MerleFest 2011 Announces Initial Talent Lineup; Tickets on Sale November 9

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 29, 2010

MerleFest Media Contacts:

Judy McDonough, Publicist: 615-243-5994 or mcdonoughmedia1@yahoo.com

Amber Herman, WCC Public Information Officer: 336-838-6292 or amber.herman@wilkescc.edu

MERLEFEST 2011 ANNOUNCES INITIAL TALENT LINEUP

TICKETS ON SALE NOVEMBER 9

WILKESBORO, N.C. — MerleFest 2011, presented by Lowe’s and slated for April 28 - May 1, is proud to announce the initial lineup for the event’s 24^th year.  The following artists will join host Doc Watson on the campus of Wilkes Community College for a celebration of “traditional-plus” music—a term Doc coined to describe the unique mix of traditional, roots-oriented sounds of the Appalachian region, including bluegrass and old-time music, and expanded to include Americana, country, “plus whatever other styles we were in the mood to play.”

Doc Watson

Richard Watson

Susana and Timmy Abell

Alberti Flea Circus

Balsam Range

The Banknotes  

Rory Block                                               

Roy Book Binder

Alison Brown Quartet

Buffalo Barfield

Sam Bush Band

Cadillac Sky

Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper

T. Michael Coleman

Crooked Still

Ken Crouse

Donna The Buffalo

The Doobie Brothers (with newest member John Cowan)

Casey Driessen

Eleanor Ellis

Emmitt-Nershi Band

Paul Geremia

Mitch Greenhill

George Hamilton IV

Harper

Corey Harris and Phil Wiggins

John Hartford String Band

Bob Hill

David Holt

The InterACTive Theater of Jef

Veronika Jackson

Jeff and Vida

Johnson’s Crossroad

Catfish Keith

The Kruger Brothers

Sonny Landreth

Jim Lauderdale

Jack Lawrence

Jeff Little

The Local Boys           

Lyle Lovett                       

Lost Bayou Ramblers

Corb Lund

Bill Mathis

Andy May

Del McCoury Band

Nashville Bluegrass Band

The Neighbors

Tim O’Brien

Pauls Creek Band

Red Molly

Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band

Scythian

Shana Banana

The Sigmon Stringers

Sinai Mountain Ramblers

Slate Mountain Ramblers

Steve and Ruth Smith

Joe Smothers

Synder Family Band

Tut Taylor

Town Mountain

Happy Traum

The Wailin’ Jennys

The Waybacks

Charles Welch

Pete and Joan Wernick

Wilkes Acoustic Folk Society

Josh Williams Band

Tony Williamson

Zephyr Lightning Bolts           

“The MerleFest 2011 lineup offers an incredibly exciting, diverse and talented group of musicians, which is always our mission as a festival,” comments Festival Director Ted Hagaman. “Another goal this year is to give our festival attendees up-to-the-minute information about lineup additions and other aspects of MerleFest. As new artists are added, we will share that information immediately through our social media venues.  So, staying in touch with us via our website ( www.merlefest.org), Facebook and Twitter is crucial!”

Public radio station WNCW, serving the North Carolina communities of  Boone, Charlotte, Greenville and Wilkesboro, will air a special devoted to the artists of MerleFest 2011 on November 4 at 8 p.m. EST; fans from around the globe can listen live at www.wncw.org.

The MerleFest box office will open for 2011 ticket sales on Tuesday, November 9, at 2:00 p.m. EST. Ticket purchases can be made on the web at www.merlefest.org or by calling 1-800-343-7857.  With almost 90 acts performing on 14 stages during the course of the event, MerleFest is an entertainment value.  An early bird ticket discount is available through March 13, 2011.

MerleFest was founded in 1988 in memory of Eddy Merle Watson as a fundraiser for Wilkes Community College Endowment Corporation and a celebration of “traditional plus” music.  Scheduled for April 28 – May 1, 2011, the event is held on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina.

