MerleFest, presented by Window World and considered one of the premier music festivals in the country, is an annual homecoming of musicians and music fans held on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. The annual four-day event, which “USA Today” described as a “happy, family friendly festival that’s loved by musicians who come to play and those who come to add their energy by listening, as well,” will take place April 28-May 1, 2016.
“Throughout the years, one of the major factors that has built MerleFest is the quality of the artists and performances that our guests see over the four days of the festival,” said Ted Hagaman, festival director. “That, in turn, creates another important element of MerleFest’s success: people truly feel that the festival is a great value. That’s probably best expressed by the fact that so many music fans and families return year after year, making MerleFest a regular spring tradition.
The initial lineup for MerleFest 2016 will be announced on Tuesday, November 10, the same day that tickets will go on sale. Tickets may be purchased at www.MerleFest.org or by calling 1-800-343-7857. A three-tiered pricing structure will be offered for MerleFest 2016. An Early Bird Tier 1 ticket discount is available starting November 10 through February 15, 2016. An Early Bird Tier 2 ticket discount will run from February 16, 2016, through April 27, 2016. The third price tier will be gate pricing. Fans are encouraged to take advantage of the extended early bird discount.
MerleFest was founded in 1988 in memory of the late Eddy Merle Watson, son of American music legend Doc Watson. MerleFest is a celebration of “traditional plus” music, a unique mix of music based on the traditional, roots-oriented sounds of the Appalachian region, including bluegrass and old-time music, and expanded to include Americana, country, blues, rock and many other styles. The festival hosts over 90 artists, performing on 13 stages during the course of the four-day event. The annual event has become the primary fundraiser for the WCC Endowment Corporation, funding scholarships, capital projects and other educational needs. The financial impact elevates the organizations and businesses of the surrounding communities as well, with MerleFest bringing millions into the area over the course of the festival.
For more information about the festival and to get up-to-date lineup details, visit www.merlefest.org and follow the MerleFest Facebook page.
