2 • MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April, 2018 Expect diversity, surprises, quality at MerleFest Year after year for three found and Internet access. decades, MerleFest has delivered Mayes Pit in Thompson Hall a four-day experience best sum- and the Dance Stage both fea- marized in two words: uniqueness ture workshops and dance and excellence. instructions. Fans have every reason to The Pickin’ Place provides expect this year’s 31st edition of musicians of all levels and genres MerleFest to live up to its lofty opportunities to meet old friends reputation, along with special and make new ones while sing- onstage surprises. ing and playing favorite tunes “The programming this year is together. incredibly diverse in both musi- Beginners and yogis alike are cal styling, origin, culture and welcome to start their day with gender,” said Steve Johnson, Mer- a little Downward Facing Dog; leFest artist relations manager. a yoga class is offered on Friday “We have artists/bands from at 9:30 a.m. on the Dance Stage. Australia, Canada, France, Ger- Ken Crouse leads nature walks many, United Kingdom, Sweden, through the gardens and forest Ireland, Cuba and the United on the WCC campus on Friday, States on our 2018 lineup…. We Saturday and Sunday. couldn’t be more excited to show- Other activities include back- case that talent on our 13 stages” stage tours and a new interactive spread across the campus of display in the MerleFest Museum. Wilkesboro’s . For children MerleFest’s family atmosphere Krugers to Kristofferson and the lack of alcohol and drugs Thursday kicks off with the are important aspects of the and follows event’s reputation. with , Robert MerleFest is meant to be a Earl Keen and the Mavericks and fun, educational experience for continues through the weekend children. Kids can learn about with Bela Fleck and Abigail Wash- MERLEFEST MAINSTAYS, left to right, Bela Fleck, and , are back this year. roots music through listening burn, , Sam Bush, translates to star at WCC’s Walker Center starting comed at the end of a long winter,” and are given opportunities to Orange, Jerry Douglas Jamey Johnson rubbing shoulders at 10:30 p.m. Saturday and going said Town Mountain picker play music through experiences and , Rhian- with bluegrass visionary Rhian- well past midnight. Jesse Langlais. like the Instrument Petting Zoo. non Giddens, and non Giddens and folk legend Kris This year’s Midnight Jam fea- “The significance of MerleFest Young musicians are provided the with Kristofferson sharing the stage tures a special Trib- is one that cannot be summed up performance opportunities in the , just to name a few. with the Steep Canyon Rangers ute. A separate Midnight Jam in a quote or maybe even a text- Acoustic Kids Showcases, hosted Late night jam sessions, band and Steve Martin. ticket is required and available for book. But if you’ve been, then you by musician Andy May on Friday competitions, special guests As the nation’s largest roots and four-day, three-day and Saturday know how important it is to the and Saturday. onstage, impromptu dance par- Americana festival, MerleFest has ticket holders to purchase. whole acoustic music community The Little Pickers Stage offers ties and one--only musical room for all those who treasure The Midnight Jam will also fea- and beyond. There’s nothing that great performances geared collaborations are all a part of the musical tradition. ture , Frank Solivan feels better than to take part in an toward entertaining kids and their fabric of MerleFest – and a testa- The complete lineup is at www. and Dirty Kitchen, , event that celebrates the lives of families. ment to the enduring vision of Doc MerleFest.org/lineup and is also Andrew Marlin and Emily Frantz Merle, Doc and Rosa Lee Watson, The Little Pickers Family Area Watson and . available on the new and improved of Mandolin Orange, true royalty in American music,” is enhanced with crafts, face- A key part of this vision is Doc’s MerleFest mobile app, with festi- and many more artists. added Langlais. painting, games, storytelling, a love of “traditional plus” music, val updates in real time. Updates Town Mountain will also host large grassy play area, and the a term he created to describe a are also on Twitter (@MerleFest) the inaugural Saturday Night Barn In addition to the music opportunity to take pictures with unique mix of music based on the and Facebook. Use hashtag #Mer- Dance starting at 7:45 p.m. on the MerleFest also offers special MerleFest’s official mascot, Flat- traditional, roots-oriented sounds leFest to connect with other festi- Dance Stage. Town Mountain’s activities and unique shopping top the raccoon. of the Appalachian Mountain val goers on social media. music is described as “bluegrass options. Many children, particularly region, including bluegrass and spiced with country, old school The Shoppes at MerleFest is a from Wilkes County, have grown old-time and expanded to include Saturday night rock ‘n’ roll and boogie-woogie.” centrally-located shopping village up among the MerleFest stages Americana, country, rock The members of Town Moun- “For most of us, on either side of with demonstrating artisans, ven- and return to the festival with and “whatever other styles we tain and Jim Lauder- the stage, MerleFest kicks off the dors, convenience foods, official their own kids. were in the mood to play.” dale, all from , will beginning of the festival season MerleFest memorabilia and ser- Window World is the presenting This year, “traditional-plus” co-host the popular Midnight Jam and that couldn’t be more wel- vices such as first aid, lost and sponsor of MerleFest 2018. MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April, 2018 • 3 Special musical collaborations help define MerleFest Late night jam sessions, band competitions, special • 10-10:30 a.m. on the Little Pickers Stage, Scyth- • 1:45-2:30 p.m. in Mayes Pit, History of MerleFest guests onstage, impromptu dances and one-time- ian- “Cake For Breakfast” Kids CD Release Party with “B” Townes; only musical collaborations are part of the fabric of with special appearance by Flattop; • 2-2:45 p.m. in the Walker Center, Docabilly Blues MerleFest – and a testament to the enduring vision • 12:30-1:15 p.m. in the Walker Center, MerleFest Blowout with Mitch Greenhill and Friends featuring of Doc Watson and the Watson family. Memories hosted by Jeff Little with Bob Hill, Tara T. Michael Coleman, David Holt, Jeff Little, Rosie & A key part of this vision is Doc’s love of “traditional Nevins, Jack Lawrence, T. Michael Coleman, David the Riveters, Donna the Buffalo, Joel Landsberg and plus” music, a term he created to describe a unique Holt, Mitch Greenhill, Wayne Henderson, “B” Townes ; mix of music based on the traditional, roots-oriented and Cliff Miller; • 2-2:45 p.m. on Creekside Stage, Mando Mania sounds of the Appalachian Mountain region, includ- • 1:15-2:15 p.m. on the Creekside Stage, Pete Wer- with Sam Bush, Tony Williamson, Andrew Marlin ing bluegrass and old-time and expanded to include nick’s Flexigrass Jam with David Holt, & (Mandolin Orange), Bob Applebaum (String Madness), Americana, country, and “whatever other Trey Hensley, The Lonely Heartstring Band, Rosie & Stephen Mougin (Sam Bush Band), Tommy Norris styles we were in the mood to play.” the Riveters, Presley Barker and other special guests; (Barefoot Movement) and Andrew Collins (Andrew This year, this spirit means that country music star • 4-4:45 p.m. on the Hillside Stage, Donna the Buf- Collins Trio); Jamey Johnson will rub shoulders with bluegrass falo with and Friends; • 3-3:45 p.m. on the Hillside Stage, Reunion Jam visionary , folk legend Kris Kristof- • 5:15-6 p.m. in Mayes Pit, Stories About Travel- with Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Bela Fleck, Bryan ferson will play the same stage as the Steep Canyon ing with Doc and Merle. Hosted by Joe Smothers, Sutton, John Cowan and other special guests; Rangers and Steve Martin. David Holt, T. Michael Coleman, Bob Hill and Jack • 4:15-5:45 p.m. on the Hillside Stage, Hillside Some of the planned collaborations and perfor- Lawrence; Hour with ; mance highlights at this year’s festival include: • 6:30-7:45 p.m. on the Hillside Stage, Friday Eve- • 6:30-7:45 p.m. on the Hillside Stage, Saturday ning Sunset Sessions: The Devil Makes Three. Evening Sunset Sessions: Elephant Revival. Friday • 9:30 a.m. to -1:45 p.m. on the Austin Stage, Doc Saturday Sunday and Performing Arts Showcase, • noon to 1:30 p.m. on the Creekside Stage, Memo- • 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on the Traditional Stage, hosted by Joe Smothers and Joe Kendrick and ries of The Watson Family, hosted by T. Michael Women Who Sing and Play Traditional Music with featuring Lillian Chase, Hubby Jenkins, Gunner Coleman with Watson Family Friends; Carol Rifkin, Jeanette Queen, The BattleAxe Band, & Smith, Bob Hill, Sarah Jane Scouten, Steve and • 11 a.m. to noon on the Watson Stage, MerleFest Sarah McCombie, Kim McWhirter and Sarah Ritter; Ruth Smith, Jed Fisher and Mike Aiken Veterans Jam with Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Jack • 4-5:30 p.m. on the Watson Stage, Steep Canyon Band; Lawrence, Peter Rowan and Joe Smothers; Rangers and Friends with special guest Steve Martin. 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), TWO GREAT LOCATIONS I-77 (Exit 51B) and off U.S. 21 across from the Crossroads Shopping Center for all the MerleFest travelers 704-872-7717 Earn reward points and get free services and products 10% Get rewarded for the services you need anyway, right away—FREE! OFFwith What if maintaining and fixing your car could help you save this ad money the next time your car needed service? Expires May 5, 2018 That’s what Meineke Rewards is all about. We give you points for bringing your car into Meineke for the maintenance or repairs it needs. Locally owned and managed by Bobby and Nadine Shapiro General manager Rex Reynolds Download the Meineke app and make your appointment online! U-Haul rentals now available Hours Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. • Saturday 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Next to Lowes Foods • Wilkesboro WE DO IT ALL • MAJOR ENGINE REPAIR 336-667-2257 Exhaust • Brakes • Tuneups • Tires and Alignments www.brandjewelrync.com Free Towing • Free Loaner Vehicles • Maintenance Owning exquisite jewelry has never been easier Fleet Service Center • Off icial State Inspection Apply now! Enjoy your benefi ts today! 4 • MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April, 2018

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Flattop’s Raffle & Silent Getaway Auction Tent V R & R Tent 12 MerleFest Thompson Hall Little Pickers Gift Shop Family Area The Shoppes Campus 4 Lowe’s Hall at MerleFest 6 Bookstore

9 11 Heritage 7 10 Crafts

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• Elevators Lost & Found Wi-Fi Hotspot •4 Little Pickers Stage 13• Walker Center

• Expo Overnight Storage V Volunteer Check-in •5 Americana Stage • Eddy Merle Watson Playground •6 Traditional Stage Garden for the Senses

Official Sponsor Of ® www.NCMIKE.com (336)990-0999 REALTOR MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April, 2018 • 5 Diverse artist lineup is presented for 31st annual MerleFest

Susana and Timmy Abell and country and musicians. 10 International Friday, Saturday “Wayward Troubadour,” his seventh Association Awards and six critically Timmy is a MerleFest veteran with album, proves that point. acclaimed , winning 2017’s over 20 years on the Little Pickers Stage. Album of the Year award for “Moun- He received the N.C. Arts Council Fel- Alberti Flea Circus tain Voodoo.” The band is just at home lowship for - Friday, Saturday, Sunday performing at the writing and has Part magician, part storyteller and as with the Pops Orchestra, The Banknotes six family albums p a r t a combination showcased at this Banknotes year’s MerleFest The Atlanta Pops with multiple Par- come- Thursday, Saturday d i a n , Orchestra is the premier provider of ents’ Choice Gold Banknotes was formed by a group J i m live orchestra music programming for and other national of Wilkes County musicians who were Alberti Georgia, the southeastern U.S., and awards. Susana is friends with MerleFest co-founder Bill a singer and former i s a beyond. It has a rich history spanning circus artist whose third- seven decades. Continued on Page 6 performances have Susana and genera- been enjoyed by Timmy Abell tion flea audiences on three c i r c u s Alberti Flea Circus continents. They have touched the lives impre- of countless young people through their sario. After a career in theater, Alberti original roots-flavored , enchanting revived the flea circus that was once puppetry and genuine performance style. performed by his great-uncle and later by his grandfather. He envi- sioned bringing it to a new genera- tion that had never experienced a flea circus. Alberti took the revived flea circus on the road in the 1980s, and since then he and his troupe of fleas have captivated audiences at fairs, fes- tivals, and theme parks across the U.S. Mike Aiken Band and Canada. They have been featured Mike Aiken Band on CNN Headline News, CBS Evening Friday Magazine and elsewhere. An inner sense of chivalry oozes from every story Grammy nominated Mike and Atlanta Pops Aiken tells and every song he sings. Orchestra Ensemble Aiken has drawn tales and hope from Friday “trail riders, aging rodeo champs, sea B a l s a m captains, Rastafarians, and outlaws” to Range is one craft a treasure chest of tunes. Aiken’s of bluegrass love for , songwriting and sailing music’s big- took him all over the world. As an artist gest award- who comes by his stories and Grammy w i n n e r s nomination honestly, Aiken has taken his in recent Balsam Range, Atlanta place among well-respected Americana years, with Pops Orchestra Foover

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New Owners. New Directi on. Same Friendly Staff . Come see us. MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April, 2018 • 7 Lineup continued from Page 6 Brushy Mountain her original material at the 2008 and 2014 IBMA Songwriter Showcases and Smokehouse has performed with Claire Lynch, Peter Rowan and . Robert Reeves Wesley Bright & The Honeytones is a superb lead singer and “stand-up” and Creamery bass player.

Wesley Bright & The Honeytones Proud Sponsors of Sunday MerleFest 2018! Wesley Bright & The Honeytones are a soul band from Akron, Ohio. As a vocal- ist, Bright is called a honey-voiced front- Children 4 and under always eat free at the Smokehouse! man who’s got the pipes and moves to keep the crowd going all night. Backed Alison Brown Mark Bumgarner by The Honeytones, Bright is stepping out Welcome MerleFest Fans! on his own to create a new soul sound Look for our Handcrafted Ice Cream at the Shoppes at that bridges the gap between classic soul and the modern sound. Being compared MerleFest and look for our trailer near the Dance Tent to greats like and Otis Redding, Award-winning Hickory Smoked there is something really show-stopping Barbecue, Ribs, and Chicken about him. Serving Lunch and Dinner Monday through Saturday Alison Brown Brynmor Closed Sunday Saturday, Sunday 1998. Gabb knew the instruments he Full Service Catering Alison Brown has taken an unlikely needed were fiddle, tin whistle, lead gui- Call for take-outs path in establishing herself as one of the tar, rhythm guitar, bass and drums. Stan- www.brushymtnsmokehouse.com most critically acclaimed banjoists in the ley Widener, lead guitarist, was already world. A former investment banker, she on board, and N.C. School of the Arts toured with and Union Sta- alumni Sharon Fogarty joined on whistle tion and Michelle Shocked before form- and . It’s hard to find a good Irish ing her own group, The Alison Brown fiddler in this area but Gabb knew one, Quartet. She has recorded 10 critically- Rex McGee, who joined and brought his acclaimed solo albums, received four cousin, bass player Tim Hill. Drummer Grammy nominations, a Grammy award Slinky Cobblestone then joined. and the Banjo Player of the Year award from the International Bluegrass Music Mark Bumgarner Association. Friday, Saturday Singer-songwriter Mark Bumgarner Brynmor has been a fixture on the western North Saturday Carolina music scene and beyond for Brynmor originated in 2010 after Rob- most of three decades. He plays a blend ert Gabb craved to return to his Celtic of roots country, bluegrass and rockin’ musical roots. He played in Wales and Ireland prior to moving to the U.S. in Continued on Page 8

