MerleFest 2023 Is Officially Underway!

The 35th Anniversary of MerleFest Kicks Off With Amazing Sets From Brothers of a Feather, Little Feat, and More

Today is the day everyone in Wilkes County, North Carolina looks forward to each spring along with tens of thousands of music fans from across the country and even across the globe. MerleFest is finally here and we couldn’t be more excited to be bringing you all the latest from North Carolina’s largest and most unique music festival. 

Merle est was founded back in 1998 in memory of Eddy Merle Watson, son of famous flat picker Doc Watson and has served as a fundraiser for Wilkes Community College ever since. This family-friendly event takes place each spring on the picturesque grounds of the college campus and has grown to four days of music, food, arts and crafts, and children’s activities. This year is extra special as it marks the 35th anniversary of MerleFest and what would have been Doc’s 100th Birthday.

Here’s A Sneak Peek Of Day One!

North Carolina native Presley Barker got things hopping early on the Watson Stage.

Of course, we couldn’t miss the legendary bluesman Roy Book Binder jamming on the Cabin Stage.

Rocking out with the outlaw folk rock of Tejon Street Corner Thieves was indeed a treat. 

Good day mates! We had a blast getting our Aussie fix with guitarist Tommy Emmanuel.

Everyone was enjoying the roots rock as we put on our “Salin’ Shoes” to dance with Little Feat.

Is this a honky tonk happening right now with Joshua Ray Walker?

There was no better way to close out the day than with the blues jams of Chris and Rich Robinson of Brothers of a Feather (and The Black Crowes) took us home. 

Stay Tuned For Daily Coverage From MerleFest!  Festival Recap And Photo Gallery Coming Soon!

If you happened to capture any shots of the night, feel free to tag us on social media at Shutter 16 Magazine and throw in #Shutter16 and #TwitFromThePit for the world to see.