Podcasts about MerleFest

Jontavious dropped by BSST and Merlefest 2026 and shared a song , on a borrowed guitar,as well as his story .

Ketch stopped by and talked with BSST at Merlefest 2026. Get a glimpse of the beginnings of Old Crow Medicine Show

Sam sat down with BSST at Merlefest 2026 and talked about his musical roots, his time with Leon Russell,Newgrass Revival, Emmylou Harriss, Duck Butter , Green Acres and The Sam Bush Band.

I set down at Merlefest 2026 ,with Will who is the owner and builder of W.R. Byrd guitars.

The Sullivan Sisters have dazzled audiences since childhood with their unique blend of fast bluegrass picking and captivating sibling harmonies, with music ranging from lyrical originals to timeless folk classics to blazing instrumentals.Inspired by the bluegrass community in North Carolina where they were born and raised, Soraya and Lucaya began taking guitar and banjo lessons at ages 8 and 6. Their music drew influence from the bluegrass community surrounding them, and they carried their love of the genre with them when they relocated to Chicago.Over the past ten years, The Sullivan Sisters have toured the country as featured performers at Merlefest, the Bluegrass Hall of Fame & Museum's Romptober Festival, IBMA's Bluegrass Live Festival, the Woodsongs Old Time Radio Hour, and the Evanston Folk Festival. Their instrumental talents have garnered them national distinction, including First Prize in Banjo and Third Prize in Guitar at Rockygrass 2023, First Prize in Fiddle, Second Prize in Guitar, and Third Prize in Mandolin at RockyGrass 2025, and Second Prize in the 2024 Galax Old Fiddlers Convention Bluegrass Banjo contest. Additionally, The Sullivan Sisters won Third Prize at the 2025 RockyGrass Band Competition.The sisters have recently formed a five-piece band by joining forces with three phenomenal teen pickers and longtime friends: Finn McGuinness on fiddle, Gabe Zinser on mandolin, and Sammy Mougin on bass. The new band launched its debut to a sold-out, standing room audience in Chicago in January 2025, and has multiple tours planned for 2025 and beyond. In September 2025, The Sullivan Sisters signed to Dark Shadow Recording in Nashville, TN. Keep an eye out for new music coming soon!

Some journeys don't begin with a plan. Some just begin with a song, a street corner, a moment that simply says go.In this episode of Speaking of Travel, Ketch Secor of Old Crow Medicine Show, shares a life shaped by following the music and trusting where it leads. What stays with you isn't just the story of the road. It's more the way he moves through the world.From busking days to the guidance of Doc Watson and the deep roots of MerleFest, this conversation opens into something more personal. Ketch speaks to honoring tradition while letting it breathe. Listening closely and remembering that music isn't ours to own, but ours to carry and hold with care.There's a steadiness in him. A generosity. A belief that art can hold people together in ways nothing else quite can.And when he says, “When you go into the tent, magical things happen,” you feel what he means. It's that shared space where people come as they are and leave a little more connected. Where something simple becomes meaningful because we experience it together.This one lingers.It reminds us the world feels better when we show up open and when we let the music lead.A must listen! Only on Speaking of Travel. Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler. 

On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with guitarist, singer, and songwriter Trey Hensley, and it's a conversation I've been looking forward to for a long time. Trey has built a reputation as one of the most electrifying acoustic guitar players around, and we talk about the moment he finds himself in now—stepping back into a solo role after a decade performing as part of a duo. He's candid about what that transition felt like at first and how embracing that shift has opened the door to new creative possibilities.A big part of our conversation centers on feel and energy in recordings. Trey and I dig into why so many of the records we love breathe and move in ways that feel alive—often recorded without a click track—and why some of that electricity can disappear when studio perfection becomes the goal. It's a thoughtful discussion about spontaneity, musical trust, and the value of leaving room for human feel.We also talk about his upcoming album Can't Outrun the Blues, releasing March 6. The record leans heavily into an acoustic-forward sound, with most of the performances captured live in the room and minimal overdubs. Trey shares how the project came together, the importance of strong songs at the center of it all, and the collaborators who helped bring the music to life.Then we look ahead to another exciting chapter: a new electric, country-leaning project with guitarist Brian Sutton. Trey talks about what it feels like to plug in again after years of acoustic focus, the mix of intimidation and inspiration that comes from playing alongside someone like Brian, and how his time on electric guitar has quietly shaped the way he approaches the acoustic instrument.Along the way, we also get into the realities of modern musicianship—social media and the pressure to produce “content,” stage sound challenges like wedges versus in-ears, bluegrass timing tendencies, and the ongoing challenge of simply hearing yourself onstage. It's a conversation about music, but also about identity, growth, and trusting your instincts as an artist.Key TakeawaysWhat it's like for Trey Hensley to return to a solo role after a decade performing in a duo.Why many of the most beloved recordings breathe without a click track.The philosophy behind recording Can't Outrun the Blues mostly live in the room.How focusing on songs first shaped the direction of the new record.The creative spark—and challenge—of working with Brian Sutton on a more electric project.How playing electric guitar has influenced Trey's acoustic phrasing and tone.Real-world musician topics: social media pressure, stage monitoring (wedges vs. in-ears), and bluegrass timing tendencies.Music from the EpisodeCan't Outrun the Blues — Trey HensleyOne White Line at a Time — Trey HensleyTucson — Trey HensleyAbout the PodcastThe Bandwich Tapes is a long-form conversation podcast where host Brad Williams sits down with some of the most thoughtful musicians, composers, and artists working today. The show explores the stories behind the music—creative process, collaboration, career paths, and the human experiences that shape the sounds we love.Connect with the ShowEmail: contact@thebandwichtapes.com

My guest this week is Ted Olson, professor of Appalachian Studies at East Tennessee State University.Ted joins me to celebrate the Rich-R-Tone record label and it's offshoot Folk Star. Rich-R-Tone was founded in 1946 by James Hobart Stanton who, in Ted's words, "was probably single-handedly the most important documentarian of Appalachian music."Ted has extensively researched Stanton and the Rich_R-Tone label for a project he co-produced for Bear Family Records - The Rich-R-Tone/Folk Star Story: Appalachia On Record, 1946-1954. Featuring 317 expertly remastered recordings spread over 12 CDs and including a 144-page hardcover book, this set, produced by Ted Olson, Matteo Ringressi, and Richard Weize, features newly researched liner notes and a complete discography. Many of these recordings are incredibly rare and are taken from 78 rpm discs held in private collections.We talk about Stanton's background in jukebox repair and distribution and how that helped shape his vision for the label; why both place and time are so vital in this particular story; the importance of Rich-R-Tone being a label based in Appalachia, rather than being a major label coming to the region just to record local talent and how Stanton played an important role in The Stanley Brothers' career. It's a fascinating story and one I knew very little about before my conversation with Ted, who was a pleasure to chat with as always.During the conversation  we play excerpts of three tracks from the box set. You'll hear (in order):The Stanley Brothers - Molly and TenbrooksWilma Lee Cooper - The Tramp on the StreetThe Caudill Family - Ain't No Grave Gonna Hold My Body DownFor more info on the box set visit Bear Family RecordsTo hear my previous interviews with Ted, check out the two episodes below:The Bristol Sessions and BeyondDoc Watson's 100th Birthday Celebration (featuring Happy Traum, John McEuen from the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, T. Michael Coleman, Jack Lawrence, Lindsay Craven of MerleFest and Ted Olson) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!) Bluegrass Jam Along is proud to be sponsored by Collings Guitars and Mandolins- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