Come see us at the Brushy Mountain Smokehouse! Grill • Smoke • Roast • Bake 201 Wilkesboro Boulevard Church Hardware Co. North Wilkesboro Serving Wilkes County Since 1933 1514 West D St. • North Wilkesboro 336-838-2762 336-667-9464 8 • MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April, 2018 Carolina by WNC Magazine. Lineup Sam Bush continued from Page 7 Saturday That rapt merging of life hillbilly blues that creates a true and art fills Bush’s new album Southern Americana sound. His “Storyman,” a freewheeling songwriting shows a sensibil- collection that gleefully picks ity in touch with both the past and chooses from , folk, and the present. Lyrically and blues, reggae, country swing, musically, he draws from classic and bluegrass to create a jubi- Sam Bush Cane Mill Road Cardboard Fox Jody Carroll themes and tones that resonate lant noise only classifiable as something new. selected Cane Mill Road as one The band won the Spiral Earth as much today as ever. He hosts the Sam Bush sound. Many of Cane Mill Road of 30 bands for its 2017 confer- best debut award with their 2014 the MerleFest Band Competition the songs are stories, several Each day ence/festival as the future of self-titled EP and followed up and co-hosts MerleFest’s Chris of them true, and the legend- Growing up just down the bluegrass. on the success of that with the Austin Songwriting Contest. He ary mandolin player co-wrote road from Doc Watson, Cane critically acclaimed album “Out is the co-creator of the MerleFest every one of them with friends Mill Road rocks the traditional Cardboard Fox of Mind.” The second album is Radio Hour. including Guy Clark, Emmylou bluegrass standards they grew Thursday, Friday, Saturday set for release this spring. Harris, Jon Randall Stewart, Jeff up on, yet boldly tackles progres- Cardboard Fox is an English Aaron Burdett Black and others. The father of sive interpretations of Dylan, progressive bluegrass four-piece Jody Carroll Friday Newgrass and King of Telluride , Gordon Lightfoot with twins Charlotte and Laura Friday, Saturday, Sunday Writing and creating songs is has long since established him- and more. The band’s traditional Carrivick (guitar/vocals and fid- Jody Carroll is an American rooted somewhere deep in Bur- self as roots royalty, revered for and progressive music walks dle/vocals), the mandolin talents roots artist. His sound is an orig- dett’s psyche. His lyrics are soul- both his solo and sideman work. the lines between bluegrass, of Joe Tozer and John Breese on inal statement, wildly blazen and touching, intelligent, witty, and But instead of kicking back and old-time, Americana and folk. and harmonies. Its gritted, with high reverence for poetic all at once, while his music soaking up honors such as an Audiences love Cane Mill Road’s original songs have catchy riffs, the folk traditions. His finger- style is a seamless blend of Amer- Americana Music Association high-energy performances, easy vocal harmonies and complex picking, and banjo icana, country, blues, bluegrass, Lifetime Achievement Award going rapport and mix of origi- instrumental backing. Sparks style are influenced by a range of and folk-rock that cohesively cre- and a suite of Grammys and nals and standards. Its debut fly when they let loose on fast rural players from Robert Pete ates a story. Aaron is listed as International Bluegrass Music album hit No. 9 on Billboard’s paced instrumentals. Their live Williams, King Soloman Hill one of the top 10 most impor- Association trophies, Bush still Bluegrass Album chart. Its new shows are full of energy and tant musicians of western North strives relentlessly to create album is “Five Speed.” IBMA their joy in playing is infectious. Continued on Page 9 Welcome MerleFest Fans Welcome to Wilkesboro MerleFest 2018

Come see us for the best prices on your food, drink, water and camping needs Musicians and Fans 1801 U. S. Highway 421 West • Wilkesboro 1489 Mt. Jefferson Road • West Jefferson Th e Town of Wilkesboro 901 N.C. Highway 16 South • Taylorsville www.WilkesboroNC.org

Bistro Dining Drive Th ru 809 Main Street 1921-A Highway 421 Mike’s North Wilkesboro Wilkesboro 336-838-0111 336-838-1011 Body shop Talia Espresso will be at Merlefest in Alumni Hall (#10 on map) Highway 268 East Friday and Saturday • 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Espresso based drinks, coff ee, smoothies, cold blended coff ee drinks, 210 Elkin Highway, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659 pastries and grab-n-go sandwiches Talia Espresso Main Street location—Homemade quiche, salads, (336) 667-9291 chicken salad croissants, soups, paninis and other assorted lunch favorites. www.mikesbodyshopnc.com Fax (336) 667-0504 [email protected] • www.taliaespresso.com • Find us on MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April, 2018 • 9 Lineup continued from Page 8 and Doc Boggs to Bert Jansch, and . His album, “Get Inside This House,” was voted Best Independent Blues Release of the Year by the International Blues Foundation of Memphis.

Lillian Chase APRIL 26, 27, 28th | THURSDAY, FRIDAY & SATURDAY Friday Lillian Chase, 13, Parking Lot Sale learned how to make the fiddle sing at an early age Lillian Chase Saturday and devel- oped an interest in traditional music. A sixth generation native of Asheville and western N.C., she plays and sings roots music and ballads in the vein of Doc Watson’s style. In 2017, Lillian received the Acadia Traditional School’s Young Artist Award, which enabled her to record her Spring Footwear & Apparel first album. Lillian often plays UP TO 40% OFF and sings with her younger sis- All Socks Buy 2 Get 1 FREE

Cicada Rhythm 10% OFF ter, Sara Nell. Cicada Rhythm Friday, Saturday Some Exclusions Apply Born and raised in Georgia, this group imitates and mod- ernizes to a reju- PLUS, CHECK OUT OUR venating degree. Their sound $10.00 exhibits skilled and articulate OFF guitar picking honed in the dive bars of Atlanta over rolling Jul- Booth liard-trained bass lines. Expect Hats - Boots - Umbrellas chilling harmonies, unbridled AT !! enthusiasm and some whole- Hats Merlefest some tunes. 1402 Willow Lane • North Wilkesboro Friday Washington-born and bred singer/songwriter Brandy Clark released her second album, Continued on Page 10 www.cookssports.com 10 • MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April, 2018 nominated and awarded record- Lineup ings. After 15 years, the path led continued from Page 9 Coleman to in Washington, D.C., then to “Big Day in a Small Town,” in Chesapeake and other music June 2016. The album debuted projects and to producing and in the Top Ten on Billboard’s recording various music proj- chart ects for Doc Watson and oth- and secured a place on Rolling ers. In 2015, he released his first T. Michael Stone’s 45 Best Albums of 2016 solo project, “Pocket,” and will Brandy Clark Coleman Andrew Collins Dead Horses So Far and 25 Best Country & be releasing his second during classical and swing. Rodney Crowell is a multiple 2017 to critical acclaim. Americana Albums of 2016 So MerleFest 2018. Ken Crouse Grammy Award-winning singer- Dead Horses Far lists. Clark’s successful 2017 Friday, Saturday songwriter who has written or Saturday included an intimate acoustic Andrew Collins Trio A native and resident of Wilkes recorded 15 No. 1 songs on the Despite the youth of its tour with Charlie Worsham and Friday, Saturday County, Ken Crouse graduated country music charts. He has members, Dead Horses has the release of “Big Day in a Small The JUNO-nominated and from the Wilkes Community also won six Americana music a timeless sound informed Town” outtake “You’re Drunk,” seven times Canadian Folk College Horticulture program awards, including the 2009 Life- as much by early-American which praised as Music Award winning Andrew in 1979 and has been in the time Achievement Award for prose as modern Americana a “reggae-tinged,” “hilariously Collins is at the epicenter of nursery and landscaping busi- Songwriting, and he is a mem- music. Dead Horses released hopped-up” track with a “saucy Canada’s acoustic/roots music ness ever since. Crouse studies ber of the Songwrit- “Cartoon Moon” in 2016, which storyline.” scene. He co-founded Creak- plants, fungi and other facets of ers Hall of Fame. His songs Wisconsin Public Radio called ing String Quartet, the Foggy nature in this region and leads have been recorded by country “equally beautiful and effort- T. Michael Coleman Band Hogtown Boys and the Andrew classes and workshops on mush- legends (, Waylon less.” It won Best Album, Best Friday, Saturday Collins Trio. Collins plays man- room identification throughout Jennings, , and Americana/Bluegrass Artist Coleman grew up in Mayo- dolin, fiddle, guitar, mandola, western North Carolina. Crouse ), to current coun- and Best Female Vocalist at dan and followed his music path and vocals and is has led nature hikes every year try chart toppers (Tim McGraw the 2017 WAMI Awards. Dead down the road to Deep Gap joined by Mike Mezzatesta on at MerleFest since the festival and ) to blues icons Horses logs countless miles and began playing and tour- guitar, mandolin, fiddle and began. () and rock and roll of touring, sharing bills with ing with Doc and Merle Wat- mandola and James McEleney legends (Van Morrison and Bob Trampled by Turtles, Mandolin son. He toured the world and on bass, mandocello and vocals. Rodney Crowell Seger). Crowell’s latest album, participated in many Grammy They play bluegrass, folk, jazz, Friday “Close Ties,” was released in Continued on Page 11

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336-667-6339 270 Armory Road 336-838-3178 North Wilkesboro 545 Moravian Falls Road • Wilkesboro scenicmemorialgardens.com www.reinsstudivant.com MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April, 2018 • 11 Lineup continued from Page 10 Orange and Elephant Revival. Devil Makes Three Friday The Devil Makes Three plays garage-y ragtime, punkified blues, old n’ new timey without Devil Makes Three Doolin’ Jerry Douglas Band Ari Elsinger The East Pointers settling upon a particular era, inspired as much by mountain with elements of Cajun/zydeco, Hayes and Mairtín O’Connor and and in groundbreaking bands complex East Coast ragtime to rock, folk, reggae and country, toured as a headline and festival like J.D. Crowe & the New South, the propulsive rhythm of the gui- music as by Preservation Hall Donna’s music often contains act with Celtic Legends and the , Boone tar evangelists to down-home jazz, blending several genres. social and moral responsibility Tall Ships Festival. Doolin’ com- Creek, The Earls of Leicester Texas , Eisinger is The band is continuing the jour- as core beliefs, and they are just bines instrumentals, vocals and and Strength in Numbers. His one of the most authentic musi- ney that began when the mem- simply fun to celebrate life with. original compositions to create distinctive sound graces more cians. His interpretations of bers found their way to the road Irish music with a French touch. than 1,500 albums, including the songs of masters like Blind that led them out of Vermont. Doolin’ discs released by , Lemon Jefferson, Memphis Min- Saturday Jerry Douglas Paul Simon, James Taylor, Elvis nie, and Donna the Buffalo Doolin’ is France’s premiere Saturday, Sunday Costello, , Ray have been called “downright Each day Celtic band and has perfected a master and 14-time Charles and others. spooky” for the way the styles Continuously touring America mixture of musical genres. From Grammy winner Jerry Douglas of these pioneering guitar heroes since 1989, Donna the Buffalo cre- ballads to fast jigs, from its own is to the what Ari Eisinger are brought vibrantly back to life. ated a community environment at compositions to traditional tunes, was to the electric Saturday, Sunday their shows through groove-heavy, Doolin’ offers a rich palette of guitar. Douglas also is a free- Ari Eisinger is one of the East Pointers danceable music. Donna the Buf- sound. Doolin’ worked with leg- wheeling, forward-thinking most dazzling country blues Friday falo is a band for the people and endary Irish guitarist John Doyle recording artist who incorpo- and ragtime guitarists playing. The East Pointers – fiddler/ is accessible, positive and memo- in the producer’s chair to achieve rates bluegrass, country, rock, The sportin’ right hand, singer Tim Chaisson, banjoist rable. With roots in old-time fiddle a unique sound. This sextet has jazz, blues and Celtic. He is one rhythms, the notes everybody Koady Chaisson, and guitarist music that evolved into a soulful been a support act to names such of the most innovative record- else leaves out – they’re all there. electric American mix infused as Altan, Kevin Burke, Martin ing artists in music, both as solo Able to shift effortlessly from Continued on Page 12 Get your Z’s at the Beaz! % for Scott Ashley 48 months Owner Mow with an attitude A breed apart 0 Bad Boy 2868 Hwy. 268 west at Corner of old Browns ford road Maverick starting at Welcome To MerleFest $5,899 Pick Up All Your Camping Needs From Us! Milk • Coffee • Boiled Peanuts • Ice • Snacks • Propane • Wood Bad Boy ZT Elite Jake & Amos Natural Light starting at $4,499 Canned Goods 18 PaCk Beasley Power Equipment Non-Ethanol 12 oz. Cans 19 Commercial Park Ave. • Taylorsville, N.C. Gas $ 99 Regular Gas 828-635-0089 • beasleypowerequipment.com availaBle at all loCations 11 12 • MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April, 2018 Lineup continued from Page 11 Jake Charron – spent the last two years touring Canada, the U.S., the U.K., and Australia in support of the band’s award-winning album, “Secret Victory.” The band’s highly Cathy Fink and anticipated sophomore album, Elephant Revival Tommy Emmanuel Richard Ray Farrell Marcy Marzer “What We Leave Behind,” pro- four, Tommy Emmanuel started playing professionally in 1976. Queen of Thailand, been keynote Fireside Collective duced by songwriter/ producer working professionally two Farrell toured with artists R.L. singers for the AFL-CIO, per- Band Competition, was a finalist Gordie Sampson, was released years later in a family band, the Burnside, Louisiana Red, Frank formed at hundreds of folk fes- in the Telluride Bluegrass Band Sept. 29, 2017. “What We Leave Emmanuel Quartet. Eventually, Frost, Big Jack Johnson, Lazy tivals, appeared on the “Today competition and features the Behind” reflects on the traditions the jazz musician ventured out Lester, and Big Boy Henry. Far- Show” and on National Public Rockygrass Banjo Champion. of Canadian . on his own, improvising his way rell performed with , Radio. Their harmonies are Formed in 2014, Fireside blends and Ameri- Elephant Revival through many of his songs to Jerry Portnoy, The Nighthawks, backed by the guitar, five-string can roots music with modern Saturday capture and shape the mood Bill Heid, Big Joe Maher and banjo, ukulele, mandolin, - acoustic . With Elephant Revival is a unique of the room. In addition to the Mitch Woods. He formed Far- banjo and other instruments. collection of multi-instrumen- standing ovations from his audi- rell & Black in 1995 with Mothers They play classic country to mandolin, Dobro, and acoustic talists blending elements of ences, the recognitions rolled in, of Invention drummer, Jimmy western swing, gypsy jazz to old- guitar layered on top of rock gypsy, Celtic, Americana and including two Grammy nomi- Carl Black, recording two CDs time stringband and bluegrass, solid stand-up bass, Fireside folk. Brought together by a uni- nations, two awards from the and touring for 10 years. He contemporary folk, and original Collective delights in taste- fully exploring the boundaries fied sense of purpose, Elephant Australian Recording Industry moved to Philadelphia in 2001 gems. Their 45th recording, “Get of roots music. Revival communicates the impor- Association and other honors. and released seven CDs. Up And Do Right” features stu- tance of harmony among all living dio and live duets. Tennessee Jed Fisher things and uses music to unite us Richard Ray Farrell Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer Friday in ways that no other medium can. Saturday, Sunday Friday, Saturday Fireside Collective Combining soul and funk- Ray Farrell from Niagara Friday Tommy Emmanuel Two-time Grammy Award rock with bluegrass and country Saturday Falls, N.Y., started busking in winners Cathy Fink and Marcy Asheville-based Fireside Col- Given his first guitar at age Paris, France (1975), and began Marxer have entertained the lective won the 2016 MerleFest Continued on Page 13 Proud Supporter

