Sand sculpture, Merlefest 2013
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Every Grain of Sand
Sand sculpture, Merlefest 2013
Who is Jerron Paxton?
Jerron Paxton at Merlefest
Who is this guy? He was billed at Merlefest 2013 as Blind Boy Paxton but I’ve read he doesn’t like to called Blind Boy anymore. He dresses in a most peculiar manner as you can see in the photo. When he speaks it’s with a Louisiana accent, but I read he comes from LA and lives in NYC. At Merlefest he made a comment about Baton Rouge being considered north where he comes from. And then he mentioned he was Jewish. His set was billed as African-American Old Time music, but he shrugged that off commenting that he was American but the rest of it was up for debate. I really had no idea what to expect from this character – that is until I heard him play. Jerron Paxton is in his mid-20s but he is highly accomplished on fiddle, guitar and banjo and is an extraordinary songster. Don’t worry about the schtick, the outfit, the accent, don’t worry about any of that. Just listen to this guy play! Here he is performing Casey Jones at Merlefest 2013 at the Traditional stage, channeling the late Furry Lewis. Sorry about the bad video quality. At least it gives you a little taste.
Rhonda Vincent and the Rage – Bluegrass
Rhonda Vincent and the Rage
Driving, Wilkesboro to Boone – North Carolina
From the Merlefest 2013 site to Boone is about 30 miles, almost all uphill
Making Jam
At Merlefest, there is always something interesting happening at the jam tents.
Covered Wagon
The people who were running this stage coast were obviously Merlefest veterans.
Covered Wagon, Merlefest 2013
Prepared for a cool evening in the Carolina foothills
Waiting for Del McCoury and the Presentation Hall Jazz Band to take to the stage, Merlefest 2013.
Brrrrrr….
Church Bus
Church Bus, Merlefest 2013
Dinner
Fine dining at Merlefest 2013
Smoked Turkey leg and corn on the cob
SCB
The South Carolina Broadcasters were among our favourite performers at Merlefest 2013. We caught two of their sets at the Traditional stage plus they played for the Saturday night square dance.
South Carolina Broadcasters
Ivy Sheppard, David Sheppard, and Sarah Osborne
And here they are performing S-A-V-E-D at Merlefest 2013 at the Traditional Stage…
27th Street 