MerleFest 2013 is less than 2 months away and just like years past, I'm checking the website for schedules and the latest additions to the lineup. But this year is going to be different, knew it was not going to be the same when I heard the news of Doc Watson's passing last year. Doc was a wonderful host for 25 years, celebrating with all of us the memory of his son Merle. I had the pleasure of getting to know many members of the Watson Family and enjoyed our yearly reunions with hugs and howdies. Yes this year will be different, but it will be a great MerleFest..I am sure of that. This will be the first time that many of the artists have had a chance to join with the other pickers and singers and remember Doc, Rosa Lee, and Merle with the music, played live in front of fans that have loved the spirit of MerleFest for a quarter of a century.
Check back often, we'll be kicking off our MerleFest ticket giveaways real soon!!
Here is part of a press release from the folks at MerleFest. Check it out, start getting excited if you haven't already, and get up with a friend or two and do what you do every year...count the days.
WILKESBORO, N.C. (March 5, 2013) — When MerleFest, presented by Lowe’s and slated for April 25-28, 2013, kicks off on Thursday afternoon, it will be a bittersweet moment. The four-day event, an annual homecoming of musicians and music fans, will once again take place on the campus of
One of the most talked-about events of the festival will surely be Saturday evening’s Celebration Jam. The Jam will be hosted by Sam Bush and will feature many of Doc’s closest musician friends as they tell stories and play some of Doc’s favorites tunes. The Jam’s core band will consist of Sam Bush (mandolin/fiddle), Jeff Little (piano), T. Michael Coleman (bass), Jack Lawrence (guitar), Bryan Sutton (guitar) and David Holt (banjo.)
Additionally, the life and music of Doc Watson will be honored in other ways during the festival:
A special section in the MerleFest program (20,000 copies to be given free) will pay tribute to Doc, with quotes and remembrances from fellow artists and friends;
- Video vignettes throughout the festival of Doc, which will include videos of him performing, talking about his family, telling stories, etc.;
- Throughout the weekend, artists will be reminiscing about Doc and the impact he had on them;
- A new display will be introduced in Lowe’s Hall with a bust of Doc and memorabilia of his life and career; and
- A student emergency fund in Doc Watson’s honor will be announced at
Tickets for MerleFest 2013 can be purchased at www.merlefest.org or by calling