Presents the 11th annual Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame Dinner and April 26-29, 2018 Induction Ceremony at the Stone Center for Performing Arts 613 Cherry Street • North Wilkesboro, N.C. Saturday, June 9, 2018 • Tickets $35 Doors open 6 p.m. • Dinner 6:30 p.m. • Ceremony 7:15 p.m. 336-667-3171 or www.wilkesheritagemuseum.com 2018 Inductees Jimmie Rodgers • J. E. Mainer • George Shuffl er Th e Easter Brothers • Hazel Dickens Galax Old Fiddlers Convention • Bill Williams Recordings Performances by Th e Easter Brothers • Slaty Fork Bluegrass Th e Elkville String Band with Wayne Henderson • Virginialina Sponsors: Town of Wilkesboro, Marilyn Payne, Clyde and Geri Cook, Arnold and Rebecca Lakey, A-1 Self Storage, Brame Huie Pharmacy, Payne Power Equipment, Law Offi ces of Timothy D. Welborn, Jim and Rose Andrews, Kirk Gunton, Tom and Ann Graves, Nancy Watson, Wilkes Tyson Foods, Inc. • Wilkesboro Heritage Museum Gift Shop, Austin Shrewsbury, Communities In Schools, Hampton Inn MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April, 2018 • 13 Lineup continued from Page 12 music, Tennessee Jed Fisher cre- ated what he calls “Pimpgrass.” He travels the U.S. with his por- table solar-powered PA/record- ing rig, ready to play anytime, anywhere. His first MerleFest Tennessee Flatland Harmony and Jeffery Susana and appearance features two new Jed Fisher Experiment Abigaill Washburn Foucault Jayme Stone’s Folklife Timmy Abell projects, “Soular Sessions,” and and ’s second ner Billy Conway on drums, Bo Giddens is the co-founder of the largely original songs, was “Pimpgrass,” a definitive full- album “Echo in the Valley” is Ramsey on electric , Jer- Grammy winning string band released to widespread critical length produced in Nashville. both familiar and wildly inno- emy Moses Curtis on bass and Carolina Chocolate Drops, play- acclaim in February. She per- vative. “Echo in the Valley” is Eric Heywood on pedal steel. ing banjo and fiddle. Giddens’ formed at the White House and Flatland Harmony Experiment the follow up to their acclaimed, 2014 Grammy nominated solo duets with country star Eric Saturday self-titled debut that earned the Jayme Stone’s Folklife debut, “Tomorrow Is My Turn,” Church on his powerful anti- Flatland Harmony Experiment 2016 Grammy for “Best Folk Saturday blends gospel, jazz, blues and racism hit “.” In 2018, is a high octane four-piece vocally Album.” This time, the mission Stemming from the Lomax country. Giddens’ follow-up driven string band from Indiana. It was to take their double banjo Project, Jayme Stone’s Folklife album, “,” Continued on Page 14 embraces an old approach to creat- combination of three finger treats old field recordings not ing new music by gathering around and clawhammer styles “to the as time capsules, but as heir- a single microphone. it takes listen- next level and find things to do loom seeds passed down from Thursday, April 26 ers on a ride from sweet harmony together that we had not done a bygone generation. Planting ------filled ballads to driving instru- before,” said Fleck. these sturdy seeds in modern Watson Stage Jam Camp 5:20 PM - 5:45 PM mental virtuosity. With four lead soil, this versatile gathering of Kruger Brothers 3:00 PM - 3:45 PM ------singers who dedicated their lives Jeffery Foucault musicians has cultivated vibrant Banknotes Sunday ------to their craft, expect this work to Sea Island spirituals, Creole 6:45 PM - 7:10 PM shine though material that crosses Jeffrey Foucault is one of the calypsos, and stomp-down 4:15 PM - 5:15 PM ------finest songwriters of his gen- Appalachian dance tunes for ------The Mastersons bluegrass, jazz, Americana, funk, 8:15 PM - 9:00 PM folk and more. eration. Hs has caught the ear contemporary listeners. Their Kris Kristofferson of everyone from Greil Marcus concerts and educational pro- 5:45 PM - 6:45 PM ------Dance Stage Béla Fleck and to Don Henley, who regularly grams are moving, inventive, Robert Earl Keen Donna the Buffalo Abigail Washburn covers Foucault in his live set, and participatory experiences 7:15 PM - 8:15 PM 9:45 PM - 11:00 PM Friday, Saturday to Van Dyke Parks. In 2018, that prove folk songs are indeed ------Foucault will release “Blood perennials for the people. The Mavericks Pickin’ Place With one eye on using the 9:00 PM - 10:15 PM banjo to showcase America’s Brothers,” the much-anticipated Stage follow-up to 2015’s acclaimed Rhiannon Giddens Jammin’ at the rich heritage and the other Cabin Stage Pickin’ Place pulling the instrument into new album “Salt As Wolves.” He is Saturday Aaron Burdett 2:30 PM - 8:30 PM and unique realms, Béla Fleck joined by longtime tour part- Singer-songwriter Rhiannon 3:45 PM - 4:15 PM Sunday, April 29 Watson Rangers & Friends Devotions ------Mark Queen - Donna the Buffalo Cane Mill Road with Laura Boosinger Plaza Stage with special guest with Roy Dobyns and Wayland Dance Tunes from 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM Open Mic hosted by Stage Steve Martin Jeff Little 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM the Mountains of ------The Local Boys 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM 9:35 AM - 10:00 AM Appalachia We Banjo 3 ------Wesley Bright & Meet and Greet with Women Who Sing 12:00 PM - 3:30 PM 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM Cabin ------Frank Solivan & 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM The Honeytones Flattop and Play Traditional ------Gospel Songs of Dirty Kitchen ------12:45 PM - 1:30 PM 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM Music with Carol Alison Brown Stage Doc Watson with 1:45 PM - 2:30 PM Contra Dance with ------Rifkin, Jeanette Pickin’ 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM Happy Traum Jeff Little Trio ------The BattleAxe Band & The Little Pickers Sing- Queen, The BattleAx Place ------10:45 AM - 11:15 AM 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM We Banjo 3 and Caller Clinton Radio Ramblers a-Long with Laura Band, Sarah Stage “Mission Temple ------3:00 PM - 3:45 PM Ross 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM Boosinger and Jef McCombie, Kim Jammin’ at the Fireworks Revival” Andy May Gospel Hour 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM ------1:00 PM - 1:30 PM McWhirter and Pickin’ Place featuring Paul Thorn 12:15 PM - 12:45 PM with Joe Mullins & Dance Jeffrey Foucault ------Sarah Ritter 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM & Band, The Blind ------The Radio Ramblers Stage Americana 3:15 PM - 4:00 PM Meet and Greet with 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM Boys of Alabama & Bryan Sutton 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM Flattop ------The Whitewater Stage The McCrary Sisters 1:55 PM - 2:30 PM 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM Pete Wernick Bluegrass Sunday Blues Little 12:45 PM - 1:45 PM ------Hillside ------Traditional Jam Company - with Roy Book Pickers ------Jim Lauderdale Alberti Flea Circus 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM Stage with Binder featuring Jody Jerry Douglas Band 3:35 PM - 4:00 PM Stage 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM ------Rose & the Riveters Caller Ted White Carroll, Ari Eisinger, with special guest Peter Rowan 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM 10:15 AM - 11:30 AM Richard Ray Farrell Steve and Ruth John Medeski Creekside Traditional Plays and Sings ------and Charles Welch Smith 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM Traditional Songs Stage Jeffrey Foucault Carol Rifkin, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Stage ------3:30 PM - 4:15 PM Sunday Morning 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM Jeanette Queen, ------Shape Note Singing Steep Canyon 14 • MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April, 2018 Friday, April 27 Cabin Stage Orchestra Ensemble 11:05 AM - 11:30 12:15 PM - 12:45 10:15 AM - 11:00 Balsam Range with Balsam Range 12:45 PM - 1:30 9:45 PM - 11:00 Marcy Marxer with 1:30 PM - 2:00 6:30 PM -7:30 5:15 PM - 6:00 3:15 PM - 4:15 2:00 PM - 2:45 8:00 PM - 9:00 Abigail Washburn Mandolin Orange Mike Aiken Band Jamey Johnson Cathy Fink and Bela Fleck and special guesr Sam Gleaves Brandy Clark The Barefoot Watson Atlanta Pops Peter Rowan ------Tennessee Jed Fisher Movement Stage Lineup Scythian continued from Page 13 Giddens will be the guest curator for the Cambridge Folk Festival. Giddens has a and TreyHensley, The Songwriting Contest Rosie & the Riveters with Jim Lauderdale David Holt, Rob Ickes 12:00 PM - 12:45 10:45 AM - 11:30 Flexigrass Jam with The Lonesome Ace 9:30 AM - 10:15 Jeff Little Trio with Wayne Henderson 1:15 PM - 2:15 9:00 PM - 9:45 7:30 PM - 8:00 6:05 PM - 6:30 4:50 PM - 5:15 2:50 PM - 3:15 Jeanette Williams Lonely Heartstring Lonely Heartstring Creekside Band, Rosie & the Mark Bumgarner recurring role on the revived The Po’ Ramblin’ Rodney Crowell Riveters, Presley Barker and other Cathy Fink and Pete Wernick’s Marcy Marxer special guests special guest Chris Austin ------Stringband

TV drama “Nashville.” Stage

Mitch Gunner & Band Mitch Greenhill Greenhill Smith Appearing Friday, Saturday A product of the Cambridge folk music scene, Mitch Green- with Peter Rowan and 11:00 AM - 11:45 T. Michael Coleman 12:15 PM - 1:00 9:45 AM - 10:30 Donna the Buffalo 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 5:15 PM - 6:00 4:00 PM - 4:45 2:45 PM - 3:30 Sunset Sessions: Heartstring Band Heartstring hill recorded two albums. He The Po’ Ramblin’ Kruger BrothersKruger Cicada Rhythm Friday Evening Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley Hillside Lindsay Lou and Imagine Piper Jones ------performed along the East The Lonely Stage Possums Friends Doolin’ Boys Coast and joined his father Boys Manny Greenhill at Folklore

Productions. He worked as agent and/or manager for Doc and Merle Watson and others The Hackwells 10:45 PM - 11:59 Watson Performing

12:15 PM - 1:30 9:30 PM - 10:15 9:00 PM - 10:15 Fireside Collective Bagpipes and Inter- 2:15 PM - 3:00 6:30 PM - 7:45 3:45 PM - 4:30 The East Pointers 5:15 PM - 6:00 7:30 PM - 8:30 Beatles tunes and and produced albums, includ- Band Heartstring The Po’ Ramblin’ The Devil Makes Arts Showcase Arts other danceable The Way Down The Way Smitty and the we l l s a r e Doc and Merle JumpStarters Yoga - Bring Piper Jones Celtic dance ------The Lonely Austin Dance ing a Grammy-winner for Wanderers Stage Stage exactly what Your Mat Three music the Watsons. He and Mayne Boys you need. The Smith released three CDs and H a c k w e l l s toured in North America, Brit- c o n s i d e r ain and Italy. On Broadway, Hank Sr., Hag- Greenhill composed original gard, Kristof- Savannah Smith and Songwriting Contest (CASC) Chris Austin 11:00 AM - 11:45 The Andrew Collins The Lonesome Ace with Judges Rodney 12:15 PM - 1:00 9:45 AM - 10:30 with Mitch Greenhill Americana 9:30 AM - 1:45 PM 2:00 PM - 3:30 6:30 PM - 7:15 The East Pointers 5:15 PM - 6:00 4:00 PM - 4:45 2:45 PM - 3:30 1:30 PM - 2:15

music for “An Almost Holy and Johnny Marlin Williams with host Kruger BrothersKruger String Madness Crowell, Andrew The Way Down The Way Jim Lauderdale Southern Soul ferson and The Waybacks Smothers and with Host Joe Joe Kendrick String Band ------

Picture,” a dramatic play star- Wanderers John Prime Stage Erin Harpe

ring Kevin Bacon, directed Trio their musical by Michael Mayer. He also Mt. Rushmore. The band con- composed and/or designed sists of Jeff Schott on bass/ sound at the Kennedy Center, vocals, Brian McCarty on gui- the Mark Taper Forum, and tar/vocals, Larry Everhart on Little Pickers Sing-a- Scythian - “Cake For 12:00 PM - 12:30 11:00 AM - 11:30 10:00 AM - 10:30 Breakfast” Kids CD Susana and Timmy Susana Alberti Flea Circus Alberti Flea Circus Alberti special appearance Release Party with Traditional 2:00 PM - 2:30 other regional theaters. Film 3:30 PM - 4:00 3:00 PM - 3:30 1:00 PM - 1:30 Long 5:00 PM -5:30 4:00 PM -4:30 The InterACTive and Timmy Abell and Timmy Meet and Greet harmonica/vocals and John Cane Mill Road Theater of Jef Lillian Chase Pickers with Flattop ------credits include “The Long Rid------Traditional Stage Stage by Flattop Dobat on guitar/banjo/vocals. Little and Jef with Susana ers” and “Safe.” Abell Erin Harpe Gunner & Smith Saturday Thursday, Friday -based Erin Harpe The music of Gunner & learned acoustic finger-style Carol Rifkin, Jeanete Hannah Shira Naiman Banjo and Songs with 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM 10:45 AM - 11:15 10:05 AM - 10:45 Queen, Mark Queen Laura Boosinger & Laura Boosinger 9:45 AM - 10:30 Happy Traum, Larry Wayne Henderson Smith, with searing guitars, Singer-Songwriter 4:30 PM - 5:15 6:45 PM - 7:15 6:00 PM - 6:30 3:00 PM - 3:45 1:30 PM - 2:15 Roy Book Binder: Mayes Pit and Friends with Auditorium) Hubby Jenkins

blues guitar from her dad, David Holt and Nixon and Mike Workshop Thumbpicking Presley Barker Josh Goforth The Midnight Clawhammer special guest Storytelling Storytelling ------brawny rhythms and distinct ------Ted Olson Bluesman Neil Harpe, and from watch- Plowboys (Cohn folk-family vocals, produces Palmer ing greats like tightly-knit rock anthems. John Cephas & Phil Wiggins, After releasing the debut with John Jackson, Eleanor Ellis album, “He Once Was a Good and Warner Williams. Harpe Man,” in 2014, Gunner & Smith developed her own style, Happy Traum,Richard Exploring the Partial Blues Workshop with Plaza Stage 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Smothers, with David Open Mic hosted by 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM 12:15 PM - 1:00 Traveling with Doc toured across North America 1:15 PM - 2:00 and Jack Lawrence 4:15 PM - 5:00 5:15 PM - 6:00 3:15 PM - 4:00 Roy Book Binder Coleman, Bob Hill Songwriting 101 American Roots Ballad Tradition

influenced by Piedmont and Capo Ted Olson: Ted The General Public The Local Boys Ray Farrell and Holt, T.Michael Stories About hosted by Joe Music for the and Friends Rosie & the numerous times. Smith, with Interpreting Jody Carroll ------Ted Olson: and Merle Riveters:

country blues. She performs Greenhill a master’s degree in religious originals, her arrangements with Mitch history focused on the radi- of songs by blues artists like cal reformation, embraces Memphis Minnie, Ma Rainey a number of sly classic rock and Lucille Bogan and songs influences. by , 10:00 AM - PM 10:00 AM - 10:45 MerleFest Memories Sarah Jane Scouten 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM Coleman, David Holt, Lawrence, T.Michael 12:30 PM - 1:15 hosted by Jeff Little Wayne Henderson, 4:15 PM - 5:00 5:30 PM - 7:00 3:00 PM - 3:45 1:45 PM - 2:30 with Bob Hill, Tara Robin and Linda

Tommy Johnson and Blind The Local Boys Jammin’ at the Mitch Greenhill, “B” Townesand Acoustic Kids with Andy May

