Sunday, Apr 27, 2025 at 11:00am
MerleFest was founded in 1988 in memory of Eddy Merle Watson as a fundraiser for Wilkes Community College and to celebrate 'traditional plus' music.
The Music of MerleFest was best explained by Doc himself: "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'."
The MOMENTS of MerleFest are those unique experiences that only happen here. It may be two musicians you never expected to see collaborating, a shooting star over the Watson Stage during an evening's closing set, or that one set that seems to have touched everyone in the audience.
The MEMORIES of MerleFest include the memory of Eddy Merle Watson, who we honor each day with "The Tribute to Merle" and the new memories we create each year we come together to celebrate MerleFest. Fond memories we will always cherish are those of Doc and his unending contributions to the festival, the college and the music world. At MerleFest, fans would always flock when Doc graced the stage with his amazing flat-picking style, rich baritone voice and humble presence…a presence that will always be missed.
MerleFest, considered one of the premier music festivals in the country, serves as an annual homecoming for musicians and music fans. Held on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, MerleFest was founded in 1988 in memory of the late Eddy Merle Watson, son of american music legend Doc Watson. MerleFest is a celebration of "traditional plus" music, a unique mix of music based on the traditional, roots-oriented sounds of the Appalachian region, including bluegrass and old-time music, and expanded to include americana, country, blues, rock and many other styles. The festival hosts numerous artists, performing on 12 stages during the course of the four-day event. The annual event has become the primary fundraiser for the WCC Foundation, funding scholarships, capital projects, and other educational needs.
Schedule of Events:
Watson Stage
11:30 am - 12:15 pm: Fog Holler
12:45 pm - 01:45 pm: Peter Rowan's Walls of Time Band
02:35 pm - 03:35 pm: Leftover Salmon
04:20 pm - 06:00 pm: Watchhouse
Cabin Stage
11:00 am - 11:30 am: Andy May
12:15 pm - 12:45 pm: The Resonant Rogues
01:50 pm - 02:35 pm: Silent Auction Winners
03:35 pm - 04:20 pm: The Lil Smokies
Creekside Stage
11:00 am - 11:30 am: Sunday Morning Devotions with Roy Dobyns and Jeff Little
11:30 am - 12:00 pm: Gospel Songs of Doc Watson with Jeff Little Trio and Friends
12:30 pm - 01:30 pm: Gospel Hour with Dale Ann Bradley
Little Pickers Stage
11:00 am - 11:30 am: Sing-A-Long with JEF and Laura Boosinger
11:30 am - 12:00 pm: Gravity Check Juggling
12:15 pm - 12:45 pm: Carolina Detour
12:45 pm - 01:00 pm: Meet and Greet with Flattop
01:00 pm - 01:30 pm: InterACTive Theater of JEF
01:30 pm - 02:00 pm: Gravity Check Juggling
02:00 pm - 02:30 pm: 12 Note Map
03:00 pm - 03:30 pm: Gravity Check Juggling
"B" Townes americana Stage
11:30 am - 12:30 pm: Sunday Blues with Roy Book Binder featuring Charles Welch, Todd Albright, Rev. Robert Jones, and Fats Kaplin
01:00 pm - 01:45 pm: Florencia and The Feeling
02:15 pm - 03:00 pm: The Resonant Rogues
03:30 pm - 04:15 pm: Donna the Buffalo
Traditional Stage
11:00 am - 11:45 am: Pete and Joan Wernick's Traditional Jam
12:30 pm - 01:15 pm: Shaped Note Singing with Laura Boosinger
02:00 pm - 02:45 pm: Women Who Sing and Play Traditional featuring Carol Mallett Rifkin
03:30 pm - 04:15 pm: Wayne Henderson and Friends
Pickin' Place
11:00 am - 4:30 pm: Jammin' at the Pickin' Place
Dance Stage
11:45 am - 12:30 pm: The Fretliners
01:15 pm - 02:00 pm: Fog Holler
03:00 pm - 03:45 pm: Florencia and The Feeling
Hillside Stage
11:00 am - 11:45 am: Band Contest Winner
12:15 pm - 01:00 pm: The Local Boys
01:30 pm - 02:15 pm: The Lil Smokies
02:45 pm - 03:30 pm: Scythian
Autograph Tent
1:30 pm - 2:00 pm: The Fretliners
2:30 pm - 3:00 pm: Fog Holler
3:30 pm - 4:00 pm: The Resonant Rogues