It's the 38th edition of Merlefest on the way, April 23 - 26th, 2026, in Wilkesboro, NC. Director, Wes Whitson joins us for this special edition of Americana Music Profiles to share the inside scoop for next years festival.https://www.americanamusicprofiles.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wyatt Ellis has accomplished more by age 16 than many musicians do in a lifetime. Hailing from the foothills of the Smoky Mountains in East Tennessee, he's quickly emerging as one of bluegrass mu-sic's brightest young stars. With virtuosic mandolin playing, heart-felt vocals, and original songwriting, Wyatt blends the deep tradi-tions of bluegrass with a fresh, youthful energy. Backed by a pow-erhouse band of Appalachia's finest young musicians, Wyatt deliv-ers high-octane performances that range from the Grand Ole Opry to major festivals like MerleFest and Gray Fox. His band's signa-ture single-mic setup showcases their tight harmonies, high-lonesome vocals, and blistering solos, creating a sound steeped in tradition yet driven by the future. Wyatt's breakout year included a debut at the Newport Folk Festival, chart-topping original instru-mentals from his debut album, and becoming one of the youngest regular performers in Grand Ole Opry history. His authentic Appa-lachian songwriting and seasoned stage presence have quickly set him apart as a once-in-a-generation talent with a deep respect for bluegrass music's heritage. 2024's IBMA Momentum Instrumental-ist of the Year and twice nominated for IBMA's New Artist of the Year, Wyatt has collaborated with legends like Peter Rowan, Marty Stuart, and the late Bobby Osborne. His January 2025 release, Winds of Rowan County, a duet with Rowan, celebrated bluegrass roots while symbolically passing the torch. Wyatt's lead and har-mony mandolin solo on Bobby Osborne's final recording of “Rocky Top,” along with their co-written instrumental “Fern Branch,” were both featured on Osborne's posthumous album, a tribute to Wyatt's connection to his hero and mentor. With a debut vocal al-bum of all-new original songs on the way, Wyatt Ellis stands poised at the forefront of bluegrass, honoring the legacy of the genre while boldly pushing it forward into a new era.

This week, a special road trip episode featuring up and coming Irish finger style guitar Jedi Shane Hennessy recorded live at the 2024 Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas. Also, a performance from each of the top three 2024 Walnut Valley International finger style guitar champions, Hiroya Tsukamoto, Mikey Bilello, and Stephen Bennett. The annual Walnut Valley Festival, now in it's 53rd season, is one of the oldest and most respected acoustic music festivals in the world. Held at the Winfield, Kansas fairgrounds, more than 30 musical acts will perform on four separate stages, presenting over 200 hours of live music. Also, there is a dedicated contest stage where contestants vie for national and international championships in Finger Style Guitar, Flat Pick Guitar, Bluegrass Banjo, Old Time Fiddle, Mandolin, Mountain Dulcimer, Hammered Dulcimer, and Autoharp. There is a juried arts and crafts fair, exhibits by renowned instrument makers and music shops, family activities, a bevy of food vendors, a farmer's market and even a pub! An unusual aspect of Walnut Valley is its campground tradition. Campsites are not reserved and campers line up to claim a choice campsite during the "Land Rush.” Walnut Valley Festival goers often bring their own musical instruments to participate in the sometimes all night campground jam sessions. Bands like Old Sound and Sally & The Hurts that began as "Jam Bands" in the campgrounds, have even been invited to perform at the festival. Shane Hennessy is a virtuoso fingerstyle guitarist, singer/songwriter, and composer. With an upbringing in the world of Irish traditional music, Shane has been captivating audiences globally for the past few years, with sell-out solo tours in Europe and North America under his belt, as well as regular appearances at major international music festivals including MerleFest, Walnut Valley Bluegrass Festival, Sound of Europe Festival (Düsseldorf, Germany), and Milwaukee Irish Fest. He has released four albums of original music, and his most recent studio album ‘Rain Dance' was hailed as “a triumphant reaffirmation of his virtuosity and compositional excellence” by Irish Music Magazine. Shane has collaborated with Tommy Emmanuel, worked with Grammy-winner Bill Whelan (composer of Riverdance), and made his début on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee in March 2023. A musician from a young age, Shane credits his background in Irish traditional music as the base on which he has built his genre-defying musical explorations. Initially a concertina player, he achieved successes in competitions in Ireland. He then turned to the guitar aged twelve inspired by the music of James Taylor. Becoming more interested in songwriting and in music in general, it was when he discovered the styles of Tommy Emmanuel and Chet Atkins that his interest in solo performance blossomed. Described by legendary guitarist and mentor Tommy Emmanuel as “a brilliant entertainer and an amazing musician who transcends the guitar the same way Muhammed Ali transcended boxing”, Shane has since developed an unmistakably unique voice as a fingerstyle guitarist, blending his native Irish music with elements of jazz, country, blues, funk, classical, soul, world, and hip-hop. With the addition of some smooth vocals and improvisations, it makes sense why music legend super-producer Nile Rodgers (CHIC) remarked that “[Shane's] style is killer, it's really cool stuff.” https://www.shanehennessy.ie/bio In this week's “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers a 2015 archival recording of Ozark original guitarists Danny Dozier and Randy Buckner performing the 1924 Isham Jones song “I'll See You in My Dreams,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. In his segment “Back in the Hills,” writer, professor and historian Dr. Brooks Blevins concludes his three part series on the surprisingly violent history of tornadoes in the Ozarks.

Nigel Wearne has toured Australia, New Zealand, the US, UK and Canada and he's performed at a long list of festivals from MerleFest to both the Cambridge and Philadelphia Folk Festivals, and Bristol Rhythm & Roots. Nigel is a guitarist and multi-instrumentalist with diverse influences such as Nick Cave, Tom Waits and Rickie Lee Jones. A deep thinker and truth seeker with a penchant for all things peculiar, he sings of human frailty, grace and the cosmos; songwriting that cuts to the bone.Rolling Stone magazine calls Nigel's music "warmth flecked with grit...and beauty "The Weekend Australian saysNigel's songs showcase "vocal swagger of Van Morrison and the arranging chutzpuh of Ennio Morricone

Paul set down to talk about the creation of his musical act, The Cleverlys. Recorded at Merlefest 2025.

B. Townes was a Just try to raise money for a flower garden when he created MerleFest.

This is the complete story about the creation of Merlefest.

