April 17, 2008 issue
Stop Making Excuses and Make it To MerleFest!
Story by David Brewer
Admit it. You’ve thought about it for years. You always study the incredible lineup of musicians. You think about of which performances you would attend. You realize that seeing Doc is always time well spent. You like being outdoors in spring, when the flowers are blooming and the chill of winter finally releases the mountains and foothills from its icy grip.
MerleFest will turn 21 this year and you’re STILL MAKING EXCUSES NOT TO GO! Let 2008 finally be the year when you realize that having arguably the best Americana music festival in the world right in our backyard is more than reason enough to hop in the car and head to Wilkesboro.
We here at the High Country Press realize that making excuses is far easier than making plans. Sure, there are a handful of lame reasons you could give not to go to MerleFest. But after two decades of throwing North Carolina’s best picking party, MerleFest organizers have ironed out as many kinks as possible by listening to annual festivalgoer feedback.
Our MerleFest experts have compiled a list of excuses that you or someone you know may have used to avoid the festival in the past, methodically challenging their merit in an attempt to assuage your festival fears. So go ahead, give in, buy a ticket, grab a blanket and some comfortable shoes and prepare to be amazed. We know you will. Tell Doc we sent you.
Weather
It’s no secret that MerleFest has a checkered past when it comes to the weather. April showers have certainly made a muddy mess of MerleFest more than once, but have never managed to dampen the spirits of the musicians and festivalgoers. However, during the last two years, the grounds of Wilkes Community College have been bathed in sunlight during the majority of the festival.
If it’s precipitation you’re worried about, pack your rain gear of choice—ponchos and umbrellas will do the trick—and you’ll be prepared rain or shine. Indoor stages such as the Mayes Pit, Lounge and Walker Center, as well as the covered Dance Tent and Traditional Stage, provide refuge during inclement weather.
Parking
When tens of thousands of people come flowing into Wilkesboro, they’ve got to park somewhere. Fortunately, MerleFest organizers have had the parking situation fully under control for years with their friendly and efficient shuttle service.
After exiting Highway 421 and cruising a few hundred yards past the entrance to Wilkes Community College, festivalgoers can park in the Blue Lot and walk a short distance to catch one of the frequently departing shuttle buses driven by local Boy Scout leaders. The buses deposit festivalgoers directly in front of the festival entrance, minimizing the amount of walking prior to entering the campus.
Tickets
Unlike gas prices, MerleFest ticket prices are more than reasonable, especially considering the number of options for festivalgoers. Whether you’re thinking about taking the plunge and going for the whole weekend, or just considering one day of music, there’s no need to consider a second mortgage.
Four-day passes can be purchased for $150, while three-day passes can be had for $130. Single-day passes vary depending on the day: Thursday tickets are $35, Friday tickets are $45, Saturday tickets are $50 and Sunday tickets are $40. MerleFest is an awful lot of bang for your buck any way you slice it.
Family-Friendly Fun
Since its inception, MerleFest has prided itself on being an event for the whole family. In addition to the endless string of performers at stages throughout the campus, the Little Pickers stage offers plenty of entertainment for pint-sized festivalgoers.
While some festivals are legendary for their lack of supervision, MerleFest organizers always ensure that people are there for the music, not the party. Sales of alcohol at the festival are prohibited.
If you’re worried about the little ones putting a dent in your budget, don’t factor them into the ticket prices. Kids under 12 get in free.
Much More Than Bluegrass
There are bluegrass festivals and there is MerleFest. Doc himself has made sure that the acts at MerleFest reflect his and Merle’s eclectic taste and approach to playing music. Bluegrass lovers will find plenty to be happy about, but the majority of acts at MerleFest don’t fall neatly into the genre pioneered by Bill Monroe.
A sampling of this year’s lineup reveals funky Cajun dance music, acoustic blues, country, Americana, alt. country, modern gospel, old-time, newgrass, folk, progressive stringband music and plenty of bands that don’t fall neatly into any of those categories. The fact is, you could go the entire weekend and not see a lick of bluegrass.
Crowds
Don’t let the large crowds at MerleFest scare you away. The thousands of people who flock from around the world to the campus of Wilkes Community College are conveniently spread throughout the campus, attending one of 13 stages. With a bit of planning, you can also beat crowds to potentially packed performances and get a seat closer to the stage.
As of 2007, increased greenspace inside the festival grounds allows patrons looking for an escape to stretch out away from the more heavily trafficked parts of the campus while still being able to hear plenty of music.
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