MUSIC FESTIVAL 101

Let me confess here: attending a music festival had not been a priority for most of my life. Last year, however, when MerleFest rolled around, my favorite band was performing, my husband was fishing, good friends from Tennessee would be there, and so it seemed the perfect time for me to scoot over to Wilkesboro and see what the fuss was all about. Here’s what I learned—

By the time you read this, the four-day pass for MerleFest may very well be sold out. You should still be able to purchase a day pass for Thursday and/or Friday, which was what I did. The event was extremely well organized, and I found free parking and shuttle to and from the gate to be a breeze on those less crowded days. While I dressed comfortably and was prepared for a lot of walking, you can arrange for a lift on a golf cart around the campus if needed. Instead of opting for reserved seating at the Watson stage, I arrived early on Thursday and planted my lightweight chair underneath a shade tree, with a festival blanket beside me to hold space for my friends who arrived later. Even though I was far from the Watson stage, the exceptional sound system and large screens provided an excellent experience. On Friday, again, I arrived early, found a shade tree near the Americana stage for home base, and ventured from there to a few of the other stages throughout the day. My chair and cooler remained unmolested all day. Yes, there were many more people in attendance on Friday, but because we were scattered among twelve stages on the large campus, it never felt crowded. By the time I left before sunset, the crowds were flocking in for the night’s headliners, so do keep that in mind when you attend MerleFest.

Before I list upcoming festivals in our region and beyond, let me tell you a trick. I happened to notice that Nickel Creek, a band that has recently returned to the scene after several years’ hiatus, will be at both MerleFest and Bristol Rhythm and Roots. For the fun of it, I went to Nickel Creek’s website and behold, I discovered a festival in Chattanooga, a reasonably short journey away. You might try this trick with a band that you follow to find festivals. Here we go; by no means a comprehensive list, but I think it’s pretty cool to see so many music festivals only a short drive away—

April 27-30 MerleFest On the campus of Wilkes Community College, Wilkesboro, NC. Headliners include The Avett Brothers, Maren Morris, and Little Feat.

April 28-30 Bear Shadow Americana music at Winfield Farm, Highlands, NC. Musicians include The Head and the Heart, Jason Isbell, and Amythyst Kiah.

May 5-6 Breakaway Spring Carolina at the Z-Max Dragway, Charlotte Motor Speedway. Headliners include Illenium and Zedd.

May 19-20 Beaufort Music Festival Gallants Channel Waterfront Venue, Beaufort, NC. Musicians include Grace Potter and Andy Frasco & the U.N.

June 2-3 Mt. Airy Blue Grass and Old-Time Fiddlers

Convention Veterans Memorial Park, Mt. Airy. Competitions, jam sessions, and family entertainment.

June 23-25 Red Wing Roots Music Festival Natural Chimneys State Park, Mt. Solon, VA. My favorite band, The Steel Wheels, presents this annual, well-organized event. Performers include Old Crow Medicine Show, Sierra Ferrell, and Watchhouse.

July 26-30 FloydFest No longer held on the Parkway, now at their new site in Check, VA. Musicians include The Black Crowes, Sheryl Crow, and My Morning Jacket.

August 4-5 Reevestock Hidden Amphitheater, Elkin. The lineup has not yet been published. Past performers include Time Sawyer and Stillhouse Junkies.

August 7-12 Old Fiddlers Convention Felts Park, Galax, VA. Competitions and family fun.

September 1-3 Earl Scruggs Music Festival Mill Spring, NC. Past musicians include Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Molly Tuttle.

September 2-3 John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival High Point, NC. A festival spokesperson told me that the lineup is being finalized. Past performers include Patti LaBelle and Christian McBride.

September 7-9 Hopscotch Festival downtown Raleigh. As many as 450 bands may participate. Past musicians include Amythyst Kiah and Charley Crockett.

September 8-10 Bristol Rhythm & Roots Festival downtown Bristol TN/VA. Headliners include Nickel Creek, Margo Price, and The Mavericks.

September 9-10 Moon River Coolidge Park, Chattanooga, TN. Presented by Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors. Musicians include Caamp, Houndmouth, Hozier, and Larkin Poe.

October 19-21 Bluegrass Island Manteo, NC. Lineup includes Sam Bush, The Steeldrivers, and Rhonda Vincent & The Rage.

While sitting under the shade tree at MerleFest, I eavesdropped on nearby conversations. I discovered that people had come from all over the country – most had attended in previous years, and I witnessed mini reunions all around me. I found nearly every person to be friendly, in good humor, and ready with directions or advice. So go ahead! Choose a festival, listen to good music, find a new favorite band, and who knows? You may meet a new best friend!