Each year the biggest folk musical festival takes place in my state. What is it? Merlefest. While most states are proud to say that they are home to other well-known events or locations, I'm proud to say that we are home to the annual Americana music festival.
So far you know it's a music festival called Merlefest, right? It is definitely more than that. It honors Doc Watson's son, Eddy Merle Watson, who died in 1985. Merle and Doc performed together for about 15 years before Merle's death in a farming accident.
Arthel Lane "Doc" Watson was born on March 3, 1923 in Deep Gap, North Carolina. Doc lost his vision before he was even a year old but attended a school for those that were visually impaired. He had two sons, one being Merle who died at age 36.
On average, Merlefest attracts nearly 85,000 people each year for its four-day long affair. This event was first started in 1988. Merlefest isn't for everyone. You have to have a very unique taste in music. If you like bluegrass, folk, contemporary acoustic, blues, cajun, or jazz, then I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
Doc Watson describes the music at Merlefest like so, "When Merle and I started out we called our music 'traditional-plus,' meaning the traditional music of the Appalachian region plus whatever other styles we were in the mood to play. Since the beginning, the people of the college and I have agreed that the music of MerleFest is 'traditional-plus'."
Interested? Well, if you're ever in the town of Wilkesboro, North Carolina the last week in April and you happen to wander by Wilkes Community College . . . stop on by and be a part of the festival. Just be sure to stay away from the river!
Next time, I'll introduce you to a few of my favorite bands that perform there!
-This is Goo4594, going to tune my guitar!
Author's Note: Most of this information is from people who attend this event every year.
Source: www.merlefest.org
