MARCH 26, 2009 ISSUE
After March Madness, It’s Time for MERLEFEST MADNESS
The Countdown Begins to MerleFest 2009
As of 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 26 (roughly the time this publication will be available in print form), High Country music lovers and people from all over the world will be a mere 28 days and 5 hours before rocking Celtic gypsy quartet Scythian takes the Watson Stage to kick off the 22nd annual MerleFest.
You may now feel free to dance in place.
As the artists are fond of saying from the stage, MerleFest is truly the start of the music festival season throughout not only the Southeast, but also the entire United States. In a way, the four-day musical extravaganza could be compared to the Daytona 500 because it’s the first and arguably best event of the year.
Named by his parents Arthel “Doc” and Rosa Lee Watson after famed musicians Merle Travis, Eddy Merle Watson was, from a young age, his father’s picking partner and companion on the road. The two traversed the globe, taking the music of the Southern Appalachian Mountains to Africa, Europe and beyond while winning Grammy awards for their records.
Since spring 1988 when some of the finest musicians in America gathered to honor Merle on the back of some flatbed trucks at Wilkes Community College, some of those same people from around the world have made musical pilgrimages to the Appalachian foothills to pay tribute to Doc and his son and to enjoy their timeless music in the very hills described in so many of their songs.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior preparing for four solid days of nonstop music or just have an afternoon and evening to soak up the sounds, MerleFest is a unique festival experience that is not to be missed—rain or shine. And don’t worry if you’re not a bluegrass fan because there are plenty of non-banjo-wielding acts to keep you trotting from stage to stage all weekend long.
During the next month as MerleFest approaches, the High Country Press will provide you with pages worth of information designed to help you have the best festival experience possible. From the best new artists looking to gain a foothold at the best Americana festival in the world, to old favorites who seemingly make their way to Wilkesboro year after year to create the most sublime music, we’ll try to steer you in the right direction.
In addition to our coverage of the performers during the next month, the High Country Press staff will help you find a spot to set up your tent, inform you about activities that will entertain both you and your kids, and get you ready to immerse yourself in MerleFest madness.
For a complete festival lineup and stage schedules, click to www.merlefest.org.
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