Tony Joe White & Shane Hines at Jammin Java

Last Sunday October 24th, we bounced back and forth between the Mike Melchione Benefit and Jammin Java, where former local musician Shane Hines and Tony Joe White were scheduled. We started the evening filming a few songs by Hines which are available on the MyJoog YouTube channel.  Hines returns to Jammin Java November 10th for a CD release party. Many of the songs he performed came from this CD and reflect his move to Nashville and family life. I know its hard being away from family; one of his best is "Choices Make Us".We look forward to that show.

Its been a long time since the venue scheduled an artist like Louisiana’s swamp artist  Tony Joe White. I mean a historical figure whose presence you will never forget. The last such experience was seeing Billy Joe Shaver years ago.White is also supporting a new CD, The Shine and played a mixture of new and old - asking for requests throughout the night. A spirited crowd kept White motivated as he played both electric and acoustic - accompanied simply with a drum kit. I'm not sure what was more impressive - his guitar playing or voice - that deep soulful sound.And what an encore - the crowd cheered for an eternity - until White returned. I began to worry that he wouldn't return, but when he did, he even acknowledged the crowd. Finally got to hear "Rainy Night in Georgia".

Benefit for Virginia Native Mike Melchione

On Sunday October 24th, we attended throughout the day a benefit for Fairfax native and stroke victim, Mike Melchione held at the Vienna Moose Lodge, 9616. He is most known locally as a member of country\american Lost Highway Band; but most may recognize him as a member of the Grammy winning Buckwheat Zydeco Band. Most of the area's blues community turned out for this event to raise funds for Melchion's medical expenses. We're talking about musicians and fans, since we could barely get a parking spot when we arrived in the early afternoon.

We missed several awesome acts, from the Tom Principato Band  to The Nighthawks to the Tommy Lepson Band - among many others. However, we did catch Bad Influence Band, the Big Joe Maher Trio, and the Cathy Ponton King - featuring Billy Starks, Dave Chappell, and Ron Holloway. Videos of the day's performances will be available at MyJoogTV and are currently available at the MyJoogTV YouTube channel. And photos are available at the MyJoog Gallery. For those who wish to attend future benefits or to just contribute cash, visit Jimmy Cole Music. We wish Melchione a speedy recovery..

Benefit for Virginia Native Mike Melchione - Sunday, October 24

Sunday, Oct. 24, 12 Noon - ?  Vienna Moose Lodge, Vienna, VA $15!

The Big Boy Little Band (BBL) and more at Benefit at ViennaMoose Lodge, 9616 Courthouse Rd., Vienna, VA 22180, (703) 281-4370.   The music starts at 12 Noon, so get there early and enjoy the music - all to help out a fellow musician!  Your donation of $15 or more will be appreciated!!!    This is going to be a great day/night of music!!!  Mike Melchione Benefit (member of Grammy winning Buckwheat Zydeco band and Lost Highway Band).  Yes, there'll be a tv to keep up with the game.  Great Music - Room for Dancing!

Hosted by Tom "Cat" Reeder.   List of performers include The Nighthawks, Cathy Ponton King, Switchblade, Tommy Lepson Band, Big Boy Little Band, Bad Influence, Heavy Country, Little Red & The Renegades, Johnny Hopkins, Joey Martin, Billy Branch. Ki Capitano, Paul Goldstein. Dave Elliott. Jerry Holmes, John Previti, Don Bradshaw, Joe Maher (Big Joe Maher), Del Puschert (Elvis' sax player), JC Collins, Liz Lohr, Allen Case, Billy Hancock, Ratso, Susie Matthews, Chris Armenio + more!

For Cadillac Sky Fans: A Message From Bryan Simpson

We are printing this email that Bryan Simpson sent out to followers of Cadillac Sky last night. We wish him well on his new mission in life. We've heard rumors regrading his replacement; but will post the official announcement.

Friends.....


