Merlefest 2004 Tickets on Sale
Good news from Merlefest in that the tickets wil go on sale as of Nover 11th. From the latest press release is...

Starting on November 11 th , those with Internet access may acquire their tickets easily by visiting www.merlefest.org and, if purchasing assigned seats at the Watson Stage, actually pick their seat location on line. Those without Internet access may purchase tickets by calling 1-800-343-7857 (US only) or 336-838-6267 (non-US) from 10 AM through 4 PM, EST, weekdays. Tickets may also be ordered by fax (336-838-6263) and mail (MerleFest; P.O. Box 120; Wilkesboro, NC 28697). Those interested in volunteering for MerleFest should call 336-838-6292. Vendor info: 336-838-6292. Sponsorship inquiries: 919-542-3997.

.. and so here again is the report on what we can look forward to at Merlefest 2004

It’s that time again when I get the chance to plan my annual trip to Wilkesboro in my favorite state North Carolina. Every April myself and some 75,000 other musical souls head for the hills (not in the same car I have to stress) for Merlefest. Without insulting other festivals, Merlefest has become a must for me. It was the first of the big bluegrass festivals I got to attend and to this day remains the best run and most family friendly event in the musical calendar.

Every year the lineup has some surprises and this year is no exception. One of the most exciting names on the bill this year is Vince Gill. To many Gill is a clean cut pop country icon with a nice voice and a winning smile but if you have ever had a glimpse of him going back to his roots you would see that there is a whole lot more grit to him than you might have thought. His set will be something special to look forward to and I know will surprise more than a few.

Of course there is much more to this even than one big name. In fact its lots of big names and then some people you might never have heard of who you will talk about for years to come. Some of the other names joining Doc Watson and Merle’s son Richard Watson for MerleFest 2004 will include the Sam Bush Band, Rosanne Cash, John Cowan Band, the Derailers, Donna the Buffalo, Dry Branch Fire Squad, Béla Fleck & Edgar Meyer, the Gourds, David Grisman Quintet, Alvin Youngblood Hart, Hot Tuna, Jeannie Kendall, the Kruger Brothers, Patty Loveless, Natalie MacMaster, Nickel Creek, Tim O’Brien, Mark O’Connor’s Hot Swing Trio, Old Crow Medicine Show, Reeltime Travelers, Tony Rice Unit, Savoy Doucet Cajun Band, Earl Scruggs with Family & Friends, the Waifs, Gillian Welch, Lucinda Williams, and Kelly Willis & Bruce Robison.

That is about half the actual list. There are 13 stages at Merlefest and it is a busy 4 days running from one to the other to catch up with everyone you want to see. The effort is well worth it but even with the best planning to the tight stage schedules you can still find yourself in front of a new act on the Dance Stage or the Austin Stage and find yourself transfixed to something new and magical.

Over the coming months we will update the list of people I haven’t mentioned so far and have profiles of those we have.

The festival takes place on the campus of Wilkes Community College from April 29 to May 2, 2004. That may seem like a long time away but I haven’t checked to see if my tent has enough pegs yet. My wife often tells me it hasn’t but time will tell. Tickets go on sale on Tuesday November 11th. Keeping checking back for more or check out the pictures from previous years here

Pictures
or check out the Chris Austin songwriting contest
Here
or..or check out the festival’s official site

www.merlefest.org