MerleFest is described by three words: Music, Moments, and Memories.
The extended four-day Americana music festival MerleFest takes place at Wilkes Community College on the last weekends in April. The event serves as a fundraiser for many educational projects.
MerleFest was started in 1988 by late American music legend Doc Watson in honour of his son Eddy Merle Watson, who died in a tragic tractor accident in October 1985. Its goal was to raise funds for Wilkes Community College and to promote the distinctive genre of ‘traditional plus’ music.
Presently, however, it frequently draws crowds that exceed 75,000, making it one of the biggest music festivals in the country. To know more about MerleFest, keep reading.
What is MerleFest about?
Image credit: @MerleFest Facebook
MerleFest is an annual gathering that unites musicians and music enthusiasts for a unique celebration of “traditional plus” music.
The festival showcases a blend of genres such as Americana, country, blues, rock, and more, with a focus on the traditional sounds of the Appalachian region, including bluegrass and old-time music.
During four days, the festival features performances on a dozen stages, offering a platform for many artists to showcase their talents. In addition to the main stages, there are several smaller stages, like the Traditional stage, that are devoted to a particular genre or topic.
A unique experience of MerleFest is for the fans to witness the exclusive collaboration among artists. This thrilling and energetic experience attracts thousands of fans to Wilkes Community College every year.
What is the mascot of the MerleFest?
Image credit: @MerleFest Facebook
The official mascot of MerleFest is known as “MerleFest Melvin”.
Melvin is a musical raccoon character that represents the festival, which is held annually in Wilkesboro, North Carolina.
It is a raccoon as Merle Watson’s band, Frosty Morn, used a raccoon as its logo.
Why is MerleFest held in April only?
As a memorial to Merle Watson, the late son of famous folk performer Doc Watson, MerleFest was created. The festival is held in April in memory of Merle Watson, whose birthday is April 8th, and as a chance to celebrate his legacy and musical accomplishments.
Additionally, the weather in April is usually ideal in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, where MerleFest takes place. The springtime atmosphere adds to the whole experience, as spectators can enjoy outdoor performances and activities pleasantly.
Moreover, as it is held at the Wilkes Community College, the availability of the venue might be a factor in choosing the festival’s schedule. April fit with the college’s academic schedule, enabling the use of the campus facilities and resources without any major issues.
Although MerleFest generally is held in April, it’s recommended to check the official MerleFest website or contact the event officials for the most up-to-date information on the event’s scheduling or any possible changes.
What was so special about MerleFest 2023?
To support a garden at Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, the music festival was first held in 1988. From then on it has been held every year as it attracts a huge crowd and earns excellent money.
The 2023 edition of MerleFest, which marked its 35th instalment since 1988, was especially noteworthy and special since it celebrated Doc Watson, who founded the event in 1988 in memory of his late son, 100th heavenly birthday.
What was the schedule of MerleFest 2023?
The 35th instalment of this music festival was held on 27th April 2023 till 30th April 2023. Fans enjoyed four consecutive days to watch their favourite performers play live their best songs.
Lineup of MerleFest 2023
Below is a list of a few artists who performed at MerleFest 2023;
| Artist Name | Description |
| The Avett Brothers | The American folk-rock band The Avett Brothers are known for its energetic live shows and powerful songs. They produce a distinctive sound that attracts a wide audience by fusing folk, rock, bluegrass, and pop music. The Avett Brothers have also been featured in MerleFest 2023. |
| Maren Morris | A well-known Swiss-American folk and bluegrass group is The Kruger Brothers. The Kruger Brothers also performed at MerleFest. |
| Marcus King | From the United States, Marcus King is a well-known singer, songwriter, and guitarist who is known for his rich vocals and remarkable guitar skills. He also had a performance at the famed MerleFest music event. |
| Tanya Tucker | Tanya Tucker has also graced the stage at the prestigious music festival MerleFest. She is an iconic American country music singer. |
| Miko Marks | Miko Marks is a passionate American country music singer-songwriter. She has been a significant influence on the industry. |
| The Kruger Brothers | A well-known Swiss-American folk and bluegrass group is The Kruger Brothers. The Kruger Brothers also gave a performance at MerleFest. |
| Donna the Buffalo | American band Donna the Buffalo is renowned for its unique fusion of folk, rock, and zydeco music. They are a crowd favourite at the music event MerleFest thanks to their colourful and energetic sound. |
MerleFest 2023 Review
Despite encountering rainy weather throughout the festival, the event showcased a diverse range of music styles. It featured a diverse lineup of artists from various musical genres and age groups.
At MerleFest, The Avett Brothers performed an enthusiastic and compelling performance. They displayed their musical diversity by including the cello and piano in their energetic sound. Their concert was loaded with high-energy moments, and they captured the crowd with their powerful stage presence.
The event featured fresh talents like multi-instrumentalist Wyatt Ellis, who shone alongside renowned performers. Bee Taylor, with her vibrant take on Americana, garnered parallels to singers like Amy Winehouse and Elle King.
Son of the late John Prine, Tommy Prine, 27, played twice at MerleFest for the first time and his second appearance on the Traditional stage caught everyone’s attention as he advertised his upcoming debut album, which is scheduled for release in June.
Marcus King, a young and highly skilled guitarist, was one such performer who created a lasting impact with his impassioned blues-rock performance. His deep guitar playing and strong vocals grabbed the crowd, demonstrating his extraordinary talent and dynamic stage presence.
MerleFest 2023 not only allowed the discovery of new artists but also presented the fans with the opportunity to witness the richness of the music. One significant occasion was the performance of the Black Opry Revue, which had a collection of very outstanding artists. Their impressive and energetic performance got a wonderful response from festivalgoers.
Despite a truncated set caused by the terrible weather, Scythian made up for lost time with a loud, energetic performance. Meanwhile, Miko Marks won numerous new followers with her expressive and passionate performance. Both acts exhibited vivid and fascinating performances that made MerleFest 2023 a remarkable festival.
Overall, the festival offered a combination of classic and current music, including bluegrass, blues, rock, and country, giving a worthwhile and entertaining experience for music enthusiasts.
Upcoming MerleFest
The MerleFest 2024 details will be announced soon!
You may check out their official website for additional information.
Conclusion
- MerleFest was started in 1988 by late American music legend Doc Watson in honour of his son Eddy Merle Watson
- MerleFest is an annual gathering that unites musicians and music enthusiasts for a unique celebration of “traditional plus” music.
- The 2023 edition of MerleFest, which marked its 35th instalment, was especially noteworthy since it celebrated Doc Watson, who founded the event in 1988 in memory of his late son, 100th heavenly birthday.
- Despite encountering rainy weather throughout the festival, the event showcased a diverse range of music styles. It featured a diverse lineup of artists from various musical genres and age groups.
- Overall, the festival offered a combination of classic and current music, including bluegrass, blues, rock, and country, giving a worthwhile and entertaining experience for music enthusiasts.
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