Merlefest History
MerleFest was founded in 1988 in Memory of Eddy Merle
Watson as a fundraiser for Wilkes Community College and to celebrate
?traditional plus? music.
MerleFest, which began in 1988, is about the Music, Moments, and Memories.
The
Music of MerleFest is ?traditional-plus? and Doc Watson himself
describes it best: ?When Merle and I started out we called our music
?traditional-plus,? meaning the traditional music of the Appalachian
region plus whatever other styles we were in the mood to play. Since the
beginning, the people of the college and I have agreed that the music
of MerleFest is ?traditional-plus?.?
The Moments of MerleFest
are those unique experiences that only happen here. It may be two
musicians you never expected to see collaborating, a shooting star over
The Watson Stage during an evening?s closing set, or that one set that
seems to have touched everyone in the audience.
The Memories of
MerleFest includes the memory of Eddy Merle Watson, who we honor each
day with The Tribute to Merle, and the new memories we create each year
we come together to celebrate MerleFest.
MerleFest is produced
each year by the Wilkes Community College Endowment Corporation and
managed by the staff of the college?s Development Office. The event is
the primary fundraiser for Wilkes Community College.
For more information www.Merlefest.org
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