Merlefest

Melissa McKinney has always wanted to be on stage at MerleFest, and this year she’s getting her chance. Her five-piece band, Mama & The Ruckus, will be one of eight acts competing in the festival’s annual band contest.

For many people, Watson is the face of traditional music, with a voice and finger-picking style that has influenced generations of musicians. Born and raised on a High Country farm, Watson rose to fame in the early '60s, bridging the gap between folk music and bluegrass, and would go on to release dozens of albums and win multiple Grammys.

The festival continues the legacy of High Country musician Doc Watson and his son Merle.

The annual MerleFest returns for its four-day run Thursday. The festival is not just a celebration of traditional American music, but also an important way to bring in money for local causes.

MerleFest organizers have announced their schedule for this year’s festival in Wilkes County with music to honor two important milestones. The festival…

MerleFest, the annual festival in Wilkesboro that celebrates traditional music and more, returns to its normal spring schedule this month after a shift to…

Comedian and musician Steve Martin will be performing in Wilkesboro in April with the Steep Canyon Rangers, joining the lineup of performers for this…

This week we take a moment at Merlefest – not for the main stage acts, but with the community of jammers at festivals. Beyond that, we hear a fine…

A festival that started small at Wilkes Community College in North Carolina has become one of the most enthusiastically supported roots music events in…

MerleFest is an annual "traditional plus" music festival held in Wilkesboro, North Carolina on the campus of Wilkes Community College. It was founded in…