There are lots of approaches to playing the banjo and plenty of banjo styles too. Here’s a photo of some of the participants at the banjo demonstration at Merlefest 2013. You’re looking at Ivy Sheppard, Randy Sheets, Riley Baugus, David Holt and Laura Boosinger. For… Read More
We had two opportunities to learn square dancing at Merlefest. The first was an afternoon dance featuring The Sheets Family Band and third generation caller Uncle Ted. We had so much fun at this dance. Uncle Ted is a great caller and we were able… Read More
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,… Read More
Back at the hotel after a 12 hour musical extravaganza. We started off at the Traditional stage with a fabulous group called the South Carolina Broadcasters – Old Time with very strong vocals and a spirit that reminded me of the Carter Family. Then we… Read More
I’m writing this post from a hotel room in Boone North Carolina, in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It has been quite a day. We awoke after about 3 hours sleep to get the airport in time for an early flight to Washington-Dulles Airport. Our 6AM… Read More
Here are Kirk Sutphin and Riley Baugus, two excellent old time performers who will also both be playing at Merlefest, which starts tomorrow afternoon.
Just sayin…
Merlefest is an Old Time music festival that takes place each year at the end of April at Wilkes College campus in Wilkesboro North Carolina. It was named for ace guitar picker Merle Watson who died in a tragic farm accident in 1985. The festival… Read More
27th Street 