Hackwells Pickin’ Place Nevins, Jack Walker Showcases Center Pickin’ ------Stage Stage Place Blake. She released two Cliff Miller Williams Sideline Saturday Nu-Blu albums, “Blues Roots” and Enjoy songs about prison, “Delta Blues Duets,” and graveyards, flea markets, two albums with her band, beauty queens, and other people’s faults? The Hack- Continued on Page 15 MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April, 2018 • 15 friends Doc Watson and Lineup E.C. Ball. Singer, fiddler, guitarist and tunesmith

continued from Page 14 with Mitch Helen White has toured Folklife Lori King Place Stage Stage Bumgarner Lauderdale ------Erin Harpe & the Delta ------Pickin' Pickin' extensively with Wayne Center Walker Walker Pickin' Place Pickin' Alison Brown The Cleverlys hosted by Mark hosted by Jayme Stone's Jayme Jammin' at the the Buffalo, Joel the Buffalo, Docabilly Blues Docabilly and Junction 63 and Junction Kruger Brothers Jeff Little, Rosie & Jeff Little, 4:00 PM - 4:45 9:45 AM - 3:45 PM 3:15 PM - 4:00 5:45 PM - 6:30 Swingers. She released an 2:00 PM - 2:45

in the U.S. and Europe. Landsberg and Jim featuring T. Michael T. featuring Donna the Buffalo Blowout Blowout the Riveters, Donna the Riveters, 12:45 PM - 1:30 Coleman, David Holt, Coleman, David 10:00 AM - 11:00 10:00 AM - PM 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM instructional guitar DVD Compositions include Greenhill and Friends in 2016. works for theater and - video projects as well as Booklist honored record-

ing of original songs for with Cathy Smith Marxer Marxer Activism Plaza MerleFest Stage History of Mavericks children. Helen is the voice! your ------Jody Carroll Si Kahn & Joe Fink and Marcy Steve and Ruth Steve with "B" Townes with "B" Townes and finger-style and finger-style Music influences Mitch Greenhill: Greenhill: Mitch and Perform the and Perform founder and served as Learning to Play Down Home Har Down How Folk Folk How Jencks: Hammered Dulci - tar and banjo with 2:45 PM - 3:30 3:45 PM - 4:30 1:45 PM - 2:30 4:45 PM - 5:30 6:00 PM - 6:45 Ukulele The Folk process/ Band Competition Raised By Musical with mer Workshop 12:45 PM - 1:30 techniques for gui - for techniques with Dr. Banjo with Dr. mony open tunings, slide open tunings, - Pete Wernick. Bring Wernick. - Pete executive director of the 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM Junior Appalachian Musi- cians (JAM) program for Ashley Heath and 15 years, introducing stu- dents in four states to tra-

Her Heathens 2018 Band Smith Farrell Farrell

ditional mountain musical (Cohn Stage Si Kahn & Stringband ------Doc Watson Joe Jencks Happy Traum Happy Marcy Marxer Marcy Welcome and Welcome with Workshop Cathy Fink and Cathy Mitch Greenhill Mitch Auditorium) Ashley Heath and heritage. The subject of and Ruth Steve with Richard Ray with Richard Ray Blues Workshop Blues Workshop Tony Williamson Tony Mayes Pit Mayes Plays the Songs of Plays Ritchie and Rosie Ritchie 4:00 PM - 4:45 6:00 PM - 6:30 7:00 AM - 7:30 2:30 PM - 3:15 1:00 PM - 1:45 Traditional North Carolina Heri - 9:30 AM - 10:30 9:45 AM - 10:30 The Lonesome Ace tage Award Recipient tage Award 10:45 AM - 11:30 Her Heathens the documentary “Herb 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM Saturday Key: Nurturing Ameri- With a blend of original can Heritage,” guitarist soul Americana music, Ash- and bassist Herb grew ley Heath is rising as one of up in Wilkes County and and Abell Asheville’s finest musicians has lived close to the land Niman Little Stage My bubba My bubba ------with Flattop with Flattop Little Pickers Pickers Marcy Marxer Marcy Hannah Shira with “velvety” vocals and a and learned traditional Theater of Jef Cathy Fink and Cathy Cane Mill Road Meet and Greet Meet and Greet Musicians Band The InterACTive The InterACTive Present Tunes for Present Tunes magine Possums i magine Possums 5:15 PM - 6:00 6:30 PM - 7:15 2:00 PM - 2:30 2:30 PM - 3:00 5:00 PM - 5:30 3:30 PM - 4:00 4:00 PM - 4:30 Alberti Flea Circus 12:30 PM - 1:00 Susana and Timmy T. Michael Coleman Michael T. Junior Appalachian Appalachian Junior 10:00 AM - 10:30 11:00 AM - 11:30 bluesy guitar style. “Ashley music beginning in the 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM Heath and Her Heathens” 1950s. Known as one of was formed in May 2016 as the best guitar repairmen a backing band for Heath’s in the region, he is also a first album “A Different keeper of stories and rel- OuR Stream,” a seven-song col- ishes singing songs about Fisher Doolin' Scythian Scythian Scythian Stage Stage Austin ------lection of original music Showcases Dead Horses Dead Horses The Greatest BRiNG y Wilkes legends. Learn to Jam The Cleverlys The Cleverlys with Andy May with Andy May Acoustic Kids iNSTRuMENT! iNSTRuMENT! Show on EarthShow Tennessee Jed Tennessee Acoustic Blues Cicada Rhythm The Note Ropers with Pete Wernick. Wernick. with Pete 4:00 PM - 5:30 1:30 PM - 2:15 2:45 PM - 3:30 4:00 PM - 4:45 Americana 11:00 AM - 3:45 9:15 PM - 10:15 9:45 AM - 10:50 9:45 AM - 10:30 and one cover, 12:15 PM - 1:00 10:45 PM - 11:59 “Ready for the Times to 11:00 AM - 11:45 Get Better,” that Heath first heard from Doc Watson. A second album, “Where Hope Never Dies,” is in the works. Ross Farris Doolin' Stage Banknotes Dance ------Showcases Dead Horses with Andy May with Andy May Acoustic Kids Town Mountain Town Special Guests Saturday Night Saturday Elephant Revival Barn Dance with Album Hour with Album Cowan and Other Cowan and Caller Clinton special guest Mike special guest Mike Sunset Sessions: Sunset Sessions: The Reunion Jam Saturday Evening Saturday 3:00 PM - 3:45 1:45 PM - 2:30 3:15 PM - 4:00 4:45 PM - 6:00 6:30 PM - 7:15 7:45 PM - 8:45 4:15 PM - 5:45 6:30 PM - 7:45 The Waybacks and The Waybacks Bryan Sutton, John Contra Dance with The BattleAxe Band The BattleAxe Douglas, Bela Fleck, Bela Fleck, Douglas, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM with Sam Bush, Jerry

Bob Hill Bob Hill Friday, Saturday Collins

Bob Hill sold his first Stage ------Hillside Alison Brown Jeff Little Trio Dukes of Drive of Drive Dukes Mitch Greenhill Watson Family Watson Town Mountain Town Jim Lauderdale Jim Lauderdale Terry Baucom's Terry Memories of the Kruger Brothers Michael Coleman with special guest Wayne Henderson Wayne

published song to Ray Norris and Andrew Coleman - with Wat Friends son Family 2:00 PM - 2:45 3:30 PM - 4:15 1:45 PM - 2:30 4:45 PM - 5:30 6:00 PM - 6:45 Bush, Tony William - Bush, Tony son, Andrew Marlin, son, Andrew 12:00 PM - 1:30 12:30 PM - 1:15 Mando Mania: Sam Mando Mania: Hosted by T. Michael T. Hosted by phen Mougin, Tommy phen Mougin, Tommy String Madness with 10:45 AM - 11:30 Bob Applebaum, Ste - Wayne Henderson, Helen Charles in 1972. He joined 10:00 AM - 10:45 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM Smith and Herb Key Doc and Merle Watson as an original member of Wayne Henderson, Helen Frosty Morn. Hill has writ-

White and Herb Key ten songs, recorded and

Thursday and Friday Winner Andy May

performed with Leon Rus- Stage Si Kahn & ------Joe Jencks Joe Jencks Songwriting Songwriting Songwriting Songwriting Chris Austin Chris Austin Chris Austin Chris Austin Acoustic Kids special guest T. special guest T. David Holt and David

Wayne Henderson is a MerleFest 2018 Cicada Rhythm Category Winner Category Winner Category Winner Category Winner

sell, JJ Cale, Jack “Cow- Contest - Gospel Creekside Contest - Country General Contest - General Josh Goforth with 1:15 PM - 1:45 2:50 PM - 3:15 9:00 PM - 9:30 7:05 PM - 7:30 5:50 PM - 6:15 Band Competition 9:30 AM - 10:15 Bluegrass Contest - Bluegrass Ambassadors - with Ambassadors 10:45 AM - 11:15 National Heritage Award boy” Clement, Don Everly, 12:00 PM - 12:30 recipient honored for his Ray Stevens, Lacy J. Dal- craftsmanship as a luthier ton and Rufus and Carla and his renowned finger- Thomas. He has released style Appalachian guitar a CD entitled “Keepin’ the and Trio Trio

playing. His lightning-fast Allstars Wolves Away” on Love Bob Hill Smothers Stage Stage My bubba with Sam Bush, Cabin ------Watson

articulate playing style Peter Douglas, Special Guests Rowan and Joe Rowan North Mississippi Sam Bush Band Saturday, April Saturday, 28 1:45 PM - 2:45 3:15 PM - 4:15 5:00 PM - 5:45 6:15 PM - 7:00 7:30 PM - 9:00 Imagine Possums Possums Imagine 9:30 PM -10:45 Jerry Douglas and Tommy Emmanuel Emmanuel Tommy Rhiannon Giddens Rhiannon Giddens 12:30 PM - 1:15 9:30 AM - 10:00 Buddy Miller and the Unspoken Tradition T. Michael Coleman Michael T. MerleFest Veteran's MerleFest Veteran's Jam The Andrew Collins The Andrew Jim Lauderdale with Jim Lauderdale Jack Lawrence, Jerry Lawrence, Jack 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM Continued on Page 16 10:00 AM - 10:45 was influenced by close 16 • MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April, 2018 tains comes to life in the hands of Josh Lineup Goforth, descended from western N.C. continued from Page 15 mountaineers, and David Holt. Their CD, “Cutting Loose,” was nominated for a Breeze Records and is working on a Grammy. Their newest CD, “Good Medi- new project. cine,” met with rave reviews. David Holt Friday, Saturday Horsemen Let’s Ride Rob Ickes and Saturday Trey Hensley Hubby Jenkins David Holt is taping season three of his David Holt and Horsemen Horsemen Let’s Ride is composed of TV show “David Holt’s State of Music,” Josh Goforth Let’s Ride diverse individuals, who are well versed shown nationally on PBS. With guests plays banjo, guitar, mandolin and Dobro. in their own right but come together to like Rhiannon Giddens, Steep Canyon With diverse influences, the original work Rangers, the Kruger Brothers and Doyle form this dynamic group. Mark Church, of Hummingbird Crossing resonates with Lawson, it gives an in-depth look at the founder and lead singer/songwriter, met clear soulful melodies that rest upon a music and personalities of America’s drummer, Adina Watkins, while doing warm, open sound, reflecting their prairie great roots music artists. Holt is a four- studio session work. Bass players Phil roots. A first album is set this year. time Grammy Award winning musician, Goins and Freddy Banner both hold storyteller and radio and TV host. For down the bottom end. HLR’s sound is Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley Hummingbird Crossing over 45 years, the multi-instrumentalist like Southern rock & country meeting Friday has collected and performed songs and rhythm & blues to form a unique and There are many things you know are to make the joint venture the centerpiece stories of the Blue Ridge, learning this enjoyable sound. just meant to be - but even when you do, of his career. And with the release of music directly from greats like Doc Wat- it’s nice to get some outside affirmation. their new project, “The Country Blues” son, and Etta Baker. From Hummingbird Crossing So, while Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley on July 8, 2018 the pair build on the first 1998-2012, Holt toured and performed Saturday were sure that their musical partnership one’s strengths to take their unique musi- with Watson. Holt now tours performing From the Canadian prairies, Hum- was the right move at the right time, it cal conversation to an even higher level. solo, with Josh Goforth, and with his mingbird Crossing is a family band play- was still welcome news when their debut Hubby Jenkins band, the Lightning Bolts. He is in the ing traditional and modern bluegrass, Compass Records Project, “Before The N.C. Music Hall of Fame. Friday gospel and folk music. Vance Petriew Sun Goes Down,” earned a nomination Hubby Jenkins is a talented multi- David Holt and Josh Goforth plays bass; Jennifer Petriew plays guitar, for the Best Bluegrass Album Grammy instrumentalist who shares his love and Friday cello and bass; Helen Chang plays man- just about the time that Ickes took leave The rich musical heritage of the moun- dolin, fiddle and guitar; and Tim Mrazek of the band he’d been in for over 20 years Continued on Page 17 24-Hour Emergency Service antiques Toad’s Wrecker Service artisan shops Over 40 Years Experience • William C. Dimmette • Owner/Operator Tires • Salvage • Welding • Minor Auto Repairs • Rollbacks Large and Small Wreckers • Lock Out Service • Secure Storage emporium Phone (336) 670-2899 • Toll Free (800) 442-7199 Cell (336) 902-8400 • Cell (336) 902-3403 • Fax (336) 670-3624 Local Wines 2184 Mulberry Road • North Wilkesboro, N.C. 28659 & Cheese