In 2024, I had the idea to produce podcasts based on interviews from MerleFest, with the theme being a focus on both first-time performers and veterans. Combining two artists who made their debuts resulted in the episode “Rural Roots That Run Deep With Nick Shoulders and Adeem The Artist”, we followed that with two of the festival's mainstays in the episode “Jim Lauderdale, Donna the Buffalo and the Many Collaborations Of MerleFest”. It was great fun to compare and contrast artist experiences at the venerated event between newcomers and returning veterans, as well as dive into their stories and music along the way. This year, I picked up on the approach once again, interviewing bluegrass heroes Woody Platt and Buddy Melton in the episode that immediately precedes this one, titled “A New Team For Two Heavy Hitters Of Bluegrass: Woody Platt and Buddy Melton”. Now, we celebrate another MerleFest newcomer, Tami Neilson. Although she just made her first stop at the festival, she is no novice in the roots music scene, having grown up in a family band and having made records since 2008; I was all smiles when I saw her on the MerleFest lineup for 2025. Fun fact: when I sent in the request to feature Tami on this podcast, her publicist replied, “So just to be clear here — Tami is for Southern Songs & Stories? She is originally Canadian and lives in New Zealand so just checking!” I chuckled and replied, “Yes, that's correct. I break my own rules every so often. I've featured Ruen Brothers, Colin Hay and others over the years. New Zealand is south too right? ;-)”I spoke with Tami Neilson late at night, after her rousing Dance Tent performance, where she talked about her love of wide ranging musical journeys, her own journey to her adopted country of New Zealand, growing up in a family band and now bringing her sons on stage from time to time, playing the Grand Ole Opry and making music with greats like Willie Nelson, and a whole lot more. Tami Neilson playing her first of two sets at MerleFest on April 25, 2025. Photo: Willa Stein Songs heard in this episode: “Baby, You're A Gun” by Tami Neilson, from Kingmaker“Learn To Try Again” by The Chills, from Spring Board: The Early Unrecorded Songs, excerpt“Borrow My Boots” by Tami Neilson, from Neon Cowgirl, excerpt“Beyond The Stars” by Tami Neilson, featuring Willie Nelson, from Kingmaker, excerpt“You're Gonna Fall” by Tami Neilson, featuring JD McPherson, from Neon CowgirlThanks for reading and listening! We hope you can help spread awareness of what we are doing. It is as easy as telling a friend and following this podcast on your platform of choice. You can find us on Apple here, Spotify here and YouTube here — hundreds more episodes await, filled with artists you may know by name, or musicians and bands that are ready to become your next favorites. This series is a part of the lineup of both public radio WNCW and Osiris Media, with all of the Osiris shows available here. You can also hear new episodes on Bluegrass Planet Radio here. WNCW intern Elena Dickson deserves a big thanks for jumping in on production work for this episode in her very first week! Thanks as well to Jaclyn Anthony for producing the radio adaptations of this series on WNCW, where we worked with Joshua Meng, who wrote and performed our theme songs. This is Southern Songs and Stories: the unfolding history and culture of music rooted in the American South, and going beyond to the styles and artists that it inspired and informed. - Joe Kendrick

It was Friday at MerleFest and I had already taken in an afternoon and evening of music the day before, which threatened more rain than it delivered. The one downpour that hit the festival grounds coincided with my campsite assembly, though, which made for an especially challenging time with raising my tent. Pouring rain makes tents heavy and unwieldy, but luckily for me, not impossible to put together — just fairly comical to passersby. The inside of it was a mess after that, but it was the only weather incident I experienced all weekend. It would not be MerleFest without at least a little rain, after all. As it would be an outlier for MerleFest to be without rain, it would be similarly unlikely for MerleFest to go without at least one of two contemporary bluegrass stars from western NC: Woody Platt and Buddy Melton. Fans have enjoyed Woody Platt's former band Steep Canyon Rangers thirteen times at the festival since 2006, while Buddy Melton's former group Balsam Range has made five appearances there since 2010. This year, they appeared in a new lineup: Woody Platt and the Bluegrass Gentlemen. I had the pleasure of catching up with Woody Platt and Buddy Melton in one of the few quiet spots available on the festival grounds, in the band's motor coach, where we talked about how this project began; how their region is recovering from Hurricane Helene and more recently, widespread wildfires; a certain Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young cover they played live at the festival, as well as how they love to hear other players cover their songs. That and a lot more, including excerpts of music from Woody Platt's 2024 album Far Away With You awaits you in this episode. Woody Platt and the Bluegrass Gentlemen perform on Creekside Stage at MerleFest in Wilkesboro NC 04-25-25 Songs heard in this episode: “Long Time Coming” by Woody Platt, from Far Away With You“Like The Rain Does” by Woody Platt, from Far Away With You, excerpt“Find the Cost of Freedom” by Crosby, Stills Nash & Young, from Live At Fillmore East, 1969, excerpt“Walk Along With Me” by Woody Platt, from Far Away With You, excerpt“One Last Goodbye” by Woody Platt, from Far Away With YouThanks for reading and listening! We hope you can help spread awareness of what we are doing. It is as easy as telling a friend and following this podcast on your platform of choice. You can find us on Apple here, Spotify here and YouTube here — hundreds more episodes await, filled with artists you may know by name, or musicians and bands that are ready to become your next favorites. This series is a part of the lineup of both public radio WNCW and Osiris Media, with all of the Osiris shows available here. You can also hear new episodes on Bluegrass Planet Radio here. Thanks to Jaclyn Anthony for producing the radio adaptations of this series on WNCW, where we worked with Joshua Meng, who wrote and performed our theme songs. This is Southern Songs and Stories: the music of the South and the artists who make it. - Joe Kendrick

In this episode of That Don't Sound Right, join hosts Peter and Cecil as they take you on a journey through the vibrant scenes of MerleFest, one of the largest music festivals in the world. Discover how Cecil spent his weekend as an understudy roadie amid bustling conversations and learn why he decided to introduce himself as a podcaster for the first time. The discussion takes a fascinating turn as they delve into the intriguing world of recorded announcements, exploring a unique profession many are unaware of but encounter regularly in daily life. From airport advisories to theater prompts, find out how technology is intersecting with tradition in unexpected ways. Stay tuned for more lively discussions and insights as Peter and Cecil reflect on the evolving nature of conversations in our digitally driven age. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share your thoughts in the comments! Join the conversation with us! Merchandise: https://that-dont-sound-right.creator-spring.com/ Website: thatdontsoundright.com Email: tdsrpodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @tdsrpodcast    Threads @tdsrpodcast Enjoy the episode!

Everyone Is At Merlefest!

In this episode, Ethan sits down with Lindsey Craven, the Artist Relations Manager at MerleFest, the renowned roots music festival held annually in Wilkes County, North Carolina. Lindsey takes us behind the scenes, sharing the journey that led her to the festival and how she began booking artists for one of the most beloved events in the roots music scene. This conversation offers an intimate look at what it takes to bring the soul of MerleFest to life each year. Connect with Merlefest WebsiteFacebook X YoutubeCheck Out the Artists and People Mentioned in this EpisodeTyler ChildersSturgill SimpsonPatsy Cline Conway TwittyDoc Watson Johnny Cash WatchhouseUncle Lucius Sierra Ferrell Avett BrothersCarolina Chocolate DropsWilliam B. Townes IVBonnie RaittBilly StringsSend a text to The Ebone Zone! Support the showIf you have questions or comments email ebonezonepodcast@yahoo.com Follow the Ebone Zone on Twitter: https://twitter.com/OfficialEBZLike the Ebone Zone on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ebonezoneofficial/Visit www.ebonezone.com for more content!

