Photo Credit: Devin Ulery
The Scene
Thirty years ago, the legendary Doc Watson founded MerleFest to honor the memory of his son who died in a tragic accident. Now 80,000 fans gather every spring on the campus of Wilkes Community College for America's largest roots festival. Legends mix with newcomers to perform surprising collaborations of bluegrass, folk, and Americana.
2023 Artist Lineup
Donna the Buffalo
- AJ Lee & Blue Summit
- Alison Brown
- Andy Cohen
- Andy May
- Anna Lynch
- B Townes
- Banknotes
- Bee Taylor
- Black Opry Revue
- Carol Rifkin
- Charles Welch
- Chris Jones & The Night Drivers
- Cole Chaney
- Compton And Newberry
- Dom Flemons
- Donna the Buffalo
- I Draw Slow
- Jack Lawrence
- Jeff Little
- Jeff Little Trio
- Jerry Douglas
- Jim Lauderdale
- Joe Smothers
- Josh Goforth
- Ken Crouse
- Kruger Brothers
- Laura Boosinger
- Little Feat
- Marcus King
- Maren Morris
- Mark Bumgarner
- Mike Lightnin’ Wells
- Miko Marks
- Mitch Greenhill
- Nigel Wearne
- Pete & Joan Wernick
- Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band
- Presley Barker
- Roy Book Binder
- Sam Bush Band
- Scythian
- StillHouse Junkies
- T. Michael Coleman
- Tanya Tucker
- Taylor Rae
- Terry Baucom’s Dukes of Drive
- The Avett Brothers
- The Brothers Comatose
- The Local Boys
- The Local Honeys
- The Waybacks
- The Youngers
- Todd Albright
- Tommy Prine
- Tony Williamson
- Wayne Henderson
- Yasmin Williams