy the the mission of the college by them. The whole MerleFest Music, Moments and allowing it to enjoy additions experience is great. It’s the Memories of MerleFest 25, like Lowe’s Hall and our beau- fans, the musicians, the orga- tiful gardens. The festival plays nization. It all converges at this a supporting role in helping the place. It’s so exciting.” college achieve its goals. This event reflects the tremendous No MerleFest is complete community support the college without the “My Friend Merle” enjoys. And that is because set. This tradition began in we have been one with the 1988 with Merle’s dear friends community.” gathering on stage to remi- nisce on his life and how he The music of MerleFest is best enriched their careers and lives. explained by Doc himself: The artists performed the set “When Merle and I started for Doc and RosaLee. After the out, we called our music first year, Doc wanted to be a ‘traditional plus,’ meaning part of this wonderful tribute. the traditional music of the This set is a favorite for loyal Appalachian region plus Merle Watson fans, and it is a whatever other styles we were favorite for Doc, too. Today, in the mood to play. Since the Doc, T. Michael Coleman, Jeff beginning, the people of the Little, Cliff Miller, Bob Hill, college and I have agreed that David Holt, Joe Smothers, the music of MerleFest is ‘tra- Sam Bush, John Cowan and, ditional plus.’” of course, Merle’s son Richard Watson continue the tradition. MerleFest marks the begin- ning of the festival season and Reflecting on MerleFest year’s is an annual homecoming for past, “B” recalls a conversation Eddy Merle Watson