Arthel Lane "Doc" Watson (March 3, 1923 – May 29, 2012) is revered as one of the most influential and respected guitar players in the history of traditional music. Originally hailing from Deep Gap, NC, Doc was a self-taught harmonica, banjo, and guitar player. He is known for his work in multiple music genres, including bluegrass, folk, gospel, country, and old-time.  In 1988, Doc Watson held the first MerleFest in honor of his late son, Merle Watson. Doc described the festival as 'traditional, plus', as it highlights the traditional music of Western North Carolina and anything else. The now four-day festival is still held every April in Wilkesboro, NC, on the campus of Wilkes Community College. Listen to more about Merle Fest in Season One, Episode Two of the Down the Road podcast. And learn more about Doc Watson through the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area's Traditional Artist Directory.The PodcastThe “Down the Road on the Blue Ridge Music Trails of North Carolina” podcast highlights bluegrass and old-time music stories, performers, and traditions across the mountain and foothills counties of Western North Carolina. Hosted and scripted by Laura Boosinger and produced by Jaclyn Anthony and Joe Kendrick of WNCW-FM, the podcast is a joint effort of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area and WNCW-FM.More episodes.

Arthel Lane "Doc" Watson (March 3, 1923 – May 29, 2012) is revered as one of the most influential and respected guitar players in the history of traditional music. Originally hailing from Deep Gap, NC, Doc was a self-taught harmonica, banjo, and guitar player. He is known for his work in multiple music genres, including bluegrass, folk, gospel, country, and old-time.  In 1988, Doc Watson held the first MerleFest in honor of his late son, Merle Watson. Doc described the festival as 'traditional, plus', as it highlights the traditional music of Western North Carolina and anything else. The now four-day festival is still held every April in Wilkesboro, NC, on the campus of Wilkes Community College. Listen to more about Merle Fest in Season One, Episode Two of the Down the Road podcast. And learn more about Doc Watson through the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area's Traditional Artist Directory.The PodcastThe “Down the Road on the Blue Ridge Music Trails of North Carolina” podcast highlights bluegrass and old-time music stories, performers, and traditions across the mountain and foothills counties of Western North Carolina. Hosted and scripted by Laura Boosinger and produced by Jaclyn Anthony and Joe Kendrick of WNCW-FM, the podcast is a joint effort of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area and WNCW-FM.More episodes.

On a Wednesday Drive, Josh explains why the Carolina Panthers make it so hard for fans to love them, reacts to the news of Drake Powell leaving the Tar Heels and entering the NBA Draft, David Glenn, of the NC Sports Network, joins the sow to tell whether or not Duke has the best roster in the ACC going into next season, with Isaiah Evans coming back, or if it's someone else, WD gets fired up after seeing “Sinners” last night in Weekly Positivity, and Hayes Permar, of Sports Channel 8, joins the show to detail seeing Bill Belichick at last night's Canes-Devils game and to play a “Merlefest themed” Skips or Plays.

Send us a textDonna Hughes has written north of 500 songs.  She has released 6 albums, containing mostly original material. Nominated for Songwriter of the Year in 2024 & 2025, for the SPBGMA Awards, her songs have been recorded & performed by Multiple Grammy Winner Alison Krauss & Union Station, Grammy Nominated Band-The Seldom Scene, Wyatt Rice's solo Album (with Vocals by Dale Ann Bradley & Russell Moore), Caroline Owens, The Snyder Family, Kati Penn, Kim Robins, Linda Lay, Wilson Banjo Co., Amanda Cook, Darren Beachley, A.J. Lee & The (Molly) Tuttles, Grass Country, Carlos & The Banditos, Nu-Blu & 2004 Country Colgate Showdown Winner Heather Shelley, as well as Bria Kelly of The Voice/America's Got Talent, Newtown, and various other Artists both well known & undiscovered, around the world.  Donna recently received a Lifetime Achievement Award, and an Award for her "Naomi Wise" Video at the Sunset Film Festival. She wrote the words & music for the Naomi Wise song, based on the life of a girl from her area, who died in 1808. The Video features Jenee Fleenor on Violin, who was awarded the CMA Musician of the Year for the last four years in a row (first female ever to win.) In 2014, Donna was awarded the "Key" to the City of Trinity, (where she resides), from the late Thomasville City Councilman Jesse Hill, as a gift of honor for all of her accomplishments.Donna's songs have been written about every subject from being stuck at Walmart, to dogs on chains.  She tries to balance life through song, from the spectrum of emotions life has to offer, from hilariously funny, to extremely sad.  Donna has judged Songwriting Contests & Conducted Songwriting Workshops around the Nation. Donna's career received a huge boost, when the Late & Legendary Tony Rice, approached her about producing an album for her, which he did, entitled “Gaining Wisdom.”Her next CD after that, “Hellos, Goodbyes & Butterflies,” was produced by the Late & Extraordinary J.D. Crowe. Donna's more notable appearances have included private performances for Race Car Giant Richard Childress; opening for David Bromberg at B.B. King's in NYC, playing the World Renowned Music Festival "Merlefest," playing The Bear Trap in Wyoming, The Ossippee Festival in Maine, the PBS  “Song of the Mountains" in Marion, VA, the PBS Program "Live from the Dennison Lodge" in Dubois, Wyoming, multiple performances at Bluebird Cafe & The Station Inn, both in Nashville, multiple times at Eddie's Attic in Atlanta, opening for Marty Stuart at a Premier Dinner Club near Washington D.C. known as "The Birchmere." Donna has opened for many Country Stars such as Ricky Skaggs, at Dollywood, Jerry Douglas, Sam Bush & Tony Rice on their solo Tours, Joe Diffie, Gene Watson, and numerous other popular, high profile venues.   Donna is an Award Winning Realtor in North Carolina, and enjoys spending her spare time on her Grandaddy's 3rd Generation Farm with her Belgian Horses, her Bassett Hounds, Beagles, other rescue Animals, and painting Barn Quilts.Check out our Special Episode featuring “Divided We Fall”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ha_duIn0wITop 5 Songs of Encouragement1) “One Less Dog In the Cold” by Donna Hugheshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLfkg-vxkMo2) “The Corona Virus Beer Song” by Donna Hugheshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQAc82DPTNw3) “The Stable Song” by Gregory Alan Isakov with the Colorado Symphonyhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqyAmmEkVvI4) “Barbed Wire Boys” by Susan Wernerhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpsF2wb6NmE5) “Picture in a Frame” by Tom Waitshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fphxDPTV2BwSupport the show