Servicing the heating and air conditioning needs of MerleFest fans for over 40 years Don’t wait or it might be too late monday-saturday 10-6 Call today for a checkup sunday 1-5 Associated Heating and Air Conditioning 324 Reynolds Avenue 502 MAIN STREET • NORTH WILKESBORO North Wilkesboro, N.C. Phone 336-667-7012 www.associatedheatandair.com 336-990-0711 MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April, 2018 • 17 Lineup continued from Page 16 knowledge of old-time American music. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he delved into his Southern roots, following African American history through country blues, ragtime, fiddle and banjo and traditional jazz. Jenkins developed his guitar and Jamey Piper vocal craft on sidewalks and subway plat- Johnson Jones forms of and then played EJ Jones has excelled as a performer of the streets, coffee shops, bars, and house traditional Highland bagpipe music and parties around the world. From 2010 to as a folk musician since co-founding the 2014, he was part of the Carolina Choco- renowned group Clandestine in 1991. late Drops. Since 2015, he has toured and Frances Cunningham, on , lives recorded with the Rhiannon Giddens in Nashville and is a frequent member band while still doing solo shows. of the Mike Snider String Band, playing weekly on the Grand Ole Opry. Her first InterACTive Theater of Jef love is traditional Irish music. Friday, Saturday and Sunday Junior Appalachian Jef juggles and balances things but gets Musicians Band confused at times. He involves his audi- Saturday ence members to help him when he’s con- The Junior Appalachian Musicians Come test drive fused and to play along with his mime, Band is an old-time string band from mask and variety arts shenanigans. He the mountains of North Carolina and even leads sing-a-longs by himself and Virginia. These musicians are all under with other artists. He enjoys performing age 15. They were selected in 2017 to rep- the All New at MerleFest on the Little Pickers’ stage resent the 40 Junior Appalachian Musi- as well as roving the entire festival foot- cians (JAM) programs in a four-state print - from the front gates through the region. JAM is an after-school program merchandise village to the Little Pick- for youth to learn the traditional old-time ers Area. Bring the family because Jef’s and bluegrass music and dance styles work is for children and adults to enjoy of the Appalachians, and it collectively Jeep Wrangler together. reaches more than 1,500 kids each school year. Jamey Johnson Visit [Black Chrysler DodgeSeveral Jeep Ram] and test drive to the choose from. Robert Earl Keen future of freedom today. Friday Thursday Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Robert Earl Keen has recorded 19 Jamey Johnson’s album, “That Lonesome albums and has thousands of shows Song,” was platinum for 1 million in sales, under his belt and still no end in sight. and his double album, “,” From his humble beginnings on the folk BLACK CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM 831 Salisbury Rd debuted at No. 1 on the country album scene, he has blazed a trail that’s earned Statesville, NC 28677 704-924-7070 charts and received a gold certifica- him living legend status in the Ameri- www.blackchryslerdodgeramjeep.com tion. In 2012, he released a Grammy- cana music world. Although he has never nominated project, “: been known to wear his Texas heart on A Tribute to .” Johnson his sleeve, he has long been regarded is one of the few to win two Song of the as one of the state’s finest true singer/ Year Awards, for “Give It Away” and “In songwriters. Keen and his band have sold BLACK Color,” from the Academy of Country out venerable performance halls includ- Music and the Country Music Associa- ing New York’s Irving Plaza, Nashville’s tion. He has written singles for George , Fort Worth’s Bass AUTOMOTIVE GROUP Strait, , , Joe Hall, Austin’s Moody’s Fillmore West. It Nichols and others. isn’t always easy being Robert Earl Keen, but somebody’s got to do it. And now Piper Jones more than ever he is up to the task and Friday loving every minute of it. OF STATESVILLE Highland bagpiper EJ Jones and the Lori King and Junction 63 poetic chordal narrative of bouzoukist Friday, Saturday Frances Cunningham are joined by the Lori King and Junction 63 performs pounding rhythms of the percussion in traditional bluegrass and gospel with tunes and songs collected from the inter- Celtic world and across the centuries. Continued on Page 18 18 • MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April, 2017 Morning Coming Down” and Jim Lauderdale Lineup “For the Good Times,” helped Friday, Saturday, Sunday continued from Page 17 redefine country songwrit- Multi Grammy winner Jim ing. He spent three decades Lauderdale is a “songwriter’s contemporary style tunes mixed performing concerts all over songwriter,” who’s written/co- in. Band members are husband the world, in most recent years written many modern classics and wife team Lori King on in a solo acoustic setting, which for iconic artists. As a solo artist, upright bass, singing lead and puts the focus on the songs. since 1986 he has 29 albums of harmony vocals, and Joe King imaginative roots music encom- on guitar and lead vocals. On Kruger Brothers passing country, bluegrass, soul, Lori King and Junction 63 Kris Kristofferson mandolin and vocals is Kevin Each day R&B and rock. Lauderdale has Amburgey, Mark Hargrove on Originally from Switzerland, written songs and worked with banjo and vocals and Kyle Mur- brothers Uwe and Jens Kruger some of the finest musical art- phy on fiddle. They have released began playing North American ists, including Robert Hunter, two award-winning albums, folk music at an early age and , , “Grandpa’s Old Guitar,” and were particularly inspired by George Strait, Buddy Miller, “Family Tree.” recordings of Doc Watson. , John Oates, After gaining a recording con- Solomon Burke, Lee Ann Wom- Kris Kristofferson tract and a radio show on the ack, , Thursday Swiss Broadcasting Corp., they Mary Chapin Carpenter, Blake Kruger Brothers Lang Sisters Jim Lauderdale Kris Kristofferson has been teamed up with bass player Joel Shelton, the Dixie Chicks, Vince making things happen his Landsberg from New York City, Gill, , and Gary entire life. Born in Texas and inaugurating a trio that has been Allan and others. He co-hosts raised in a military family, he playing together professionally a weekly radio show on Siri- was a Golden Gloves boxer since 1995. The Kruger Broth- usXM with Buddy Miller, “ studied creative writing at ers moved to the U.S. in 2002 Buddy & Jim Show,” and is the Pomona College in California. and now is based in Wilkesboro. co-host of “Music City Roots,” The Phi Beta Kappa graduate Watson once said, “The Kruger the weekly live radio, podcast earned a Rhodes Scholarship Brothers is just about as fine a and PBS series. band as I’ve ever played with. I to study literature at Oxford, Lauren and Lane love to play music with them.” Lauren and Lane Jack Lawrence Lindsay Lou where he boxed, played Saturday rugby and continued to write Hailing from the Piedmont known as Doc Watson’s musi- man, Peter Rowan, The Del songs. After graduating from Lang Sisters of N.C., Lauren and Lane is an cal partner for over 25 years. McCoury Band and others. He Oxford, Kristofferson served Saturday alternative folk duo with blue- He grew up backstage at a has been with MerleFest since in the Army as an Airborne Inspired by their love of tradi- grass influence. Sisters Kacie music hall, where his father the planning stages of the first Ranger helicopter pilot and tional music, the Raleigh-based Lauren Hatley and Kellie Lane worked as a sound engineer, festival and has performed at achieved the rank of captain. Lang Sisters include many folk, Sides play a variety of instru- and was exposed to great blue- every one. In 1965, Kristofferson turned bluegrass, and gospel favorites, ments and styles with sweet and grass and country music pio- down an assignment to teach as well as their own original melodious harmonies. They’re neers. The early 1970s found Lindsay Lou at West Point and, inspired by songs, to create a unique pal- joined by bassist Brandon Sides Lawrence in two progressive Friday songwriters like Willie Nelson ette of acoustic music. Lead gui- on upright bass. Their original bluegrass bands, The New Lindsay Lou has been tour- and Johnny Cash, moved to tarist Jessica, 15, is a talented songs run the gamut, tackling Deal Stringband and Bluegrass ing internationally behind 2015’s Nashville to pursue his music. singer, songwriter, and multi- topics like body image, life, mys- Alliance. Merle Watson hired “Ionia,” playing some of the most Kristofferson achieved success instrumentalist. Chloe, 19, is a tery and revenge. him in 1983 and he continued prestigious festivals across the as a country songwriter in the strong rhythm player and vocal- with Doc Watson after Merle’s U.S., Canada, U.K. and Europe early 1970s. His songs, “Me and ist. Joining the Lang Sisters are Jack Lawrence death. Lawrence has recorded and garnering rave reviews. Bobby McGee,” “Help Me Make fiddler Kitty Amaral and Greg Friday, Saturday and performed with Doc, Sam It Through the Night,” “Sunday Penny on bass. Jack Lawrence is best Bush, Joan Baez, David Gris- Continued on Page 19 Welcome USED CARS-TRUCKS-PARTS If You’re Looking For A Particular Make or Model, MerleFest Fans Give Us A Call - Most Times We Can Find Exactly What For All Your You Are Looking For -- On the Lot Financing • Acres of Used Parts Real Estate Needs 24 Hour Wrecker Service Contact Terrie! Call or Text 336•984•8873 Call 336-835-4442 or 336-835-7837 Nights Email: [email protected] To search any listing in Wilkes MLS SOUTHEASTERN CARS & PARTS Terrie Stackhouse 336-667-1966 Hwy. 268, Ronda, N.C. Realtor • Broker www.stackhousehomes.com Ext. 608 MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April, 2018 • 19 their debut full-length album supremely inexorable touring Lineup on the legendary Rounder schedule, performing as both continued from Page 18 Records label, there is every the openers for reason to hope that they are at and as members of his band, Named one of NPR Music’s best the front edge of a significant The Dukes, in addition to play- live performance sessions of career. Already they have gen- ing their own relentless slate of 2015, Lindsay is often referenced erated a devoted following of headline shows and festivals. in the same breath as Lake Street music-lovers across North Amer- Written in a slew of different cit- Dive and The . ica by performing and headlin- ies around the world, the band’s Lindsay’s brand new 2018 full- ing at major music festivals and new album, “Transient Lullaby,” Lonely Heartstrings Band Mandolin Orange length “Southland” (out now) is historic venues from Western is a late-night collection of sub- a collection of songs examining Canada to California and from tle, evocative performances that the range of emotions and com- Kentucky to New Hampshire. showcase the itinerant couple at plex themes. their absolute finest. Lonesome Ace Stringband Jeff Little Trio Friday, Saturday Bill Mathis Each day Since 2008, the Lonesome Ace Sunday With few exceptions, the Stringband has been cultivating Mathis has been involved with piano doesn’t play a prominent and performing a big repertoire MerleFest since 1989, when a part in Appalachian or Ameri- of tunes and songs that draw staff member asked if he could Mastersons Mavericks cana music and is rarely the from the huge well of traditional help with a sign. After Merle lead. Jeff Little is an exception American and Canadian music, Watson’s death, Mathis’ pick- and a remarkable one. His dis- as well as creating original mate- ing partner and best friend, tinctive two-handed style, much rial that reflects their powerful Wayne Hayes, wrote the tribute influenced by the mountain flat- dynamics and common vision to Merle and mailed a cassette picked guitar tradition, is breath- as a group. The trio has just copy to Doc and RosaLee Wat- taking in its speed, precision and launched a third record in Janu- son, Merle’s parents, and they clarity. Little’s involvement with ary 2018. This is their first record loved it. They invited Wayne to fiddle tunes, old-time country of original material and marks perform the song at MerleFest and traditional blues dates to a strong new direction for the and became great friends. Upon Andy May Midatlantic growing up in Boone, where band’s creative process. Hayes’ death in 1999, Doc asked improvisation. his family owned a music shop. Mathis to assume the tribute. He mandolinist and champion gui- That’s where he was exposed to Mandolin Orange performed that song with Doc tar picker, Andy May, infuses McCrary Sisters Doc Watson. Friday many times. Now, Bill is accom- his songwriting and shows with Sunday Mandolin Orange’s most panied by Jack Lawrence and T. creativity, humor and musician- For the McCrary Sisters (Ann, Local Boys recent album “Blindfaller,” Michael Coleman on the Cabin ship. He draws from a deep well Deborah, Regina, and Alfreda), Each day debuted No. 3 on Billboard’s Stage to close MerleFest on Sun- of traditional American music, daughters of the late Rev. Samuel The Wilkes County-based Bluegrass Album Chart. The day every year and his writing taps into styles McCrary – an original member of Local Boys had been waiting for band’s 2013 release, “This Side from blues to bluegrass, old- the gospel quartet, The Fairfield the appellation “Americana,” as of Jordan,” garnered critical Mavericks time country to contemporary Four - music is a birthright, a “bluegrass” just didn’t cover their acclaim, with NPR calling it Thursday folk, traditional reels to roots- lifelong love affair, a sometimes material. While all members of “effortless and beautiful.” The The genre-defying Mavericks rock. His latest album is “Room career, an indescribable joy and The Local Boys have deep roots 2015 follow-up, “Such Jubilee,” declared their independence and for Roots” made Roots Music sometimes a cross to bear. The in traditional music, they also made Rolling Stone’s “30 Great stepped out on their own with Report’s 2016 Top Americana McCrarys have been part of have a love for the musical styles Country Albums of 2015 You “Brand New Day.” Flashing the Country Album Chart. Andy has numerous all-star house bands that influenced and evolved Probably Didn’t Hear” and NPR same exhilarating, beyond-cat- provided performance oppor- on broadcast shows, including from old-time, country, and Folk Alley’s “Best of 2015 Lis- egory style that has defined the tunities for hundreds of young “Americana Music Honors & bluegrass. The Local Boys are tener’s Poll.” Since the first self- Mavericks, the new album intro- musicians at music festivals for Awards,” “PBS Salute to Troops fairly standard in their acous- released album in 2010, the duo duces a collection of taut, ener- nearly three decades through his tic instrumental : has built a following by touring getic, economical songs sure to Acoustic Kids Showcases. This at the White House,” “Grammy guitar, bass, banjo, Dobro and nationally and internationally. be embraced by both original is his 18th MerleFest. Legends,” “CMTFestival” and mandolin and have performed Recent appearances include Red fans of their top-10 albums and “CMA Awards.” at MerleFest the last 17 years Rocks Amphitheater, Telluride hit singles of the ‘90s and a new John Medeski Midatlantic running. Bluegrass, Newport Folk Fes- generation of listeners who have Saturday Saturday tival and Bonnaroo, with 2018 joined the party since the 2012 The celebrated musician is Lonely Heartstring Band performances in support of The reunion. It is the mature and preparing a new solo piano The Midatlantic is a crew Friday Avett Brothers at PNC Arena timely work of an exciting and album that he says will kick off of eclectic musicians from the Since its beginning in 2012, and Josh Ritter underestimated American band a series of recordings and a suite Cape Fear coast of N.C. With a The Lonely Heartstring Band Auditorium. that embraced its own destiny. of solo performances. His work unique blend of progressive folk, has been on the rise and shows with the trailblazing instrumen- Americana, bluegrass, and a hint no sign of slowing down. With Mastersons Andy May tal trio, Medeski Martin & Wood, of rock and jazz, The Midatlan- their 2015 IBMA Momentum Thursday Friday, Saturday, Sunday and countless other collabora- tic produces its unique brand Award and their 2016 release of Mastersons have kept up a Veteran singer/songwriter, tors set a standard for soulful Continued on Page 20 20 • MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April, 2018 Lifetime Award winner, The Lineup Blind Boys of Alabama, and gos- continued from Page 19 pel singing quartet, the McCrary Sisters. Paul Thorn’s versatile, of modern . The band veteran band will provide back- always delivers a wide range of ing during the lively and enter- dynamics, energy, and melodic taining set. The charismatic harmonies through songs that headliners will each have their are sincere to love, emotions, moments in the spotlight and and life experiences. also collaborate together in a Buddy Miller Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers Mission Temple Fireworks Revival show that will have the audience Buddy Miller up and stamping their feet Saturday Buddy Miller has been at the My bubba fulcrum of much of the best Saturday music to emerge from Nash- Folk duo My bubba make soft, ville and beyond since he and soulful music that is as playful his wife, Julie, moved there in as it is powerful. My Larsdot- 1993, and played key roles with ter and Bubba Tomasdottir , , have toured with Damien Rice, My bubba Hanna Naiman New River Drifters Note Ropers Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle, co-written music with Mat- with longtime friend and lead and . thew E. White, recorded with guitarist, Kevin Eller. Having They produced or co-produced Noah Georgeson and stepped grown up in the bluegrass heri- albums with Jimmie Dale Gilm- on Bryan Adams’ toes - literally. tage, these three desired to veer ore, the Carolina Chocolate My bubba’s latest releases are slightly from tradition and ply Drops, Solomon Burke, Patty “Gone” and “My bubba & Elsa the tributaries of the greater Griffin, Allison Moore and Rob- Sjunger Visor // Sing Swedish bluegrass stream. ert Plant’s . He wrote Songs” - a personal and intimate and co-wrote songs covered by collection of the duo’s favorite Note Ropers artists like the Dixie Chicks, Swedish folk songs. North Mississippi Saturday Allstars Nu-Blu Ted Olson Hank III and Shemekia Cope- Hailing from Greenville, S.C., “Shake Hands with Shorty,” in liner notes for documentary land. Not to mention his own Hannah Shira Naiman The Note Ropers pay a brand of the spring of 2000. albums of . recording career. The new show Thursday, Friday, Saturday classic honkytonk country and Olson wrote or edited numerous he and Jim Lauderdale launched Hannah Shira Naiman’s banjo- they call “honkabilly.” books, including “The Bristol on SiriusXM Radio evolved into grounded songs dance the lis- The Note Ropers are Chris Craft Nu-Blu Sessions: Writings About the Big an album. tener into the Appalachian (croonin’ & strummin’), Mike Friday Bang of Country Music,” “Blue Mountains and back in time, Bagwell (steelin’ & croonin’), Hailing from Siler City, the Ridge Folklife,” “Breathing in Joe Mullins and drawing on her roots in Toron- Don Hunt Jr. (pickin’ & hollerin’), classic small Southern town, Nu- Darkness: Poems, and Revela- The Radio Ramblers to’s old-time folk music commu- Chris Harrison (slappin’ & hol- Blu’s heart and soul is husband- tions.” He teaches Appalachian Sunday nity. With a sound described as lerin’), and John Ervin (beatin’ and-wife duo Daniel and Carolyn studies and bluegrass, old-time Joe Mullins & The Radio a cross between & croonin’). Routh. Carolyn’s soprano is one Ramblers will find themselves and Sarah Harmer, she crafts of the band’s defining traits. and country music studies at on over 100 stages in 2018. They original songs that ring with North Mississippi Allstars Daniel is the group’s backbone, a East Tennessee State University have consistently delivered influences of Ola Belle Reed, Saturday multi-instrumentalist and back- in Johnson City, Tenn. authentic and crowd-pleasing The , American North Mississippi Allstars ing vocalist who also runs the Po’ Ramblin’ Boys bluegrass music as evidenced by old-time and old English bal- formed in 1996, the product of band’s business. T.J. Honaker Thursday, Friday multiple International Bluegrass lads. Her album, “Know the a special time for modern Mis- on vocals and banjo, and Boyd Music Association awards and Mountain,” earned her a 2017 sissippi country blues. Broth- Hulin on mandolin round out the The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys plays Grand Ole Opry appearances. Canadian Folk Music Award ers Luther and Cody Dickinson quartet’s Appalachian sound. traditional bluegrass. Recent Joe Mullins was IBMA’s 2016 nomination for Traditional soaked up the music of their Together they deliver upbeat, accolades include a nomination Broadcaster of the Year. Singer of the Year. Hannah per- father, Memphis legend Jim blazing-fingers pick work and for the 2017 IBMA Momentum forms with her father, clawham- Dickinson, while playing and heartwarming ballads, and they Band of The Year Award. The “Mission Temple Fireworks mer banjo player, Arnie Naiman. shaking it down in the juke do it all with a natural together- band teamed up with WBCM Revival” featuring Paul joints. Eventually, Luther (gui- ness that can’t be faked. Radio I Bristol to resurrect the Thorn & Band, The Blind New River Drifters tar, vocals) and Cody (drums, “Farm & Fun Time Noon Show.” Boys of Alabama and The Saturday vocals) formed the North Missis- Ted Olson The newest album is “Back to McCrary Sisters The New River Drifters, from sippi Allstars. North Mississippi Friday The Mountains”. Sunday northwestern North Carolina, Allstars are at times joined by Ted Olson sings traditional “Mission Temple Fireworks performs Americana and tra- Lightnin’ Malcolm, Alvin Young- ballads and other songs from Richie and Rosie Revival” show will feature ditional roots music. The band blood Hart, previous member Appalachia. On stage, he gives Saturday Southern raconteur Paul Thorn started in 2014 when twins Chris Chew, and other musi- cultural contexts through spo- The music of banjo player and his crack band plus five-time Dustin and Drew Petrey decided cians. North Mississippi Allstars ken introductions to songs. Off Richie Stearns and fiddler Rosie Grammy Award and Grammy to explore a different direction released the Grammy nominated stage, he produces and authors Continued on Page 21 MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April, 2018 • 21 Lineup continued from Page 20 Newton finds itself at a junction of Ameri- cana, old-time, and folk. It brings a new sound to traditional music with their signature trance-like, boundary pushing instrumental arrangements and angelic harmonies. As two musicians in two very Rosie & the Carol Rifkin, Jeanette Queen and Richie and Rosie Clinton Ross Peter Rowan different parts of life, Richie and Rosie Riveters Mark Queen are proof of two things: the power and Garcia, , and John Kahn magic of two people making music and formed Old & In the Way. That is when that the universal messages that lie Rowan penned the song “Panama Red,” within their songs remain timeless. hit for New Riders of the Purple Sage and a classic ever since. Clinton Ross Friday, Saturday, Sunday Carol Rifkin, Jeanette Queen, Mark Clinton Ross is a contra dance caller Queen from East Tennessee. His dances are Saturday, Sunday lively, fun, original and all about con- Carol Rifkin’s soaring voice is recog- Sarah Jane necting the dancers with the music. He nizable on stage or radio (WNCW). An Scouten Scythian Shinyribs has facilitated the joy of contra dance award-winning singer, dancer and multi- chian traditions with thunderous energy, cello), Nolan Ladewski (flute/whistles), instrumentalist, more than 1,000 of her from New England to the Deep South. technical prowess, and storytelling song- and Fritz McGirr (drums). stories about Appalachian culture are published. An early member of the Green writing, beckoning crowds into a barn- Rosie & the Riveters Shinyribs Grass Cloggers, she later worked with dance, rock concert experience. Scythian Each day Thursday Tommy Jarrell, Doc Watson and others. has performed at MerleFest over 10 years Rosie & the Riveters’ vintage-inspired She received Asheville’s 2013 Lunsford and they consider it their second home. Following his family’s oil boom and folk anthems paint a portrait of a wom- Award and Mars Hill University’s 2016 Scythian is Alexander Fedoryka (fiddle, bust migratory path, Kevin Russell landed an’s voice in a man’s world. The Canadian in Shreveport, La., where he formed his Award for “Significant Contribution to mandolin), Danylo Fedoryka (guitar/ trio’s unmistakable red lipstick, pin curls, the Art of Appalachian Culture.” Jea- ), Larissa Fedoryka (bass/ Continued on Page 22 and overtly feminine costuming may be nette Queen learned to play and sing deceiving, but don’t be fooled - this is in the Queen family band in Jackson not a throwback band. Listen closely to County. She is the daughter of the late hear playfully defiant lyrics and confident 2007 National Heritage Award winner talk-back harmonies. Named after the Mary Jane Queen and Claude Queen. cultural icon Rosie the Riveter, the band Mark Queen is the grandson of Mary Jane Total Office believes women are the world’s greatest and Claude Queen. The eighth-generation untapped resource which is why they musician plays driving clawhammer invest 20 percent of merchandise prof- banjo and sings with the trio. Office Supplies and Office Furniture its in micro-finance initiatives through KIVA.org. They’ve helped a woman in Sarah Jane Scouten Ecuador buy a sewing machine for her Appearing Friday tailoring business. To date, they’ve con- With flavors of Lucinda Williams, tributed more than $7,000 to over 145 Nanci Griffith, and Iris Dement and a projects around the world. wealth of early country music, the two- time Canadian Folk Music Award nomi- Peter Rowan nee and recent Western Canadian Music Friday, Saturday, Sunday Award nominee’s songs are faithful to a Grammy winner Peter Rowan is a long-standing folk music tradition. Sarah singer-songwriter with a career span- Jane Scouten shows her signature flair ning over five decades. From his early for the roots of roots music. With respect years playing with bluegrass veteran for these roots, she writes from her own , to his time in Old & In the perspective, playing with style to create Way and his breakout as a solo musi- her own distinct voice. This songwriter cian and bandleader, Rowan has built a is known for hitting hard and close to devoted, international fan base. The late home, and then laughing it off. ‘60s and early ’70s saw Rowan involved in a number of rock, folk, and bluegrass Scythian Welcome MerleFest Fans projects and with the Rowans, where Friday and Saturday he played alongside brothers Chris and Named after Ukrainian nomads, Scyth- Midtown Plaza Shopping Center Lorin Rowan. After the Rowan Brothers ian (sith-ee-yin) plays roots music from 312 Wilkesboro Avenue disbanded, Rowan, , Jerry Celtic, Eastern European and Appala- North Wilkesboro 336.990.0774 pencarellc.com 22 • MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April, 2018 Lineup continued from Page 21 first band, Picket Line Coyotes in which a Husker Du met Elvis Costello that lived and died between the “Arklatexabamas- sippi” borders, much like their unfortu- nate animal namesake. That’s what took him to Austin where were Si Kahn & Joe Susana and Sideline Jencks Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen Timmy Abell born from those Coyote ashes. That sto- has released three national projects and ried band of pumpkins came to an end tion of traditional labor and civil rights skills to be featured again on a new album records for Mountain Home Music Com- songs recorded with Pete Seeger and Jane this year. Solivan is known as a monster after 18 years of good times and hard pany near Asheville. Sapp. Kahn & Jencks will speak on “How mandolinist. travelin’. From that point on, Russell has Folk Music Influences Activism” on Sat- been riding high on the Shinyribs river Si Kahn & Joe Jencks urday afternoon at the Mayes Pit/Cohn Joe Smothers of country-soul, swamp-funk, and tickle. Saturday Auditorium, followed by a performance Thursday, Friday, Saturday Si Kahn has appeared at MerleFest that night on the Traditional Stage. Smothers was born in Reidsville and Sideline nearly every year since 1990 either as a for years toured and recorded with Doc Friday performer, emcee, or contest judge. This Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen Watson. He took 26 years away from Sideline is a six-piece powerhouse year he’s appearing with Joe Jencks, an Sunday music to be with his wife and help raise whose style has set the pace in blue- 18-year veteran of the international folk Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen has their kids. After his children married, grass for over two decades. Founders circuit. Jencks has a new recording com- twice been named IBMA’s Instrumental Smothers retired from the business world Steve Dilling, Skip Cherryholmes, and prised entirely of previously-unreleased Group of the Year. in 2012 and went back to music. He has Jason Moore can all claim their own songs by Kahn titled, “The Forgotten: Its album, “Cold Spell,” earned a 2015 studied with Richard Thompson and Mar- historical significance to the genre as Recovered Treasures from The Pen of Si Grammy nomination for Best Bluegrass tin Simpson for five years at Frets and members of highly awarded groups, Kahn,” and will be featured at MerleFest. Album of the Year. Solivan, with banjoist Refrains in N.Y. He is one of five musi- multiple Grand Ole Opry appearances This disc continues the trend in Jencks’ Mike Munford, 2013 IBMA Banjo Player of cians who has played every MerleFest. and years of national and international catalogue of recording (and writing) the Year, award-winning guitarist Chris He has recorded two CDs, “These Things touring. Along with Nathan Aldridge, songs that honor authentic, hardworking Luquette and bassist Jeremy Middleton, I Know” and “Terpretations.” This year, fiddle; Brad Hudson, resophonic guitar; American heroes. Kahn’s work includes simmers a progressive bluegrass stew and Troy Boone, mandolin, Sideline 16 albums of original songs, and a collec- of instrumental, vocal and songwriting Continued on Page 23 Robert Handy Save the Date! Camping Center BLOOMS & TUNES HOSTED BY THE RUBY PARDUE BLACKBURN RV and Camper ADULT DAY CARE HEALTH CARE CENTER THURSDAY MAY 10, 2018 Sales and Service 6:00-8:00 PM 1915 WEST PARK DRIVE, SUITE 200, Locally owned N. WILKESBORO NC 28659 and operated MUSIC & DINNER SERVED Music featuring Uncle Joe & the Shady Rest Band, Larry We service Skipper & Friends all makes and models ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE ADULT DAY CARE CENTER SCHOLARSHIP FUND PROGRAM Propane refi lls On-site repairs Large stock of replacement parts 4387 Highway 421 West • Wilkesboro, N.C. 336-973-4109 Phone 336-667-2541, www.wilkesadultdaycare.org www.handycamping.com MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April, 2018 • 23 Smitty and the JumpStarters Lineup Friday continued from Page 22 The JumpStarters feature upbeat songs that pull styles from he was a featured songwriter West Coast swing, Blues, showcasing as part of the Geor- Memphis Rockabilly, and a dose gia Songwriter Series. of . The band features Bryan Smith on vocals and guitar, Savannah Smith Steve Blake on saxophone, Doug and Southern Soul Savannah Smith and Dennis on bass, and Roy Brown Smitty and the JumpStarters Steep Canyon Rangers Friday on drums. Based in Greensboro, Southern Soul Savannah Smith and South- the JumpStarters have played in Chapel Hill. ern Soul are based out of Ashe- swing dances, clubs and festival ville and bring their soulful events across the Carolinas. Steve and Ruth Smith southern energy to whatever Friday, Saturday and Sunday stage they grace. A North Mis- Steep Canyon Rangers MerleFest regulars Steve sissippi Soul singer-songwriter Sunday and Ruth Smith from Watauga and guitarist, Savannah has Steep Canyon Rangers effort- County play a creative mix of been making waves in the lessly walk the line between fes- Acoustic Americana music Country/Americana scene tival favorite and sophisticated with Celtic and Appalachian Steve and Ruth since her debut in 2015. She string orchestra. That mix of roots, featuring hammered Smith String Madness Bryan Sutton was a finalist in the 2015 Chris serious chops and good-natured and Appalachian mountain String Madness Wide-ranging improvised solos Austin Songwriting Contest at fun earned the band a Grammy dulcimers, old-time banjo, and MerleFest for her song, “Mis- for Best Bluegrass Album in Saturday interweave with arranged har- guitar. Their six CDs feature tra- sissippi,” where she seamlessly 2013 (“Nobody Knows You”), Mandolinist Bob Applebaum monies and unison lines to pro- bridges Mississippi’s hill coun- and drew celebrated comedian/ ditional Appalachian and Celtic and guitarists Mitch Green- pel a joyful musical exploration. try blues with a contemporary banjoist Steve Martin to them music plus original songs and hill and Peter Spelman joined perspective. The band’s first when he needed a backing band. instrumentals. Their music is to create String Madness. All Bryan Sutton EP release, “Long Time Com- It has been over 15 years and heard daily on SiriusXM satellite instrumental and all acoustic, Saturday, Sunday ing,” has received unrivaled nine studio albums since the radio and acoustic music radio String Madness takes side-trips Guitarist Bryan Sutton’s rise reviews. Steep Canyon Rangers formed nationwide. from Bach to Bebop and beyond. Continued on Page 24

