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Merlefest
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Subject: Merlefest From: GUEST,JeffM Date: 02 May 01 - 10:08 AM Picture driving through the Appalachians listening to banjo and fiddle music, and then arriving at a festival in North Carolina and being treated to numerous concerts and workshops where Doc Watson plays Black Mountain Rag, Earl Scruggs plays Foggy Mountain Breakdown, Jerry Douglas explains how to play the Dobro, Tim O'Brien plays material from Songs From The Mountain and The Crossing, and, in between, you hear the best country/folk musicians alive today, like Ricky Skaggs, Dan Tyminski (The voice of George Clooney singing "Man of Constant Sorrow" in "Oh, Brother, Where Art Thou?"), The Kruger Bothers, Dolly Parton (that's right), Bela Fleck, Sam Bush, Vassar Clements, Marty Stuart, J.P. Cormier, Stacey Earle, Tony Rice, and others. It was totally overwhelming. There were a dozen or so venues running simultaneously, so it was hard to see everything you wanted. But, wherever you were, it was intense. The tension created in playing this music goes right to the heart and uplifts. It was an emotional experience. And, it was great to see Doc (who is now 78) still playing in fine form. He is revered there, and deservedly so. There was also a plethora of instrument vendors and crafts tents. It took great willpower not to take out a mortgage and buy a new guitar, banjo, or mandolin. This was a special experience and I highly recommend this festival to anyone who can get there. It's worth it! |
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Subject: RE: Merlefest From: GUEST,JeffM Date: 02 May 01 - 10:20 AM Try again ... |
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Subject: RE: Merlefest From: Dharmabum Date: 02 May 01 - 10:22 AM I unfortuneately didn't make it this year,but did last year. I agree wholeheartedly,it is hands down, one of the best festivals I've ever been to. What kind of sand sculpture did they do this year? I hear the midnight jam was pretty awsome too. DB. |
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Subject: RE: Merlefest From: JeffM Date: 02 May 01 - 10:37 AM It was a bunch of animals playing instruments. The best part was that the artist's name was Sandy. Missed the jam. Had to conserve energy. |
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Subject: RE: Merlefest From: Mrrzy Date: 02 May 01 - 10:50 AM I've always wondered WHICH Merle this festival was about, guess it's Merle Watson, paix aît son âme. My hero. It's great to hear about Doc, thanks, JeffM! |
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Subject: RE: Merlefest From: Mrrzy Date: 02 May 01 - 10:52 AM AND great pix, thought that guy was dead already! Scruggs senior, I mean.. really glad to hear he's still around and pickin' - |
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Subject: RE: Merlefest From: Caitrin Date: 02 May 01 - 12:48 PM *sighs*I missed it. I'm a grand total of an hour and a half from Merlefest, and I didn't get to go because I was working a show. *grumbles something about being constantly locked in the theatre* *smiles* Glad to hear it was great! |
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Subject: RE: Merlefest From: black walnut Date: 02 May 01 - 07:31 PM WOW! ~b.w. |
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Subject: RE: Merlefest From: JeffM Date: 04 May 01 - 03:28 PM How eloquent! |
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Subject: RE: Merlefest From: black walnut Date: 09 May 01 - 07:39 AM Duh. I know that you know exactly what I meant. ~b.w.
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Subject: RE: Merlefest From: GUEST,PJ Curtis(The Burren Ireland) Date: 09 May 01 - 04:40 PM I travelled from Western Ireland for the Merlefest(my 2nd time attending) and this year offered the most intense, supreme musical experience I have ever had,,,,and it never flagged over three magical days and nights. Highlights?? Too many to recount...but Ricky Skaggs' amazing set, Seldom Scene, Peter Rowan and Tony Rice, Dan Tyminski, Jerry Douglas's spectacular Dobro work behind practically EVERYBODY, and the memory ...and sound...of Dolly Parton and Doc Watson on stage together!!!...this surely must be the premier Bluegrass/Roots/Americana event in Nth. America.A weekend NOT TO BE MISSED....cant wait for next year. PJC |
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Subject: RE: Merlefest From: black walnut Date: 10 May 01 - 08:48 AM Envy. ~green walnut |
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