Send us a textDonna Hughes has written north of 500 songs.  She has released 6 albums, containing mostly original material. Nominated for Songwriter of the Year in 2024 & 2025, for the SPBGMA Awards, her songs have been recorded & performed by Multiple Grammy Winner Alison Krauss & Union Station, Grammy Nominated Band-The Seldom Scene, Wyatt Rice's solo Album (with Vocals by Dale Ann Bradley & Russell Moore), Caroline Owens, The Snyder Family, Kati Penn, Kim Robins, Linda Lay, Wilson Banjo Co., Amanda Cook, Darren Beachley, A.J. Lee & The (Molly) Tuttles, Grass Country, Carlos & The Banditos, Nu-Blu & 2004 Country Colgate Showdown Winner Heather Shelley, as well as Bria Kelly of The Voice/America's Got Talent, Newtown, and various other Artists both well known & undiscovered, around the world. Donna recently received a Lifetime Achievement Award, and an Award for her "Naomi Wise"Video at the Sunset Film Festival. She wrote the words & music for the Naomi Wise song, based on the life of a girl from her area, who died in 1808. The Video features Jenee Fleenor on Violin, who was awarded the CMA Musician of the Year for the last four years in a row (first female ever to win.) In 2014, Donna was awarded the "Key" to the City of Trinity, (where she resides), from the late Thomasville City Councilman Jesse Hill, as a gift of honor for all of her accomplishments.Donna's songs have been written about every subject from being stuck at Walmart, to dogs on chains.  She tries to balance life through song, from the spectrum of emotions life has to offer, from hilariously funny, to extremely sad.  Donna has judged Songwriting Contests & Conducted Songwriting Workshops around the Nation. Donna's career received a huge boost, when the Late & Legendary Tony Rice, approached her about producing an album for her, which he did, entitled “Gaining Wisdom.”Her next CD after that, “Hellos, Goodbyes & Butterflies,” was produced by the Late & Extraordinary J.D. Crowe. Donna's more notable appearances have included private performances for Race Car Giant Richard Childress; opening for David Bromberg at B.B. King's in NYC, playing the World Renowned Music Festival "Merlefest," playing The Bear Trap in Wyoming, The Ossippee Festival in Maine, the PBS  “Song of the Mountains" in Marion, VA, the PBS Program "Live from the Dennison Lodge" in Dubois, Wyoming, multiple performances at Bluebird Cafe & The Station Inn, both in Nashville, multiple times at Eddie's Attic in Atlanta, opening for Marty Stuart at a Premier Dinner Club near Washington D.C. known as "The Birchmere." Donna has opened for many Country Stars such as Ricky Skaggs, at Dollywood, Jerry Douglas, Sam Bush & Tony Rice on their solo Tours, Joe Diffie, Gene Watson, and numerous other popular, high profile venues.   Stay tuned, as Donna will continue to write songs & make records packed with original material. Donna is an Award Winning Realtor in North Carolina, and enjoys spending her spare time on her Grandaddy's 3rd Generation Farm with her Belgian Horses, her Bassett Hounds, Beagles, other rescue Animals, and painting Barn Quilts.“Divided We Fall” by Donna Hughes (video version)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTjqYPuQ_AUSupport the show

On this episode of Tent Show Radio, The Jerry Douglas Band showcase dazzling displays of exquisite musicianship in an hour of performances highlighting the dobro master's legendary career. 14-time Grammy winner Jerry Douglas is a bandleader, producer, session musician, instructor, and a very funny guy! He's produced over a hundred albums and he's featured on over 1,600 studio albums. He's a member of Alison Kraus & Union Station, co-bandleader for Transatlantic Sessions in the United Kingdom, founder for the Grammy winner bluegrass supergroup The Earls of Leicester, and he leads The Jerry Douglas Band. Since 2017, The Jerry Douglas Band has been forging new paths into the musical horizon with deep roots in bluegrass and folk that spreads out into the Americana and jazz landscapes. In 2021, The Jerry Douglas Band released an album, Leftover Feelings , with legendary singer songwriter John Hiatt. The album was nominated for a 2022 Grammy for “Best Americana Album,” and their previous record What If also received a Grammy nomination for “Best Contemporary Instrumental Album.” They perform at some of the top US festivals such as Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Pilgrimage Music Festival, Big Ears Festival, DelFest, FreshGrass, Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival, Merlefest, and many others. In addition to Douglas, The Jerry Douglas Band includes Daniel Kimbro on bass, Christian Sedelmyer on fiddle, and Mike Seal on guitar.       EPISODE CREDITSMichael Perry - Host Phillip Anich - Announcer Keenan McIntyre - Engineer Gina Nagro - Marketing Support FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent FOLLOW HOST MICHAEL PERRYhttps://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/ 2024 TENT SHOW RADIO SPONSORSAshland Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.visitashland.com/   Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau - https://www.bayfield.org/   Bayfield County Tourism - https://www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/150/Tourism   The Bayfield Inn - https://bayfieldinn.com/   Cable Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.cable4fun.com/   Kylmala Truss - https://www.kylmalatruss.com/  SPECIAL THANKSWisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/  

The sisters visit with Austin Thompson of the Way Down Wanderers. Often referred to by fans as one of the hardest-working, hardest-touring bands on the circuit today, the 5-piece Illinois-based act not only proves that classification with their jam-packed tour schedule but also on stage every night, with youthful exuberance and a lively stage show, asreliable as it is infectious. High energy percussion, mandolin, guitar, bass, banjo, and fiddle weave seamlessly together to create an experience for fans that has sold out shows across the UK and the United States, filling the front rows with fans not just singing along to one tune, but singing along to all of them. “Everybody says it. We'd be nothing without our supporters. Yeah, they buy tickets and of course we love that, but when we've been on the road for 10hours and walk onto a stage road weary and we see familiar faces singing along, it's hard to describe. It's everything, really. There's a whole lot of love there.”  Music enthusiasts are not the only ones taking note. Critics and tastemakers alikehave awarded the young artists an impressive number of accolades ranging fromofficial showcases at AmericanaFest (2018) and International Bluegrass MusicAssociation (2016) to Whitstable UK Session of the Year (2017), a BBC ScotlandSession (2017) as well as Finalist, International Song Writing Competition(2015 & 2016), Chicago's Best Emerging Artist, Deli Magazine (2014) andSongpickr's Best Songs Spotify Playlist (2016) among others. The young men areno strangers to the festival circuit either, having played major National andRegional Festivals such as Merlefest, Summer Camp, Red Wing Roots MusicFestival and Saskatchewan Jazz Fest all across the United States, Canada andthe UK. The band has also graced the stage of coveted venues such as BluegrassUnderground (TN), The Fox Theater (CO), Park West (IL), The Vogue (IN) TheStation Inn (TN) The Gramercy Theater (NYC), and countless others.  Check them out here:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/waydownwanderers/?fref=tsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewaydownwanderers/?hl=enYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNB5hamUhp1Ia0lOOQhACDgTwitter: https://twitter.com/WayDownWandererSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/62N2F1MeS38SosZvvqBWlR?si=vDBMz2YJRReR7Z2OWoMljg 

Conversations with and music from with Tara Nevins and Jeb Puryear of Donna the Buffalo and Jim Lauderdale who were interviewed at MerleFest in late April 2024

Eliot Bronson has released 6+ records over the past 12 years, both independently and via labels - with a handful produced by Dave Cobb - and he has also won numerous acclaimed songwriting competitions such as Kerrville and Chris Austin contest at Merlefest. Ditching the traditional label/publicist/manager route, Eliot has established a vibrant path that is 100% DIY, community-focused, and as he explains - more fulfilling than ever. We talk at length about that process and how he found himself there, debate the necessity of a whole label or publicity team, explore the idea of the artist in the center of the crowd versus up high and removed on stage, mindfulness practices, and more.Get more access and support this show by subscribing to our Patreon, right here.Links:Eliot Bronson30A FestivalEp 45 - Glen PhillipsEp 46 - Mary Chapin CarpenterCBS Saturday Morning'That Thing You Do'Sam Harris - Waking Up'Zen Mind Beginners Mind'Patty GriffinEmmylou HarrisChris Austin Song Contest (MerleFest)Gillian WelchTelluride Troubadour Songwriting ContestKerrvile Songwriting ContestMelody WalkerRocky Mountain Folks FestClick here to watch this conversation on YouTube.Social Media:The Other 22 Hours InstagramThe Other 22 Hours TikTokMichaela Anne InstagramAaron Shafer-Haiss InstagramAll music written, performed, and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Become a subscribing member on our Patreon to gain more inside access including exclusive content, workshops, the chance to have your questions answered by our upcoming guests, and more.