Mother Earth Foods and Smoothies Whole fruit smoothies Specializing in vegan and gluten free options Outdoor seating Wilkes County’s largest now available selection of herbs, vitamins, teas and specialty snacks Dooley’s Grill and Tavern Located in the historic Fresh ground burgers • All natural meats Largest gluten free menu in Wilkes County Smithey building and surrounding areas 102 East Main Street Specializing in local beers and wines Wilkesboro Located in the historic Smithey building (336) 667-4383 102 East Main Street • Wilkesboro • (336) 667-0800 24 • MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April, 2018 studio album, “Southern Crescent,” Town Lineup Mountain has debuted on the Grand Ole continued from Page 23 Opry and the Ryman Auditorium. Happy Traum from buzzed-about young sideman to Friday, Saturday, Sunday first-call Nashville session musician to Happy Traum’s long involvement in tra- membership in one of history’s greatest ditional and contemporary music brought bluegrass bands has been grounded in him recognition as a performer, writer, quiet professionalism and ever-expand- teacher, recording artist and fingerstyle ing musicianship. Sutton is a Grammy guitarist. Traum made his recording Paul Thorn Town Mountain Happy Traum Award winner and a nine-time Inter- debut in 1963 with , Phil Ochs, national Bluegrass Music Association Pete Seeger and others and later recorded Guitar Player of the Year. He’s now also three duets with Dylan on his Greatest a band leader, , mentor, Hits, Vol. 2 album. He has played in con- educator and leader in online music certs, clubs and festivals throughout the instruction. U.S. and abroad, both solo and with his Paul Thorn late brother, Artie Traum. He has taught Sunday at guitar camps, clinics, and workshops Paul Thorn has created an innovative throughout the country. He and his wife, and impressive career with his muscular Jane, founded the instructional Home- brand of roots music – bluesy, rocking and spun Tapes in 1967. Unspoken Tradition Virginia Hollow Waybacks thoroughly Southern American. Raised in Unspoken Tradition Tupelo, Miss., among the same spirits and Saturday actual people who nurtured the young Unspoken Tradition is about new, Elvis, Paul Thorn has rambled down original bluegrass. It brings a sound back roads and jumped out of airplanes, that is both impassioned and nostalgic, worked for years in a furniture factory, hard-driving but sincere. The material battled four-time world champion boxer is mostly original and reflects the ever- Roberto Duran on national television changing culture of western and central and performed with , Mark North Carolina. In 2015, Unspoken Tradi- Knopfler, , and others. tion played the main stage at MerleFest “B” Townes and has quickly grown a fervent following Way Down Wanders Wayland Saturday in North Carolina and beyond. and founders, Austin and Collin, met in Frederick “B” William Townes, IV, a Virginia Hollow their hometown of Peoria, Ill., when they native of Danville, Va., was instrumental Saturday joined the same folk band and embarked in developing the WCC Horticulture pro- Virginia Hollow is a band and a sound on their first tour at the ages of 14 and 18 gram and master plan for the Wilkes Com- born from the hills, valleys and moun- years old. The two became fast friends munity College Gardens construction and tains of Appalachia., The haunting melo- and soon began writing music together, endowments. To support the gardens, dies of Carrie Hinkley’s soulful voice ultimately forming The Way Down Wan- Townes conceived the idea of what now are hard to shake off and instead keep derers when Collin was 16 and Austin is MerleFest in memory of Merle Watson. returning and replaying in one’s mind was 20 years old. As WCC’s vice president of development, like an untamed mantra of beauty and Wayland Townes led the WCC Endowment Corp. We Banjo 3 Charles Welch tragedy. This is a band whose time has and the Walker Center for more than 20 Sunday come and needs to be reckoned with. guitar, mandolin and banjo. Any single years and helped raise over $25 million in Over the last few years, has been pulled in so many different member of this group could electrify assets for the college. He was responsible Waybacks a venue with a solo performance, but for doubling the size of the WCC campus, Friday, Saturday directions, many times leaving timeless vocal melodies and songwriting behind. together the result is truly unforgettable. developing performing arts endowments The Waybacks is a four-piece band with Wayland possesses these qualities and On both sides of the Atlantic, the word is and establishing scholarships. He retired acoustic and electric instruments, config- more. Wayland released its first single, out about this group. We Banjo 3 is the after 36 years of service. ured around the hot guitar of James Nash “Welcome To My Head,” which experi- new gold-standard of traditional Irish and the fiddle virtuosity of Warren Hood Town Mountain enced high ranking on Mainstream and and American roots music. and driven by the rhythm section of bassist Saturday Active Rock charts. Wayland’s acoustic Joe Kyle Jr. and drummer Chuck Hamilton, Charles Welch Town Mountain has earned raves for shows have grown more and more popu- add in those spirited flights of improvisa- Saturday, Sunday its hard-driving sound, in-house song- lar because it showcases a special side tion and a healthy dose of jaw-dropping Charles Welch is a longtime friend, writing and the honky-tonk edge of its of the band by focusing on the four-part chops and what emerges in the end is decid- neighbor and picking pal of the Watson exhilarating live performances, whether vocal harmony and songwriting. edly Waybacks - a trip well worth taking. family. He has been a frequent guest in a packed club or sold-out festival. at the homes of Richard, and Doc and Town Mountain features guitarist and Way Down Wanderers We Banjo 3 RosaLee, and often went on the road vocalist Robert Greer, banjoist Jesse Friday Sunday with either or both, sharing their love Langlais, mandolinist Phil Barker, fid- The band’s debut, self-titled album, The award winning We Banjo 3 com- of blues and mountain music. Welch is dler Jack Devereux and bass player Zach produced by Mike Marsh of The Avett bines super-group credentials with a Smith. Since the release of the band’s fifth Brothers, is now available. Front-men command of the emotive power of fiddle, Continued on Page 25 MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April, 2018 • 25 Television documentary “The Spirit of the awards and over 20 years of performance Lineup Mountains: The Stories of Uncle Albert experience in bluegrass and bluegrass continued from Page 24 Burnette.” With their blend of bluegrass, gospel. She is expanding her repertoire old-time, mountain swing, country, and to include her early influences of classic a special guest at MerleFest. rock-a-billy, they have performed in ven- country, blues, roots and rock n’roll. ues as diverse as the Grove Park Inn and Pete Wernick the Biltmore Estate. Robin and Linda Williams Each day Friday Originally from New York City, Pete Wildmans Robin and Linda Williams started as Wernick is often associated with the Hot Saturday a duo in 1973, had a 25-year career as Pete and Joan Jeanette Williams Rize bluegrass band, which he organized The Wildmans, an acoustic string bandleaders and now are a duo again. Wernick Band in 1978, and with whom he still tours. band from Floyd, Va., features the award- Their first recording led to their first brother Gary on This is Wernick’s 30th MerleFest, having winning talents of siblings Eli, 17, on appearance on “A Prairie Home Compan- banjo, the two performed here with his genre-defying mandolin and Aila, 15, on fiddle and ion,” a radio show conceived and hosted became child Flexigrass band, with and in a vocals, joined by young banjo phenom- by Garrison Keillor. A rich relationship sensations and duet with his wife, Joan. He’s known as enon Victor Furtado and backed up by with Keillor continued throughout their by 1969 had won a mentor to thousands with his music bandmom Deb Wildman on bass. Highly 44-year career. Live performances earned first places in camps, best-selling books and videos, skilled instrumentals and soulful vocals them a huge body of fans and a large body Union Grove. In and from 1986 to 2001, serving as presi- applied to traditional bluegrass tunes of original songs has earned the respect 1976, Tony went dent of the International Bluegrass Music with a smattering of old-time, blues, and of their musical peers. Their songs have on the road Association. He has hosted the bluegrass jazz combine to create a fresh new sound been covered by Emmylou Harris, Tom T. with the Blue- Robin and Linda jam camps prior to MerleFest since 1991. - old tunes fueled by young spirit. Hall, George Hamilton IV, Tim & Mollie grass Alliance. Williams O’Brien, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Kathy Afterwards, he Whitewater Bluegrass Company Jeanette Williams Band Mattea, Mary Black, Tom Wopat, and performed on stage and/or in the Sunday Friday The Seldom Scene. recording studio with Alison Krauss, The Whitewater Bluegrass Company Since her debut solo release in 1994, , Earl Scruggs, Bill Mon- and Doc Watson are the only musical Jeanette Williams has quietly become one Tony Williamson Band roe, Bobby Hicks, , Vassar performers to host Folkmoot more than of the most successful and celebrated Saturday Clements, David Grisman, Sam Bush, one time. The band has been featured in women in bluegrass music. Williams Mandolin virtuoso Tony William- and Jerry Douglas. He has received the Center for the Study of the American has more than 12 SPBGMA nominations, son was born and raised in rural many awards for his music, includ- South and the Museum of Southern Cul- three wins for Female Vocalist of the Piedmont N.C. in a family of wood- ing the IBMA recorded event of the ture for their work on the UNC Public Year, two IBMA awards, two songwriting workers and musicians. With his year in 1994. Mark’s Guns Animal & Ammo Hospital of Wilkes We treat your pets •Large Selection of Firearms like family •Large Selection of Ammunition Expert team of veterinary professionals •New Edition Hydrographic & Cerakote to bring you the best possible Finishes Now Available. Many Colors healthcare for your pet! New-Used Dr. Chad Aderhold • Dr. John Stinson Collector Items Dr. Lynn Allred Dr. Kiri de la Cerda Gun Repair Dr. Brandi Bumgarner Concealed Carry Classes Available • Call For Details! Open Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. 177 Reece Road, Dobson, NC 27017 Saturday 8 a.m.-1 p.m. 336-386-8707 1609 Curtis Bridge Road • Wilkesboro 10 am-6 pm Mon.-Fri; 10 am-2 pm Sat. Since 1985 336-838-3441 26 • MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April, 2018 Many services enhance 12 songwriter finalists compete Twelve finalists from over 1,021 entries • Cliff Westfall (Highland Park, N.J.) – will compete in the Chris Austin Songwrit- “More and More;” ing Contest on Friday on the Austin Stage. • Marie Bradshaw (Centerville, Utah), MerleFest experience First place winners in each category Daniel Young and Kiki Jane Sieger (North receive $600 cash and a Friday night per- Salt Lake, Utah) – “These Walls (May Services provided for MerleFest • the R&R Tent, located within the formance slot on the Cabin Stage. Never Come Down).” This year’s finalists and their songs attendees include: Little Pickers Family Area. It provides a are: General • free parking and shuttle services shaded place for guests to sit down and • Bryan Smith (Dayton, Va.) – “Noth- from the Blue Lot, located off N.C. 268 relax. It also provides children, accom- Bluegrass ing Left;” West, to the main festival entrance. The panied by a parent, a place to nap. • Frank D. Ray (Hillsboro, Mo.) – “False • Zander Melidis (Clawson, Mich.) – Blue Lot is also an easy half-mile walk Hearted Love;” “Born Again;” to the festival grounds; ADA accommodations • James Woolsey (Petersburg, Ind.) – • Cliff Ritchey (Markleville, Ind.) – • first aid tent, located on Pond Road Seating in accordance with the Ameri- “Lights of Home;” “Honey Baby.” near The Shoppes at MerleFest. It is cans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is pro- •Vickie Austin (Fall Branch, Tenn.) – Performing artists Rodney Crowell, managed by Wilkes County Emergency vided on the Watson Stage field behind “Can’t Hold On To Much.” Andrew Marlin of Mandolin Orange and Medical Services; row 39 for wheelchair attendees and one Johnny Williams will choose winners for • safe overnight storage of instru- guest on a first-come, first-served basis. Gospel/Inspirational each category. ments, chairs and other personal prop- Guests of ADA fans must provide their • Andy Owens (Boone) – “The Truth The 12 finalists were selected by Nash- erty of festival-goers at no charge. It’s own chair or blanket to sit on. Wheel- of Love;” ville professionals, under located in The Shoppes at MerleFest; chairs can be accommodated at all stages • Beth Lee (Black Mountain) – “Sacred direction of volunteer contest chairman • lost and found area, located in The on a first-come, first-served basis. Song;” and Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Shoppes at MerleFest. Chairs and other ADA-accessible restroom facilities are • Bob Hight (Greensboro) – “Heaven Jim Lauderdale. items left overnight on the grounds will available in all open buildings on the fes- Will Be Mine.” Net proceeds from the Chris Austin be taken to this area where they may be tival grounds. There are ADA-accessible Songwriting Contest help support the reclaimed; portable toilets located at various loca- Country WCC Chris Austin Memorial Scholarship. • recycling bins for plastic and tions across the festival grounds and at • Amanda Fields, Tom Buller (Nash- Over $34,000 has been awarded to 84 ville, Tenn.) – “Whiskey Ain’t Got Nothing students at Wilkes Community College aluminum. the ADA Parking Lot H. on You;” since its inception. Music of MerleFest is presented on MerleFest 13 stages, each with its own role HEAR ALL YOU NEED TO HEAR The 13 stages at MerleFest are: spot for performances and Sunday morn- • Watson Stage, named for the Watson ing worship services and gospel music; Custom hearing protection from family, features some of the most recog- • Little Pickers Family Area, with nized acts and musical collaborations; fun and games for all ages, as well as • Cabin Stage, located adjacent to fine music on the Little Pickers Stage; the WatsonStage. Offers some of the fin- • Hillside Stage, scene of many of est acoustic music available between the most well known performances, par- Watson Stage shows; ticularly during the Saturday afternoon • Mayes Pit (Cohn Auditorium), “Album Hour;” venue for presentations like the history of • Walker Center, one of the finest MerleFest and instructional sessions on music venues in the Southeast. It pro- everything from playing an instrument to vides a climate-controlled relaxing place Julia A. Rossi, jamming, singing, yodeling, storytelling, where guests can enjoy special perfor- AuD songwriting and more; mances. It’s the venue for the Midnight Doctor of Audiology • Traditional Stage, featuring tradi- Jam; tional music at its best, including many • Americana Stage, featuring Ameri- S. Jill Howard, artists from western North Carolina; cana favorites in a relaxed lawn setting AuD, FAAA • Dance Stage, with everything from across from the Wilkes Community Col- Doctor of Audiology clogging to Cajun dances on Friday, Sat- lege Visitors Center. Tinnitus • Hearing urday and Sunday; • Pickin’ Place, offers music fans and Ampli cation • Austin Stage, which is the place for musicians the opportunity to pick and Cerumen Removal some of the bestsongwriting and blues sing together. NORTH WILKESBORO MOORESVILLE STATESVILLE to be heard anywhere; • The Plaza Stage, with some of the • Creekside Stage, is nestled along best local, regional, and national talent. 400 8th St. 114 Morlake Dr., Ste. 101A 703 Bryant St. Moravian Creek in the woods behind the This year, it hosts the Blue Ridge Music N. Wilkesboro, N.C. 28659 Mooresville, N.C. 28117 Statesville, N.C. 28677 Watson Stage. It’s pleasant and a favorite Trails of North Carolina Showcase. 336-838-9530 704-664-7277 704-872-1670 MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April, 2018 • 27 Wide range of MerleFest ticket options available A unique environment to inspire your home For those wanting an affordable weekend getaway, MerleFest provides a true & garden. value, said Festival Director Ted Hagaman. “Admission prices are extremely reasonable – especially considering that we feature over 120 acts on 13 stages. Also, there are no hidden charges. We provide free parking, a free shuttle that will deliver you to the entrance, a free program guide, and all children 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult,” said Hagaman. “In addition, our Little Pickers Family Area offers each child the opportunity to make crafts and participate in several interactive exhibits – all free of charge.” Our greenhouse One-day general admission ticket prices at the gate are Thursday, $55; Friday, $70; Saturday, $75; and Sunday, $65. Four-day general admission tickets at the gate are $195. Three-day (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) general admission tickets at the gate are $170. Four-day tickets with reserved seating at the Watson Stage are $275 for rows i s o p e n ! 1-35 and $250 for rows 36-53, both at the gate. Midnight Jam tickets are $40 with a Saturday wristband. Backstage tour tickets $50. The guided tour of the festival grounds at Wilkes annuals • perennials Community College includes the Merle Watson Garden of the Senses, MerleFest Museum, Doc Watson Dressing Room, Backstage Green Room, Artist Getaway pottery • trees and an official MerleFest post. All proceeds go to the Doc Watson Student Emer- gency Fund. shrubbery • mulch Cost of camping at River’s Edge Campground is $85 for a tent, $120 for a popup camper and $150 for an RV. vegetable plants landscaping/ construction rock

