Americana Music Magazine – Bluegrass, Roots, Folk, Blues, and Old-Time
2021 marks the year of the return of festivals – and one of the biggest events of the year, at least on the east coast, is Merlefest. Usually taking place in late April, the event once again saw itself fall victim to the covid19 restrictions, and was postponed. However, instead of skipping another year, fest gowers can rejoice. Merlefest, instead of canceling, rescheduled their widely attended celebration to September, 2021. Specifically, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Sept., 16th – 19th, 2021 in Wilkesboro, NC.
Founded in 1988, the annual event is put on in memory of the son of the late American music legend Doc Watson, renowned guitarist Eddy Merle Watson. MerleFest is a celebration of, as Doc often called it, “traditional plus” music. The festival offers 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. 13 stages deliver a diverse mix of music from dozens of acts during the course of the multi-day event. MerleFest is the primary fundraiser for the Wilkes Community College Foundation whose campus hosts the event.
This year’s featured performers include headliners Tedeschi Trucks, Melissa Etheridge, Mavis Staples, LeAnn Rimes, and more. For a full list of entertainment and additional information, visit www.merlefest.org.