Conversations with two rising stars in the roots and country music world making their MerleFest debuts, along with excerpts of their latest music and commentary from host and producer Joe Kendrick

Palmyra - Do You Like Lush Harmony & Brilliant Song Writing? Then this is your band!Get inspired by Palmyra's Sasha Landon, who shares the incredible stories by their songs and what fuels their music mission.It's high-energy Americana at it's finest1A trio that also includes Teddy Chipouras and Mānoa Bell, all hailing from Virginia.=One things for sure...Palmyra's star is rising!They've supported Watchhouse, Mipso, and Illiterate Light, and received honors and recognition from the historic Newport Folk Festival, American Songwriter, The Boston Globe, NPR, Under The Radar Magazine, Americanafest, and Merlefest.Robin Hilton at All Songs Considered says, “This is a band you know would be killer live”...and we've seen them twice, it's 100% correct!You'll also discover:Their Unique Experience Performing Twice at the Newport Folk Festival (And Why They'll be Performing There this Year Again on an Even Bigger Stage)The Secrets of A Music Stage Completely Powered by Bikes.The Reaction They Get Singing, "We aren't dead yet, but we're not far from it!"The Moment Ben (our co-host) met Sasha in a Newport Food Line.The Colorful Stories Behind "Happy Pills", "Bella Donna", and "Shape I'm In"Behind the Scenes of the NPR Tiny-Desk CompetitionMental Health and Song WritingAdvice for Under-represented Groups in MusicAND an INCREDIBLE TUNE recorded for the show at the end of this EPISODE!!!Listen now on the Americana Curious Podcast!Discover more about Palmyra here:https://www.palmyratheband.com/

TIME SAWYER is a North Carolina roots band that merges old and new styles. They have performed on the stages of some of America's most iconic festival;, including MerleFest, the Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion and has also shared performances with John Moreland, Steep Canyon Rangers, The Wood Brothers and many more. HONEYBOY & BOOTS “Honeyboy” is a nickname Drew received while singing the blues with the Old Memphis Kings and “Boots” is a nickname Courtney has had since she was young because she is always wearing them. This Mississippi husband and wife duo perform folk and old-tyme blues featuring the guitar and cello. WoodSongs Kid: Jaylyn Taylor is a 14-year-old mandolin player from Virginia.

Simon Says... Podcast! Episode 221! In this episode, Sean's daughter can't even with the violin scammers, Charley had a pet butterfly ("had" is the key word,) and Matty is going to fight a turkey at MerleFest!

At just 28 years old, Sierra Hull has already recorded four full length albums, played the Grand Ole Opry (at 10) and Carnegie (at 12), and received a Grammy nomination. Americana Music Profiles caught up with Sierra for this interview just a few weeks prior to her performance at Merlefest '24.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On a Monday Drive, Josh tells which receivers the Carolina Panthers should be prioritizing in the second round of the NFL Draft, this week, tells why you should expect to see a fired up Canes team, tonight against the Islanders, despite their win in Game 1, writer for Panthers.com, Darin Gantt, joins the show to tell how likely it is that the Panthers move either of their second round picks for a haul and his opinion on Drake Maye, Josh tells why this is the first real reset for UNC under Hubert Davis, and Hayes Permar, of Sports Channel 8, joins the show to play a "Merlefest themed" Skips or Plays.

On this episode of Tent Show Radio, The Jerry Douglas Band showcase dazzling displays of exquisite musicianship in an hour of performances highlighting the dobro master's legendary career. 14-time Grammy winner Jerry Douglas is a bandleader, producer, session musician, instructor, and a very funny guy! He's produced over a hundred albums and he's featured on over 1,600 studio albums. He's a member of Alison Kraus & Union Station, co-bandleader for Transatlantic Sessions in the United Kingdom, founder for the Grammy winner bluegrass supergroup The Earls of Leicester, and he leads The Jerry Douglas Band. Since 2017, The Jerry Douglas Band has been forging new paths into the musical horizon with deep roots in bluegrass and folk that spreads out into the Americana and jazz landscapes. In 2021, The Jerry Douglas Band released an album, Leftover Feelings , with legendary singer songwriter John Hiatt. The album was nominated for a 2022 Grammy for “Best Americana Album,” and their previous record What If also received a Grammy nomination for “Best Contemporary Instrumental Album.” They perform at some of the top US festivals such as Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Pilgrimage Music Festival, Big Ears Festival, DelFest, FreshGrass, Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival, Merlefest, and many others. In addition to Douglas, The Jerry Douglas Band includes Daniel Kimbro on bass, Christian Sedelmyer on fiddle, and Mike Seal on guitar.       EPISODE CREDITSMichael Perry - Host Phillip Anich - Announcer Keenan McIntyre - Engineer Gina Nagro - Marketing Support FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent FOLLOW HOST MICHAEL PERRYhttps://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/ 2024 TENT SHOW RADIO SPONSORSAshland Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.visitashland.com/   Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau - https://www.bayfield.org/   Bayfield County Tourism - https://www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/150/Tourism   The Bayfield Inn - https://bayfieldinn.com/   Cable Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.cable4fun.com/   Kylmala Truss - https://www.kylmalatruss.com/  SPECIAL THANKSWisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/  

 Jon Lohman is the founder and Executive Director of the Center for Cultural Vibrancy. Before that, he was the director of Virginia's state Folklife Program, where he initiated and carried out numerous programs, including an award-winning Folklife Apprenticeship Program and the corresponding book In Good Keeping. Jon has presented and served on curatorial committees for numerous local and national festivals, including the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, the Richmond Folk Festival, Merlefest, Floydfest, the Lowell Folk Festival, the American Folk Festival, and the National Folk Festival. Jon has presented his work and collaborated with the Smithsonian, the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress, the State Department, and numerous cultural organizations and festivals throughout Virginia and the country.

Jon Lohman is the founder and Executive Director of the Center for Cultural Vibrancy. Before that, he was the director of Virginia's state Folklife Program, where he initiated and carried out numerous programs, including an award-winning Folklife Apprenticeship Program and the corresponding book In Good Keeping. Jon has presented and served on curatorial committees for numerous local and national festivals, including the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, the Richmond Folk Festival, Merlefest, Floydfest, the Lowell Folk Festival, the American Folk Festival, and the National Folk Festival. Jon has presented his work and collaborated with the Smithsonian, the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress, the State Department, and numerous cultural organizations and festivals throughout Virginia and the country.  