     Three years ago I would have never imagined this day anywhere in my near future. But that was before Jesus Christ turned my life upside down and made me forever His in the Spring of 2008. Since then He has continued to devour my life and everything in it. Daily my desire for Him grows. The longing for more time spent in complete devotion to Him combined with a desire to be more mobile in my faith has led me to this decision.

     Over the last year I have felt a relentless stirring in my soul that it was time for me to leave Cadillac Sky. So, after many long months of prayer, in the summer I informed the band of my decision. From that moment I have had a great peace about it. Now don't get me wrong, C-Sky has been a huge part of my life for so long it will be weird to not be in it. But even with the  great opportunities that have come along since, I have never felt an ounce of regret or second guessing in my spirit. But I also have no regrets for my time spent in C-Sky. Through it God has drawn me to Him, and has given me great friends that are more like brothers than bandmates. Not to mention, for the better part of eight years, I've heard my songs played by some of the most creative and talented musicians this planet has to offer. And last but certainly not least, I have been honored with a great family of fans ever since this thing got going.
    
     The vision for my life post C-Sky is still coming together but the mission for my life is simply the furthering of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I petition your prayers as I am sure my greatest avdventure is yet to come.
     
     One last thing I would ask: Please continue to support my friends as they move forward with Cadillac Sky. And know this: the man that is going to move into my vacated spot, an announcement deserving of its own email, is extremely gifted and will not disappoint. I am excited to see and hear what is to come. Cadillac Sky is in very good hands.
     
     I sincerely thank all those who have encouraged me, taught me, and loved me with open arms over my time in Cadillac Sky.

Sincerely,
Bryan   

This Week at MyJoog

Here is a list of shows we hope to catch for the week of October 18th-24th:

Candye Kane - Rams Head Onstage Annapolis, MD: Monday, October 18, 2010

Victoria Vox W/ Devon Sproule W/ Datri Bean - IOTA Club Arlington, VA: Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Holy Ghost Tent Revival - The Blue Moon Cafe Shepherdstown, WV: Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Buddy Guy - The Birchmere Alexandria, VA: Wednesday, October 20, 2010

ambeR rubarth - Jammin' Java Vienna, VA: Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Catie Curtis - Jammin' Java Vienna, VA: Thursday, October 21, 2010

The Wiyos - The State Theatre Falls Church, VA: Thursday, October 21, 2010

The Felice Brothers w/Adam Haworth Stephens - Rock & Roll Hotel Washington, DC: Friday, October 22, 2010

"Steady Rollin" Bob Margolin - Rams Head Onstage Annapolis, MD: Saturday, October 23, 2010

Darren Beachley & Legends of the Potomac - Lucketts Community Center Leesburg, VA: Saturday, October 23, 2010

Benefit for Mike Melchione - Vienna Moose Lodge Vienna, VA: Sunday, October 24, 2010

Tony Joe White + Shane Hines - Jammin' Java Vienna, VA: Sunday, October 24, 2010

The Festy Experience

We've been fans of The Infamous Stringdusters for a number of years now, ever since they played a show in our town. Not only are they very talented musicians, but their stage presence exudes a feeling, that, hey, it would be fun to hang out with these guys. And we finally got that chance at The Festy Experience, held at the Devil's Backbone Brewing Company fairgrounds October 9th & 10th. This festival was the fruition of two years of planning by the band, bringing together all the best they had witnessed at other festivals. And this was truly an Experience, not just a festival incorporating the usual suspects of camping, music, and beer. Oh yea, those those three were included as well as a 5k race and bike challenge for the athletically inclined; college and pro football in the DBBC's restaurant for football fans; jam sessions and workshops for musicians; activities for youngsters for those not afraid to attend with children; and easy access to tour wineries and other breweries in Nelson County for. You can read about our visits to the surrounding wineries at the WineCompass Blog.

