The good people at MerleFest on Sunday night released a piece about the North Carolina festival, which ended that day.
The well-written, in-depth story talked about how more than 100 acts performed in celebration of Doc Watson and his music. About how some 74,500 people attended the venerable event, now 29 years old. How the great John Prine played 40 extra minutes, because he was having so much fun.
It’s a wonderful story. Well written and well reported.
But for those who were there — at Wilkes Community College this past weekend — the story wasn’t completely necessary.
“MerleFest moments,” they’re called. Things that last forever, tucked away for safekeeping but there when you need them.
A Scythian fiddle song playing in your head. Warm and bright.
Humming to Jerry Douglas and his dobro. Soothing, soulful, unforgettable.
MerleFest, the news release says, has become the primary fundraiser for the WCC Endowment Corporation, paying for scholarships, capital projects and other educational needs.
Scythian brought me to MerleFest. I’ve never left.
For years my wife pleaded with me to attend. Wasn’t my thing, I told her. Sorry, not interested. Several years ago she returned from MerleFest, opened the door, walked in and handed me a CD — Scythian’s “American Shanty.” Listen to this, she told me. I did, eventually, and I was immediately enthralled.
Scythian is Celtic and old-world rock finished with a splash of bluegrass. A double-shot of energy and high-proof rhythm, from a group of the most genuine people one would ever meet. Watch the band live and try to sit still. I dare you.
To get to MerleFest, says Scythian’s Dan Fedoryka, the band “crawled through the kitchen window.” The festival, many years ago, didn’t book Scythian. But the band played anyway.
Outside the gates, as people lined up for shuttles to cars and campsites. Scythian now — for several years running — plays several shows at each MerleFest, and this year the band introduced us to We Banjo 3, an Irish quartet transcending even the best of superlatives.
Everyone who attends MerleFest probably misses a great performance. But they surely hear about it.
As I sat on a steep hill awaiting another incredible Album Hour from The Waybacks, I overheard a man talking about how he used to volunteer for the festival. He doesn’t anymore. The allure of the Album Hour lies in its inherent mystery, amplified by a series of vague clues leading up to the show. The band plays an album — start to finish. They just don’t tell you what it is.
That year, the man said, The Waybacks did Jimi Hendrix. He heard so many great reviews he decided he would never miss another Album Hour. This year The Waybacks reprised “Their Greatest Hits” from the Eagles, a set that also paid tribute to — like Glenn Frey — great artists who are now gone. The band — joined by Nicki Bluhm, John Oates, Jim Lauderdale, Sam Bush and others — finished the set with Prince’s “Purple Rain.”
Yes, it was that good. Better, actually.
In a rare moment during this festival my wife and I found a free minute to explore. To find a new band. We found Shinyribs featuring Kevin Russell playing to a huge crowd at the Americana Stage. Think Frenchmen Street on a Friday night.
On Saturday we watched rising stars the Will Overman Band pack the Plaza Stage for a three-song set as part of the MerleFest Band Competition, won by Asheville’s "newgrass" Fireside Collective.
Fedoryka says MerleFest, simply put, is a family of 80,000 people.
“For a musician, this is the one festival where I feel I’m not at a festival; I’m in someone’s living room,” Fedoryka said. “This is our festival, our family. Let us show you a good time.”
We thank you, from the bottom of our collective hearts.
See more from John Trump at halfwaysouth.com. Email him at halfwaysouth@gmail.com.
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.