MerleFest, presented by Window World, announced the initial lineup for its 36th annual event, set for April 25-28, 2024, at Wilkes Community College.
Leading the initial list are Grammy-winning rogue-folk ensemble Old Crow Medicine Show (celebrating both its 25th anniversary and nearly 25 years since their MerleFest debut in 2000), Turnpike Troubadours, blues-rock duo The Teskey Brothers, and recently reunited bluegrass sensation Nickel Creek.
MerleFest favorites Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, The Earls of Leicester and more are also set to appear. View the initial lineup below. Additional artists are to be announced in the coming weeks.
The full lineup anjnounced sonfar also includes Steep Canyon Rangers, Shinyribs, Peter Rowan, Scythian, Donna the Buffalo, Jim Lauderdale, Kruger Brothers, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Chatham County Line, Chatham Rabbits, John McEuen, Willi Carlisle, Adeem the Artist, The Sensational Barnes Brothers, The Waybacks, Alexa Rose, Andy May, Ashes & Arrows, B. Townes, Banknotes, Buffalo Nichols, Carol Rifkin, Charles Welch, Flattop, Goldpine, Gravity Check Juggling, The InterACTive Theater of Jef, Jack Lawrence, Jake Kohn, Jeff Little Trio, JigJam, Joe Smothers, Josh Goforth, Kyshona, Laura Boosinger, The Local Boys, Mark Bumgarner, Mitch Greenhill & Mitch’s Kitchen, Nefesh Mountain, Palmyra, Pete & Joan Wernick, Presley Barker, Roy Book Binder, The Silent Comedy, T. Michael Coleman, Them Coulee Boys, Tony Williamson, Uwade and Wayne Henderson.
MerleFest pays homage to pioneers of the folk movement alongside fresh and burgeoning voices. Last year, the festival commemorated its 35th year in operation and what would have been the 100th birthday of Doc Watson.
Drawing over 75,000 patrons to the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains each spring, MerleFest’s well-attested “traditional plus” experience maintains its title as one of the most iconic musical pilgrimages of its time.
MerleFest 2024 tickets are available now. For general admission passes, as well as patio seating, reserved seating, camping, parking, and more, please visit merlefest.org/purchase.
MerleFest volunteer applications are open. As a volunteer, participants will receive free entry to the festival for the entire day of their shift, free parking and shuttle, and 10% off camping at River’s Edge Campground. Most importantly, volunteers will be supporting a major fundraiser for Wilkes Community College. Visit merlefest.org/volunteer to sign up before the April 13 deadline.
Vendors are selected to provide a variety of quality and unique goods for MerleFest. Included in the vendor fee is the cost of tent, tent setup, fire extinguisher, gutters, table, chairs, lightbulb for night time illumination on-campus security, as well as general admission passes for the entire festival and one on-campus parking pass. Go to merlefest.org/vendors to apply. The application window closes Jan. 15.
