MerleFest has announced the initial lineup for its 2020 event, set to take place from April 23rd–26th on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina.
The initial announcement includes top-billed sets by Willie Nelson & Family, Alison Krauss, The Jerry Douglas Band, Sam Bush, Jim Lauderdale, Kruger Brothers, The Waybacks, Scythian, Donna The Buffalo, Peter Rowan and The Free Mexican Airforce, Tommy Emmanuel, Shinyribs, Charley Crockett, Darrell Scott, The Steel Wheels, Robbie Fulks, Amythyst Kiah, and Cordovas.
MerleFest 2020 will also feature performances by Alison Brown, Andy May, “B” Townes, Banknotes, Bill & The Belles, Bryan Sutton, Carol Rifkin, Charles Welch, Chatham Rabbits, Che Apalache, The Cleverlys, Creole Stomp with Dennis Stroughmatt, David Holt, Fireside Collective, Flattop, Happy Traum, Hogslop String Band, InterACTive Theatre of Jef, Irish Mythen, Iron Horse Bluegrass, Jack Lawrence, Jeff Little Trio, Jody Carroll, Joe Smothers, Ken Crouse, Laura Boosinger, The Local Boys, Los Texmaniacs, Mark Bumgarner, Mary Flower, Mitch Greenhill, Pete & Joan Wernick, Piedmont Bluz, Presley Barker, Rev. Robert Jones, Roy Book Binder, Sierra Ferrell, String Madness, T. Michael Coleman, Tony Williamson, Wayne Henderson, The Moore Brothers, The Williams Brothers, and Wyld Fern.
“For over 30 years, one of the major factors that have built and sustained MerleFest has been the quality of the artists and performances that our guests see over the 4-day festival,” says Ted Hagaman, Festival Director. “People truly feel that the festival is a great value and that is why music fans and families return year after year. We feel that the 2020 lineup again reflects the diversity and quality of performers, and we look forward to another successful festival in April.”
#MerleFest is proud to announce our 2020 initial lineup that includes @WillieNelson & Family and @AlisonKrauss. It’s been 20 years since Willie was here – wow! And we are so thrilled to have Alison return for 2020! Full initial lineup here: https://t.co/RBWlLdxHOY pic.twitter.com/NtZby7Vmx2
— MerleFest (@MerleFest) November 12, 2019
Tickets for the 2020 festival go on sale on November 12th and may be purchased here. MerleFest offers a three-tiered pricing structure and encourages fans to take advantage of the extended early bird discount. Early Bird Tier 1 tickets may be purchased from November 12th to February 16th, 2020; Early Bird Tier 2 tickets from February 17th to April 22nd. The remaining tickets will be sold at the gate during the festival.
New for MerleFest 2020 is The Patio at MerleFest. This ticket upgrade includes comfortable seating in a covered area with great views of the Watson and Cabin stages, access to the friends and family seating area (formerly named VIP), a deluxe air-conditioned mobile bathroom unit, snacks and beverages, and live video displays from the Watson and Cabin stages. Fans who wish to gain access to this exciting new addition to MerleFest should act quickly, as seating is limited.
Along with the lineup announcement, MerleFest also reminded fans that the 2020 Chris Austin Songwriting Contest is still open. Now in its 28th year, CASC is an opportunity for songwriters to have their original songs heard and judged by a panel of Nashville music industry professionals, under the direction of volunteer contest chairperson, Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Jim Lauderdale. For more information on the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest, head to the Merlefest website.