Once a year every April in Wilkesboro NC there is a huge super Music Festival. Merlefest is named and held in honor of Doc Watsons son who died in a farming accident, Merle was a talented musician too.
The artists that perform there are mostly of a Bluegrass flavor, but not all.
I have always wanted to attend, but there are some things that one just cant do. However I think the next best thing happened this last weekend, Merlefest was broadcast live via streaming Internet radio!
The downside and the upside is that I did not get to choose which acts that I got to hear, multiple venues happen at the same time, this way I got to discover some artists that I had never heard before. Also mixed in were some familiar artists that were a real treat to listen to.
I have heard of these artists but had never heard them, the Duhks, The Circuit Riders, The Stringdusters, The Waybacks, The Louvell Sisters (teenagers that are going to be something big I bet, they have real talent), plus others that am not listing. I was really impressed and now know that I am going to try to hear more of these people.
Familiar acts also were there, my favorites, Peter Rowan and Tony Rice, Bela Flek, Sam Bush, Doyle Lawson, Del McCroury, Doc Watson, and others.
Now for the big disappointment, through Friday and all day Saturday the big event in my eyes was the Alison Krauss and Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas and Tony Rice tribute to Tony Rice and his 35 years in music. This was going to be something else, all day Saturday I was anticipating hearing it. Come around 9:35 the show starts, the audio is real bad, but Tonys D-28 was ripping off notes like none other. However, due to the technical difficulties, the cut off the live broadcast and started playing CDs in the studio, not AKUS or Rice. Needless to say I was really disappointed, but I am still very thankful that I got to hear what I did hear.
Friday, all day Saturday (up till 9:35) and Sunday were all filled with excellent music. I was spoiled. I spent the whole weekend with in earshot of the computer and did not get a whole lot else done.
I hope that they decide to do this next year, and come to think of it there are other big festivals that they might do this to also, lets keep our fingers crossed.
