Any opinions on Merlefest '06?

Subject: Any opinions on Merlefest '06?
From: Sean Belt
Date: 10 May 06 - 03:33 PM

I've never yet been able to work my schedule around to where I can get out to Merlefest. And am not sure I really want to, if the truth be known. Although there are always tons of people in the list of performers that I'd like to hear, I'm not sure I could handle the crowds. A freind of mine did perform there this year and said it was a colossal mess.

Did anyone around here go? And if so, what were your impressions?

Subject: RE: Any opinions on Merlefest '06?
From: tarheel
Date: 11 May 06 - 08:50 AM

you are correct! it's organized chaos at it's worse...too many crowds not really appreciating the music nor tradtions...it's beginning to look like one of the 60's hippie hang out festvals...crowd control is impossibe and the sound stages do not always have "quality " sound!
although the performers are Quality musicians,it's a shame all that talent and music is lost in the chaos and by that, i mean...if you are seated way back from the stage,you can hear the constant sound of the "mini jams"every 10 yards apart,over riding the music from the stages...and,that's ok at a fiddlers convention,but the Merlfest is not a fiddler's convention but a performance for those who appreciate the talent of the great Quality musicians of our time!What a Shame!
tarheel