Doc Watson has been gone for more than a decade, and yet his music and legacy remain more alive and relevant than ever. And thanks to the ongoing MerleFest, which brings a wide-ranging cast from the Americana world to Doc's North Carolina stomping grounds every April, that's not going to change anytime soon. We consider the enduring impact of Doc through conversations with some of those who bear his stamp, including Gillian Welch and Jerry Douglas, in this special episode of Carolina Calling.Music featured in this episode:Doc Watson - "Sittin' on Top of the World"Doc & Merle Watson - "Jimmy's Texas Blues"Gillian Welch - "Everything Is Free"Andrew Marlin - "Erie Fidler"Doc Watson - "Tom Dooley"Doc & Merle Watson - "Sheeps In The Meadow / Stoney Fork"Doc & Merle Watson - "Poor Boy Blues"Doc Watson - "And Am I Born to Die"Doc Watson - "My Home's Across the Blue Ridge Mountains"Jerry Douglas - "A New Day Medley"Doc Watson - "The Last Thing On My Mind"Carolina Calling is produced by The Bluegrass Situation and Come Hear NCAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Singer songwriter David Childers is the proverbial study in contradictions. A resident of Mount Holly (or as he calls it, "Mount Hopeless"), North Carolina he's a former highschool football player a retired attorney, and a well-read poet and painter who cites both Chaucer and Kerouac as influences. He fell in love with folk as a teen, listens to jazz and opera and fed his family by practicing law before turning in his license to concentrate on his creative passions.  Childers has always regarded his place in the music pantheon as that of an outsider, though not at all deserved. As those involved on his album indicate, he's well regarded among tastemakers. Evidence includes playing the syndicated World Cafe and Mountain Stage radio shows (he's done the latter twice), as well as Merlefest's main stage. He has also toured Europe and hopes to again. He credits the support of Dolph Ramseur and Bob Crawford with helping him sustain his musical career--which began in college--though he didn't start recording until the 1990's.  Check out David on his website: davidchilders.com You can hear his music whever you stream and here is his discography: https://www.davidchilders.com/discography  UPCOMING SHOWS: (Check the Website for more updates) 10/21/23--Honeycomb Cafe--Belmont, NC10/25/23--Old Town Public House--Cornelius, NC 10/27/23--Devil's Logic Brewing--Charlotte, NC 11/4/23--Comet Grill--Charlotte, NC 11/5/23--Foothills Brewing Tasting Room--Wintson-Salem, NC 11/14/23--Wired Coffee Espress--Kannopolis, NC 11/19/23--Free Range Brewing--Charlotte, NC 11/24/23--Devil's Logic Brewing--Charlotte, NC  12/30/23--NYE Press On Fund Raiser--Raleigh, NC 1/12/24--30A Songwriter's Festival--Santa Rosa Beach, FL His facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.childers.161 Information on his Mountain Stage performance: Mountain stage: https://mountainstage.org/donna-the-buffalo-alisa-amador-david-childers-the-serpents-jon-byrd-and-david-jacobs-strain-bob-beach/  To see David's artwork:  https://www.davidchilders.com/artwork-davidhttps://www.megamegamega.net/david-childers  Check out this documentary on David as well: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtJ5kGlaz4c 

For Jonathan Wilson and Bella White, family figures prominently not only in their lives behind the scenes, but also in the musical paths both chose early on. It should come as no surprise that as a boy in rural North Carolina, celebrated producer and artist Jonathan Wilson played in a family band of sorts (he would fill in for various band members in his father's band at their practices), or that rising star Bella White's father played in old time and bluegrass bands in Calgary, Canada when she was growing up. What may seem much more novel is that the common thread between their two experiences, separated by decades of time and thousands of miles, is also roots music like country and bluegrass. For Bella White, roots music like bluegrass is easily identifiable in her sound; for Jonathan Wilson that foundation is not nearly as obvious. But as you will hear in our conversations, their love of music began with their shared background in acoustic roots music in places far beyond the limelight of Nashville or Los Angeles, where their paths eventually led. Bella White brought on Jonathan Wilson to produce her second and latest album Among Other Things, while Jonathan's latest album Eat The Worm takes off into decidedly psychedelic territory. I caught up with Bella White after her debut performance at MerleFest last spring, which followed her debut on the Grand Ole Opry, while Jonathan Wilson spoke with me recently by video call from his studio in Topanga Canyon, California. This episode features music from both artists as well as their conversations which touch on everything from Jonathan's wife using AI in creating his latest music videos to Bella White's intentional honesty and vulnerability in her songwriting, and much more. Songs heard in this episode:“The Way I Oughta Go” by Bella White, from Among Other Things“Charlie Parker” by Jonathan Wilson, from Eat the Worm, excerpt“Break My Heart” by Bella White, from Among Other Things, excerpt“The Village Is Dead” by Jonathan Wilson, from Eat the Worm, excerptThank you for visiting us and giving this podcast a listen! This series is a part of the lineup of both public radio WNCW and Osiris Media, with all of the Osiris shows available here. You can also hear new episodes on Bluegrass Planet Radio here. Thanks to Corrie Askew for producing the radio adaptations of this series on public radio WNCW, where we worked with Joshua Meng, who wrote and performed our theme songs. A big thank you to Ayappa Biddanda at Concord, Jonathan Wilson's manager Peter Sasala and father Al Wilson for their help in setting up interviews for this episode. This is Southern Songs and Stories: the music of the South and the artists who make it. - Joe Kendrick

Ashes and Arrows are a trio out of Ashville, North Carolina. Ben, Ciaran and Jonathan are recent winners at MerleFest 2023. Their strong vocals, thoughful lyrics and stage charisma are making them a ones to watch!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/songwriter-connection/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we are setting the table with a visit with a tremendously talented 14-year-old musician who makes his home in East Tennessee, Wyatt Ellis. He sings in that high lonesome sound and plays in a style all his own, heavily influenced by the sounds of the father of Bluegrass, Bill Monroe, along with Peter Rowan and Bobby Osborne. Wyatt has had quite a year in his 13th year, in 2022, with highlights including a full-circle Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour with his mentor Sierra Hull, receiving a scholarship to work with Bobby Osborne from the KY School of Bluegrass, kicking off the CMA fest with David Harvey at the Gibson Garage, playing mandolin at Peter Rowan's induction to the Bluegrass Hall of Fame, performing at Marty Stuart's Grand-reopening of the Ellis Theatre in Philadelphia MS. He also performed on the Grand ole Opry. All of this at the age of 13. Wyatt has recently played music with Billy Strings, Molly Tuttle, Bryan Sutton, and more in Winston-Salem, NC, to celebrate what would have been Doc Watson's 100th Birthday. And he played on stage at Merlefest this past April.⁣ Wyatt made his own dream come true with the help of Dailey and Vincent - playing on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry at the age of 13. Sierra Hull has also been an enormous part of Wyatt's road along learning this Appalachian music.

