MerleFest kicked off its 31st annual homecoming of musicians and music fans with an all-star lineup this week.
The festival returned to the rolling hills of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, with a legendary first-time MerleFest performance from Kris Kristofferson, backed by The Strangers (Merle Haggard’s original backing band and son Ben Haggard). Also on the mainstage, Texas songwriter Robert Earl Keen, funky-roots outfit Shinyribs, Wilkesboro, North Carolina-based Kruger Brothers, and Latin-tinged country group The Mavericks. Fans were also treated to performances by Aaron Burdett, Banknotes, Donna The Buffalo, and The Mastersons.
Pete “Dr. Banjo” Wernick led his 28th consecutive MerleFest Jam Camp, culminating in a showcase with jam camp participants on the Cabin Stage after the Kruger Brother’s performance.
Merlfest offers a variety of activity with 13 stages set up around the Wilksbro campus. Other activities include nature walks, Acoustic Kids Showcases, Little Pickers Area, a Pickin’ Place along with an array of food vendors and craft stalls.
Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen
MerleFest was founded in 1988 in memory of the son of the late American music legend Doc Watson, renowned guitarist Eddy Merle Watson.
MerleFest is a celebration of “traditional plus” music, a unique mix of traditional, roots-oriented sounds of the Appalachian region, including old-time, classic country, bluegrass, folk and gospel and blues, and expanded to include Americana, classic rock and many other styles.
The festival hosts a diverse mix of artists on its 13 stages during the course of the four-day event. MerleFest has become the primary fundraiser for the WCC Foundation, funding scholarships, capital projects and other educational needs.
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