Tyler Childers, Wynonna Lead MerleFest 2019 Lineup
Update: The 2019 edition of MerleFest has announced three new artists to its lineup: six-time Grammy nominee Brandi Carlile, Grand Ole Opry members Dailey & Vincent and Rolling Stone Country Artists You Need to Know alumni the Brother Brothers.
With four days of eclectic roots-based music set in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the 2019 MerleFest lineup continues a longstanding tradition of diversity. Wynonna & the Big Noise, first-time MerleFest performers, will be joined by Keb’ Mo’, the Earls of Leicester, Sam Bush, Tyler Childers, Peter Rowan and the Free Mexican Air Force, among many others at next year’s event, set for April 25th through 28th on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina.
“I’m thrilled to finally be a part of MerleFest and to honor the legacy of Doc Watson, who in my mind, was a founding father of Americana Music. Two words: ‘Tennessee Stud!'” Wynonna tells Rolling Stone Country of the iconic musician who founded MerleFest in 1988 in honor of his late son, fellow guitar legend Eddy Merle Watson. Now in its 32nd year, MerleFest’s mission has always been to celebrate “traditional plus” music, combining the traditional, roots-oriented sounds of the Appalachian region, which includes old-time, classic country, bluegrass, folk, and gospel and blues. Today, the artists appearing on the fest’s 13 stages throughout the four-day event also represent Americana, classic rock and other styles. Proceeds from MerleFest benefit the WCC Foundation, funding scholarships, capital projects and other educational needs.
Also among the initial 75 acts announced for MerleFest 2019 are American Aquarium, Webb Wilder, Elizabeth Cook, Jim Lauderdale, Junior Brown, Radney Foster, and the Gibson Brothers. More performers will be announced via the MerleFest website in the coming months.
One of MerleFest’s most anticipated events is the Late Night Jam, taking place on Saturday, April 27th, at 10:30 p.m. and running well past midnight. The 2019 host for the after-hours hootenanny will be acclaimed bluegrass band Chatham County Line, with impromptu artistic collaborations and one-of-a-kind jams a trademark of the annual gathering.
Ticket sales for both the festival and Late Night Jam begin today, Tuesday, November 13th, at 10:00 a.m. ET. A three-tiered ticket-pricing structure is available, along with an extended early-bird discount.