More importantly, The Stringdusters were able to formulate a lineup that was outstanding; bringing together an amazing array of musicians they have had the privilege to encounter and befriend during their career. And this wasn't just a bluegrass festival - the only true bluegrass bands were Crooked Still and Town Mountain, although some may include Old School Freight Train, The Tony Rice Unit, and Larry Keel & Natural Bridge into that category. But there was also the rock band Pantherburn, alt-county Yarn, Devon Sproule and Paul Curreri, Josh Ritter and the Love Canon String Band, Toubab Krewe, Railroad Earth - and much more. See my point.  And let's not forget Sarah Siskind. Yes she was maritally obligated to perform; but she played two nice sets accompanied by Travis Book with guitarist Andy Falco joining in for the second. And as soon as the sun went down, the fire's erupted - not only from the main bonfire - but from Trees On Fire as well.



The artists didn't want to miss out on a good festival either. Some acts that weren't scheduled to play until Sunday, rolling in Saturday. And some scheduled for Saturday stuck around Sunday. I saw Yarn frontman Blake Christiana the entire festival and members of Railroad Earth loitered around Sunday morning instead of bolting after their Saturday night stint. And the Stringdusters were everywhere; sitting in the crowd while watching other artists on the Southern stage; providing music workshops; in the DBDC catching football scores; biking; camping - even filming an episode of MyJoogTV with DBBC brewer Jason Oliver. Thanks Travis and Sarah. That should be an interesting episode considering the brewery crafts several award winning beers - and since their inception two years ago - is the state's most awarded brewery.


Each year we religiously attend several core festivals: Merlefest, Floydfest, and the Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion. The Festy is now a member of that list. The location and Experience make this a festival worth repeating. And for those who failed to get the message beforehand and missed this year, we will be posting one video from each performance at

Next Week at MyJoog

This weekend, we are attending The Festy; but when we return to the Washington DC area, there are plenty of exciting shows scheduled for that week.It starts Monday, October 11 with Ólöf Arnalds at IOTA Club in Arlington, VA. This Icelandic singer is touring the U.S. and from what I read is quite the talent: classically educated on the violin and self-taught on viola, guitar and charango. Me, I really love her voice. That's why I'm going - her music may be a little too pop-ish at times, but Ms. Arnalds can sing. After a mid week break, we have a choice. On October 14, the Carolina Chocolate Drops are playing at the The Birchmere in Alexandria, whereas The Steel Wheels at Goose Creek Live at the Franklin Park Performing & Visual Arts Center in Purcellville, VA. Leaning to the Carolina Chocolate Drops - they are quite an entertaining trio - and I didn't get enough of them at Bristol last month. Even though Jimmy Thackery & The Drivers are playing at The Birchmere, we are off too watch Sarah Borges and The Broken Singles & The Bastard Sons at IOTA Club on Friday, October 15. Mark Stuart and the Bastard Sons are one of our favorite acts and paired with Sarah Borges - that will be an awesome night. And on Saturday, there's the concert of the Fall, The Avett Brothers w. special guest Grace Potter and the Nocturnals in Baltimore at the Pier Six Concert Pavilion I've been waiting for this show for awhile. It speaks for itself. If you don't already have tickets, we recommend heading downtown to see Jukebox the Ghost & Elizabeth & The Catapultplaying at the Black Cat.See why this duo has become a favorite in New York's club scene.

Elizabeth Cook on Tour

Our favorite voices at XM Sirius Radio, Elizabeth Cook, is hitting the road.Once again she is supporting her new CD Welder , which was produced by Don Was and features vocals from Buddy Miller and  appearances by Dwight Yoakam and Rodney Crowell. Check out a video and the tour listed below.