Hello and welcome to Southern Songs and Stories, with a favorite episode from 2021 here on this re-podcast of The Country Heart and Jazz Mind of Sierra Ferrell, published in late July of that year. Since then, Sierra Ferrell has enjoyed seeing the ranks of her fans swell on the heels of Long Time Coming, her album released later that summer. Currently, she is working on her next album with a bigger sound, including drums and pedal steel guitar, as well as fiddle tunes. Sierra Ferrell at the Albino Skunk Music Festival in May 2021 I interviewed Sierra Ferrell at the Albino Skunk Music Festival, which is happening again this week, May 11th through 13th in Greer SC, where I plan on interviewing more artists for future episodes here, so as we say in radio, stay tuned! Hopefully everything will line up for conversations with Miko Marks, Jake Xerxes Fussell and Eilen Jewell. Hope I am not jinxing things by saying that before I have the interviews in hand!And a big tip of the hat to the Albino Skunk Festival, which is always punching above its weight with getting such great artists. Sierra Ferrell has blown up after playing there, and in its decades long history, internationally known artists like Lake Street Dive, The War and Treaty and Billy Strings have played the festival many times. The War and Treaty talked with me at Albino Skunk in 2019, by the way, and that remains one of my favorite episodes here as well. Just two weeks ago I was at Merlefest where I interviewed Peter Rowan and Bella White, and you should be seeing episodes with their conversations here before too long. Lots going on as always in podcast land, and I hope to share another bit of positive news here soon, but nothing is set in stone so that will have to wait. What will not have to wait is for you to share Southern Songs and Stories with someone you know who likes music, or history and culture, and follow and give us a top rating on your podcast platform of choice. Oh, and speaking of history, thanks to one of my favorite podcasts, The Road to Now, for sharing a clip from my podcasts on The Shelton Laurel Massacre on one of their recent episodes. You can find The Road To Now on Osiris Media, and co-host and Avett Brothers bass player Bob Crawford recently published his podcast miniseries Founding Son, on America's sixth president John Quincy Adams, which is well worth a listen also. Thanks again, and I hope you enjoy our episode on Sierra Ferrell. Songs heard in this episode:“Lonesome Woman Blues” by Sierra Ferrell live at Albino Skunk Festival 05/14/21“I'd Do It Again” by Sierra Ferrell, live at Albino Skunk Festival 05/14/21, excerpt“T For Texas” by Sierra Ferrell, live at Albino Skunk Festival 05/14/21, excerpt“Whispering Waltz” by Sierra Ferrell, live at Albino Skunk Music Festival 05/14/21, excerpt“Why'd Ya Do It” by Sierra Ferrell, live at Albino Skunk Festival 05/14/21, excerpt“In Dreams” by Sierra Ferrell, live at Albino Skunk Music Festival 05/14/21

A songwriter first and foremost, Sarah's songs have been recorded by many emerging country artists. Her song credits have accumulated millions of streams on Spotify, and have earned her 2 NSAI Member Awards and a BMI Award in 2022. Sarah was selected as a finalist in the 2020 Chris Austin Songwriting Competition, and performed at MerleFest in 2021.“Just About Over You” was Sarah's first top 15 hit on country radio. It was named one of the best songs of 2020 by the New York Times, and is now RIAA certified gold and platinum.Sarah currently has a worldwide publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing and is on tour with Priscilla Block, playing guitar and signing harmonies for her band.Stay connected with Sarah here! 

In honor of the 35th annual MerleFest coming up this week, American Songcatcher presents a very special LOCAL FOCAL - a relatively unknown live recording from May of 1989 of North Carolina's own Doc Watson, telling stories and singing songs passed through his family - only this show he was asked to perform without his guitar, until the very end. This concert was part of a historical series called Over Home, which aired on the well-known WNCW radio in Spindale, NC between 1988 and 1990. The show featured Western North Carolina traditional musicians and storytellers, and variety of musical styles, such as ballad singing, old-time fiddle tunes, Cherokee oral traditions and dances, and Irish jigs and reels, ghost stories, fox hunting tales, Civil War stories, and moonshine tales. This is unlike any of the episodes we've put out on American Songcatcher. There are no overdubs, no editing, just the seamless experience of Doc Watson, live, without his guitar.  Support American Songcatcher: Join the Patreon community Send a one-time donation via Venmo or PayPal Over Home Archive - Berea College WNCW  Southern Songs and Stories Podcast Over Home Credits: Hosted by Sheila Kay Adams and Taylor Barnhill Recorded by Sheila Kay Adams Engineered by WNCW and Burr Beard - Manager American Songcatcher Credits:Hosted and produced by Nicholas Edward Williams --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/americansongcatcher/support

Hi everyone.Today (March 3rd 2023) would have been Doc Watson's 100th birthday, so I've put together a couple of really special episodes to celebrate. I spent the past 3 months interviewing people who knew, played with, worked with, were inspired by or just loved Doc and his music. I ended up with hours and hours of wonderful conversation and have edited it all into two episodes. This is the first....This one focusses on those who worked and played with Doc, plus a couple of people responsible for carrying on his legacy.You'll hear from:Happy Traum, founder of Homespun Music on getting to know and working with DocJohn McEuen from the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band on recording the seminal Will the Circle Be Unbroken record with DocT. Michael Coleman on 15 years playing and touring with DocJack Lawrence on his 20 years with DocLindsay Craven, Artist Relations Manager at MerleFest on making sure Doc's vision lives on at the festivalTed Olson, who wrote the book that accompanies the box set Life's Work: A RetrospectiveAll of these are brand new interviews carried out for these episodes. They've been a joy to put together. I hope you enjoy them (and don't forget to check out episode 2).Happy picking (and happy birthday Doc!)Matt===- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

Andrew Wakefield is a songwriter, guitarist, and singer based in Asheville, NC with an eclectic catalogue of compositions ranging from guitar-driven bluegrass to folk, old-time, newgrass, rock, americana, and more. He is a contributing member of The Well Drinkers and former member of Supper Break and Cynefin. 
 Career highlights include performing at Merlefest, performing with Molly Tuttle, Ketch Secor of Old Crow Medicine Show, members of Billy Strings, Town Mountain, Fireside Collective, Jim Lauderdale, Larry Keel and Natural Bridge, George Clinton, Jeff Sipe among others, and playing lead electric guitar in Ween drummer Claude Coleman's outfit, Amandla. 
 With renewed focus on the solo project, a bluegrass-themed sophomore album is in the works and set for release in early 2023. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tophillrecording/support

Episode Notes Support the Mandolins and Beer Podcast at my Patreon page! My guest this week on the podcast is Adrian Gross. Adrian Gross was born in Montreal, lives in Toronto, and has been playing music all his life. As one of Canada's most sought-after mandolin players, he has developed a reputation for his inventive playing and unique voice on the instrument, always with one eye to the tradition and one looking forward. As a member of The Slocan Ramblers, Adrian has performed at music festivals across North America, from MerleFest to RockyGrass, has been nominated for a Juno and won IBMA and CFMA awards. Adrian keeps busy as a professor in the Music Department at Concordia University, and as the Canadian booking agent for The Slocan Ramblers and chamber-folk string quartet The Fretless. He spends his rare free time in town practicing on the banks of the river that flows across the street from his house. You can follow The Slocan Rambler's at their website or on Facebook and Instagram. Keep up with Adrian at his website here! As always, a HUGE THANK YOU to my sponsors! Mandolin Cafe Peghead Nation Northfield Mandolins Pava Mandolins  Ellis Mandolins Siminoff Books Straight Up Strings Elderly Instruments

MerleFest has been a mainstay on the music circuit since 1988. People flock to the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina each year to celebrate music of the Appalachian region, which has helped the local economy. Jeffrey Brown went to take a look for our arts and culture series, "CANVAS." PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders