Merlefest offered us quite a variety of music, with something like 90 acts and a dozen stages but we found ourselves spending lots of time at the Traditional Stage. For me, it was a great opportunity to enjoy performances by Riley Baugus and Kirk Sutphin, two of my favourite old time musicians.

Kirk Sutphin and Riley Baugus at Merlefest 2013

We had a chance to hear them perform at various workshops and even providing music for old time mountain dancing. Kirk Sutphin plays fiddle and banjo, including fretless banjo, and Riley Baugus plays banjo and guitar and is among the best singers we heard through the festival.