Elizabeth Cook   More CMT Music   More CMT Music Videos

Eddie's Attic Decatur, GA: Wednesday, October 20, 2010 @ 8:00 PM

The White Mule Columbia, SC: Thursday, October 21, 2010 @ 8:00 PM

Casbah Durham Durham, NC: Friday, October 22, 2010 @ 8:00 PM

Double Door Inn Charlotte, NC: Saturday, October 23, 2010 @ 8:00 PM

The Landing Van Buren, MO: Saturday, October 30, 2010 @ 8:00 PM

Southgate House Newport, KY: Thursday, November 04, 2010 @ 8:00 PM

Rumba Cafe Columbus, OH: Friday, November 05, 2010 @ 8:00 PM

Beachland Ballroom Cleveland, OH: Saturday, November 06, 2010 @ 8:00 PM

Sportsmen's Tavern Buffalo, NY: Sunday, November 07

The Linda Albany, NY: Monday, November 08

The Turning Point Cafe Piermont, NY: Wednesday, November 10

The Narrows Center for the Arts Fall River, MA: Friday, November 12

Sellersville Theatre Sellersville, PA: Sunday, November 14

Iron Horse Music Hall Northampton, MA: Monday, November 15

Johnny D's Uptown Restaurant Somerville, MA: Tuesday, November 16

B.B. King Blues Club New York, NY: Wednesday, November 17

Tin Angel Acoustic Cafe Philadelphia, PA: Thursday, November 18

NightCat Easton, MD: Friday, November 19

Kirk Avenue Music Roanoke, VA: Saturday, November 20

Ashland Coffee and Tea Ashland, VA: Wednesday, December 01

The Birchmere Alexandria, VA: Thursday, December 02

Mockingbird Staunton, VA: Friday, December 03

The Festy

Next weekend we are heading to one of our favorite areas, Nelson County Virginia, home to the  Devils Backbone Brewing Co - an award winning brewery and venue for The Festy music festival. Hosted by the The Infamous Stringdusters, the festival combines excellent music with excellent beer - perfect for myjoogtv.com. Still not convinced, check out the lineup below.

International Bluegrass Music Association Announces 2010 Award Winners

The 21st Annual International Bluegrass Music Awards, hosted by Sharon and Cheryl White and Jerry Douglas, was broadcast live on Sirius XM from Nashville, Tennessee's historic Ryman Auditorium on September 30, 2010. Dailey & Vincent took home top honors with their third consecutive award for Entertainer of the Year.

Dailey & Vincent were also recipients of their third straight Vocal Group of the Year award, their second award for Album of the Year for Dailey & Vincent Sing the Statler Brothers, Recorded Event of the Year with Larry Stephenson for "Give This Message to Your Heart" and Best Graphic Design for Recorded Project (Dailey & Vincent Sing the Statler Brothers), awarded in an earlier ceremony.

Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper received three awards, including Instrumental Group of the Year, Cleveland's eighth Fiddle Player of the Year award and Marshall Wilborn's second consecutive award for Bass Player of the Year.

Adam Steffey accepted two awards, including his seventh Mandolin Player of the Year award and Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year for "Durang's Hornpipe." The Gibson Brothers were recognized with two honors, their first since 1998, with "Ring the Bell" for Song of the Year and Gospel Performance of the Year. Receiving two awards tonight, The Josh Williams Band won Emerging Artist of the Year and Guitar Player of the Year (Josh Williams).

Other instrumentalist awards included Rob Ickes with his twelfth award for Dobro Player of the Year and The Grascals' Kristin Scott Benson for her third consecutive honor for Banjo Player of the Year.
Russell Moore of IIIrd Tyme Out accepted his third award for Male Vocalist of the Year. Claire Lynch received her second award for Female Vocalist of the Year.

Louise Scruggs and John Hartford were posthumously inducted into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame. The IBMA's Distinguished Achievement Award honorees were Benjamin F. "Tex" Logan, Sherry Boyd, Lynn Morris, Richard Weize and Pete "Dr. Banjo" Wernick.

For more information and a complete list of awards, please click here.

For general information, please contact:
Nancy Cardwell
IBMA
nancyc@ibma.org
615.256.3222

For all media inquiries, please contact:
Kissy Black
Elaine Erteschik
Lotos Nile Media
P.O. Box 90245
Nashville, TN 37209
615.298.1144
kissyblack@lotosnile.com
elaine@lotosnile.com