Cars • SUVs Pickups 24 HOUR SERVICE Commerical • Small and Large Towing Service FAST & FRIENDLY SERVICE 4145 W. US Hwy 421 • Accident Towing • Roadside Assistance redshomeandgarden.com 336-262-2862 (336) 973-5521 • Fully Insured 6626 W U.S. Hwy. 421 Wilkesboro, N.C. 28697 • Fenced in [email protected] Secure Storage Like us on Facebook Landoll Trailer, 4x4 Wrecker and Rollback Available We Move Equipment 28 • MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April, 2018 Influence of Doc Watson and family still strong Doc Watson died on May 29, self the Carter Family’s “When the 2012, at 89, but his influence on Roses Bloom in Dixieland,” Doc’s MerleFest remains strong. father bought him a $12 Stella The festival helps ensure that guitar, and soon he was learning the legacies of Doc Watson and the rhythm chords. He learned to his wife, the late RosaLee Watson; flat pick and then Jimmie Rodgers’ their son, the late Merle Watson, picking style. and their grandson, the late Rich- After his marriage in 1947 to ard Watson, remain strong. RosaLee Carlton, a neighbor and Watson’s high standards for the daughter of fiddler Gaither Carlton, festival - in the quality of its music when he was 24 and she was 16, and its family atmosphere – are Watson tuned to support still followed. his family. Eddy Merle was born Arthel Lane “Doc” Watson was in 1949, and his sister, Nancy Ellen DOC WATSON, above, and with born in Watauga County’s Deep in 1951. his family, at left. Also in the Gap. His father, General Dixon In 1953, Doc got a job playing photo are his son, Merle; his wife, Watson, was a farmer who led in a local country RosaLee, and his daughter, Nancy singing at his church. His mother, band. The group often lacked a Watson. MerleFest was started Annie, sang old ballads while doing fiddler and Watson taught himself in memory of Merle Watson. The household chores and at night sang fiddle tunes on the electric guitar family was from nearby Deep Gap. the children to sleep. he had by then, in addition to popu- Left blind by an eye infection lar finger-style songs of Merle Tra- tarist and eased most of the bur- hearted, Doc said Merle told him including the Lifetime Achieve- as an infant, Doc had a few years vis and . dens of the road from his father’s in a dream to press on with the ment Award, and was inducted of formal schooling at the Raleigh Smithsonian Institute folklorist shoulders. music. He did this and helped start into the International Bluegrass School for the Blind. He was 5 or 6 “discovered” Watson Doc and Merle made about 20 MerleFest in Merle’s memory. Music Hall of Fame. when he received a harmonica and in 1960 at Iredell County’s Union albums and won two Grammys. Doc is revered for his RosaLee Watson died six months 11 when his father made him a fret- Grove fiddler’s convention. Merle Merle was killed in a tractor acci- and fingerpicking styles and his after Doc died. She was 81. Richard less banjo. After Doc taught him- joined Doc in 1964 as rhythm gui- dent in 1985. Although broken- voice. He received seven Grammys, Watson died in 2015. MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April, 2018 • 29 Blue Ridge Music Trails showcase A few of MerleFest’s special features presents artists from western N.C. The Little Pickers Family Area Boys band. Acoustic Kids Showcases offers fun and games for children The band contest winner, The MerleFest Acoustic Kids The Blue Ridge Music Trails of North Carolina showcase, (and young at heart), as well as sto- announced following the last per- Showcases, hosted by Andy May, sponsored by the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural rytelling, songwriting and music. formance, will perform on the Wat- provides chances for young pick- Resources, is a new feature at this year’s MerleFest. The Little Pickers Family Area son Stage on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. ers, singers and other traditional Drop by the Plaza Stage for special sets, including several with helps achieve one of the goals of The ompetition starts at 9:45 a.m. performers of any skill level through young North Carolina musicians paired with veterans. Some MerleFest, which is to preserve and Saturday. age 16 to perform on the Austin, of the young artists are participants in the Junior Appalachian promote the heritage of western Dance and Cabin stages and Mayes Musicians (JAM) program. The Blue Ridge Music Trails performances include: North Carolina. Showcase talent Pit in a supportive environment. • Friday, 3:30-4 p.m. David Holt and Josh Goforth of Madison One way this is accomplished is The Pickin’ Place is where for Accompanists may be any age, County; 4:15-4:45 p.m., Mark Bumgarner and Lillian Chase, a to expose young people to music musicians of all levels and genres and bands are eligible as long as at and instill appreciation for “tradi- can meet old friends and make teenage fiddler from Buncombe County; and 5-5:15 p.m., Cane least one featured performer is 16 Mill Road, a group of teen musicians from the Boone area; tional plus” music. new ones while singing and play- or younger. Popularity of this area has led to ing favorite tunes together. Located • Saturday, 5-5:30 p.m., Brandon Lee Adams of Kentucky, Tim Carter and champion fiddler Meade Richter; 5:45-6:15 p.m., expanded programming, including between the Traditional and Dance Shopping with the Acoustic Kids Showcases stages are three tents and a stage Tony Williamson Band; and 6:30-7 p.m., father and son pickers The MerleFest Gift Shop is the Jeff and Luke Little of Boone with Presley Barker, a 13-year-old with Andy May on Friday and Satur- dedicated to performing, learn- destination for official MerleFest day on the Austin, Dance and Cabin ing, and jamming in a supportive guitar picker from Traphill. Williamson is a 2018 North Carolina T-shirts, caps, children’s items, Heritage Award recipient. stages and in Mayes Pit. atmosphere. memorabilia, and more. The youth showcases provide The Open Stage features work- • Sunday, 10:30-11 a.m., with Strictly Strings; and 11:15-11:45 MerleFest strives to invite unique young people up to age 16 of any tal- shops and open mic sessions. The a.m., veteran Laura Boosinger, Emma McDowell of Haywood vendors to the festival who offer ent level the opportunity to display three tents include Traditional Jam- County and Lillian Chase. wares you don’t see every day in their skills on stage at the festival. min’ Tent, Bluegrass Jammin’ Tent, The Blue Ridge Music Trails is a project of the N.C. Arts Council local stores. The Little Pickers Stage offers and Anything Goes Jammin’ Tent. in collaboration with the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area. acts selected with children in mind, Check the schedules and don’t forget Shoppers will be delighted by It was established to bring attention to the musical heritage of including Alberti Flea Circus, Alex your instrument. the surprises they discover while western North Carolina. It includes a list of 160 sites, such as and Dan Fedoryka, JAM (Junior The Doc and Merle Watson Per- browsing The Shoppes at MerleFest. festivals, country stores and performance halls, with live music Appalachian Musician) Band, forming Arts Showcase will be held The MerleFest Mall is the source and dancing. More details are at www.blueridgemusicnc.com. InterACTive Theater of Jef, meet on the Austin Stage in Alumni Hall for recordings, T-shirts, posters, and greet sessions with Flattop the on Friday from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and more from favorite MerleFest What’s not allowed at MerleFest raccoon (MerleFest mascot), Steve Joe Smothers and Bob Hill, both performers. and Ruth Smith and nature and wild- former band members with Doc and The Expo Center presents the Prohibited at MerleFest are: • tents, canopies, chairs and flower walk with Ken Crouse. Merle Watson, will host the event. very best in acoustic musical instru- • all tobacco products and hammocks that block views. “We had a period of time on ments, accessories, and media by electronic oral devices (e-ciga- Pets are prohibited unless Band competition Friday that we felt would be an the world’s leading companies that rettes, e-cigars, e-pipes; medically necessary. Certifica- MerleFest is holding its third opportunity to showcase artists sponsor MerleFest. • alcoholic beverages and ille- tion papers must be presented at annual band competition on the that would make Doc happy. At the Expo Center, go straight gal drugs; front gate. Service animals must Plaza Stage. The Friday morning showcase to the makers to try out the lat- • weapons; be on a leash and must wear an Bands from across the country will present some of the musicians est in acoustic instruments and • unauthorized v ideo and audio approved service animal vest. were invited to perform for 15 min- who worked directly with Doc over accessories or purchase new or recording or flash photography; All attendees must have utes each in the band competition. the years and also up-and-coming vintage stringed instruments. It • unauthorized drones; proper credentials to enter the Volunteer judges are musicians regional talent,” said Ted Hagaman, provides one of the most significant • unauthorized ATVs, golf festival. No one is permitted in Mark Bumgarner (also emcee), Si the festival director and personal trade shows in the acoustic music carts, Segways and drones; any of the backstage areas with- Kahn and members of the Local friend of Doc Watson. industry. • glass containers; out the proper wristband. 1007 Statesville Hwy. Welcome MerleFest Fans! Welcome MerleFest Fans! North Wilkesboro

