MerleFest’s April lineup is made up of more than 50 acts including the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Bonnie Raitt, who has been making music for over five decades. Her 1989 release, Nick of Time, won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year.
The festival continues the legacy of High Country musician Doc Watson and his son Merle.
Festival Director Wes Whitson describes the format as “traditional music plus,” and he thinks Raitt’s appearance would please Doc Watson.
“Bonnie Raitt brings an amazing force in rhythm and blues and rock & roll music, and we’re excited to have her," he says. "This is the first time she’s ever performed at MerleFest so we’re even extra excited about that.”
Raitt will be joined by other well-known folk, blues, and Americana acts including the North Carolina-based group The Avett Brothers.
The April event is an important tourist draw for the county and is Wilkes Community College’s biggest fundraiser. Since its founding in 1988, the festival has raised more than $20 million for the school and its students.