Eddy Merle Watson, half of the award winning duo Doc and Merle Watson, died in a tragic farm tractor accident in 1985.
In 1988 MerleFest started in memory of Doc Watson’s beloved son and is held annually the last weekend of April.
The Festival is held on the campus of Wilkes Community College primarily as a fundraiser.
The featured music ranges from bluegrass to popular. Past performers including
Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Vince Gill, Elvis
Costello, Allison Kraus, The Avett Brothers, Randy Travis,
Steve Martin, Emmilou Harris, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and Zach Brown Band.
This heartwarming event is a gathering of caring people from all over who come together to celebrate life through sharing
stories and music.
Merlefest.org