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1.800.852.1504 • www.timwelborn.com 877-973-3104 l RiverStreetProductions.net MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April, 2018 • 31 Start of MerleFest in Food as diverse as music ’87 and ’88 recounted Food Tent 1 and rice and cornbread, Cae- Booster Club Inc.: breakfast MerleFest began as a way to raise funds for the Wikes Com- (Watson Stage Area) sar salad, chicken Caesar salad, plate (eggs, gravy or grits and munity College gardens and to honor Merle Watson, son and • Boy Scout Troop #333/ shrimp and grits, cornbread or ham, sausage, or bacon, biscuit, musical partner of the late Doc Watson. It has grown to an Mountain View Ruritan Club: roll, gyro wrap, assorted salad Belgium waffle, sausage biscuit, internationally renowned music festival and fundraiser that has barbecue chicken and side plate (tuna, chicken, shrimp), ham biscuit, bacon biscuit, hash an annual economic impact of over $10 million to the region. items; vegetable salad, Brunswick stew rounds, grits, chili, deep fried Before becoming the first executive director of MerleFest, “B” • BROC: tacos, burritos, in a bread bowl and desserts; pickles, deep fried Oreos, deep Townes began his career at WCC teaching horticulture. Driven quesadillas, taquitos, tortillas, • WCC Culinary Hamburger fried apple fritters, banana, by the goal of raising capital to improve the campus gardens, loaded nachos, salsa and chips; Booth: hamburger, cheese- apple. Breakfast served all day; Townes decided to hold a concert in the fall of 1987 as a fund- • Central Wilkes Middle burger, salmon burger, turkey • Blue Moose Coffee Lodge: raiser. It was going to be a “one-time, one-night, one-man show.” School, smoked turkey legs, burger, veggie burger and double assorted specialty coffees, and Townes recruited Ala Sue Wyke, a WCC Gardens board mem- roasted corn on the cob, crab cheeseburger; assorted smoothies. ber; Bill Young, retired from Northwestern Bank and a first-class cake sandwich and cheesecake • WCC Culinary BBQ Booth: guitar picker who happened to have a friend named Doc Watson. on a stick; chopped BBQ sandwich, BBQ Food Tent 4 In October 1987, the three met with Doc, who generously agreed • Communities In Schools: platter and BBQ rib plate; (Thompson Hall Area) to do the concert in WCC’s Walker Center and had a November pinto beans, cornbread, baked • Alamance Community Col- • Blue Moose Coffee Lodge: date available for the event. potatoes, chicken wrap, buffalo lege Culinary Booth: vegetable assorted specialty coffees and “That was less than a month away,” remembers Townes. “I chicken wrap, veggie wrap, corn- samosa with chutney choices, assorted smoothies; naively said, ‘Great,’ and then learned the next morning from bread and strawberry shortcake; vegan curried lentils, vegan • Brushy Mountain Smoke- Bud Mayes, the manager of the Walker Center, that you do not • Fishing Creek Arbor Bap- vegetable madras, chicken “65” house & Creamery: hand-dipped simply decide to have a concert today and fill up all of those tist Church, fried fish plate, fried hyderbadi style, pork vindaloo, ice cream (cones or cups). 1,100 seats tomorrow!” chicken plate, fried cod fish buttered chicken, rice pudding, Doc’s wife, RosaLee, and daughter, Nancy, suggested a festival sandwich, fried chicken sand- mango lassi and basmati rice; Food Tent 5 at the end of April. At that suggestion, the group began plan- wich, chicken nuggets, hushpup- • Hospitality House: all beef (Hayes Hall Area) ning a two-day, multiple artist event for Saturday, April 30 and pies, French fries, cheese fries, hot dog, veggie hot dog, chili • The Farmer’s Wife: pre- Sunday, May 1, 1988 with all proceeds going to the Eddy Merle Watson Memorial Garden for the Senses. onion petals, banana pudding, cheese dog, footlong hot dog, packaged homemade fried apple black angus pretzel dog, smoked Townes focused on the logistics of organizing a festival while peach cobbler and side items; pies; • North Wilkesboro Kiwanis sausage cheddar dog, chips, more and more of Doc and Merle’s musician friends committed • Jason’s Mini Donuts: Club: Philly Steak & Cheese Sub, chocolate moon pie, Elvis dog to play. Soon the group had a sold-out event. Lil’ Orbits mini donuts curly fries, apple fritters, apple with banana, bacon, peanut “We began to feel frustration because we had all these people Hawaiian shaved ice (over 30 dumplings, apple chips and cara- butter and deluxe Elvis dog wanting to attend the concert,” said Townes. “I spoke to Cliff flavors; mel peeled apples; with hot dog, banana, bacon, Miller [owner of SE Systems], and he suggested another site • Lowes Foods: sausage • Vandalia Cheerleaders: Pol- peanut butter. Gluten-free buns and having multiple venues.” ish sausage with peppers, and available. works sandwiches, Texas Pete The first festival was held over two days on two stages with a onions, corn dog, chicken chees- hoppyummy, smokey Joe, chees- schedule that was written literally hours before the artists per- esteak sub, gyro, Saratoga swirls, Food Tent 2 apeño, sausage works sand- formed. Also, a workshop was held in the Mayes Pit Auditorium. ice cream, chocolate dipped (MerleFest Mall Area) wiches with pimento cheese, It featured Doc, Earl Scruggs and fiddler Jim Shumate, Tony banana, smoothies and choco- • North Wilkesboro Lions Uncle Chris’ pimento Cheese Rice, Chet Atkins, and daughter Alisa, Marty late dipped marshmallows; Club: fresh popped popcorn, Boar & Castle sauce, fruits, Stuart, Mike Cross, , David Holt, Jack Law- • Vikings Athletic Club: Thai- peanuts in shell, soft pretzels, vegetables, celery and carrots rence, The Smith Sisters, , Mark O’Connor, Jerry style grilled chicken chunks, trail mix and nacho chips and yogurt and granola, hummus, Douglas, George Hamilton IV, and others. “That first year was Thai-style grilled beef chunks, cheese; roots hummus, parfait, nuts, a truly special one,” said Sam Bush to MerleFest’s hometown tofu, Thai-flavored rice and veg- • WCC Clubs Drink Booth: Kalo Foods, gluten-free mini newspaper, the Wilkes Journal-Patriot, in January 2001. “Since gie plate, Thai-flavored noodle assorted drinks/tea/cof- banana loaf, gluten-free mini it hadn’t been long since Merle had passed away, our thoughts and veggie plate, egg roll and fee; carrot loaf and gluten-free that first year were centered on wanting to be with the Watson combo plates; • Brushy Mountain Smoke- chocolate chip cookies. family to celebrate Merle’s life.” • Wilkes Civitan Club: Ital- house & Creamery: hand-dipped • WCC Clubs Drink Booth: The second event in 1989 featured the most bluegrass-heavy ian sausage plate with pasta and ice cream (cones or cups). assorted drinks/tea/coffee. lineup in the festival’s short history. That year the college debuted breadstick, Italian sausage sub, the Doc & Merle Watson Theatre, its backstage dressing rooms chicken parmesan plate with Food Tent 3 Food Tent 6 and the innovative use of the adjacent Cabin Stage as a “tweener” pasta and breadstick, chicken (Shoppes Area) (Little Pickers Area) to cover its larger neighbor’s set changes. parmesan sub, Italian meatball • Boomer-Ferguson PTO, • WCC Clubs Drink & Snack Shortly after that first year, Townes attended the Interna- plate with pasta and breadstick, pizza by the slice, whole pizza, Booth: assorted juice boxes, bot- tional Bluegrass Music Association’s conference in Owensboro, Italian meatball sub, spaghetti cheesecake slice, pickled eggs, tled water, assorted pre-pack- Kentucky, and saw what that organization was doing with an plate with breadstick, mozza- pickled sausage and dill pickle; aged fruit, assorted yogurt to-go outreach program with area schools. “I was impressed with rella cheese sticks; onion rings, • North Wilkesboro Elemen- packs, assorted Lance cracker that program, and it fit the mission of the college, so we applied Jalapeño popper; tary School PTO: snow cones packs, pre-packaged goldfish/ the idea to MerleFest.” The MerleFest Outreach Program has • WCC Culinary Booth: jamba- and funnel cakes; pretzel goldfish and pre-pack- since grown and introduced tens of thousands of children to laya with cornbread, red beans • West Wilkes Athletic aged teddy grahams. the rich musical heritage of their region. 32 • MerleFest • Wilkes Journal-Patriot • April, 2018

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