We have all struggled to keep music going during the past year. Some have managed outdoor jams, online jams with JamKazam, and even playing along with jam videos. But the in-person experience of a bluegrass camp or festival, where we can gather and play and learn together is one I have really missed this past year. I bet you have too!… Read More
The April, 2014 edition of Merlefest included a special event Friday called the BanjoRama. Festival talent coordinator Steve Johnson had thrown an interesting assignment my way this past winter: coordinating ten banjo players to do an hour-long set on the the Doc and Merle Watson Stage.… Read More
This was my 20th Merlefest, having missed only the first one, back in 1988. What an amazing event. I heard some of the most beautiful music and some of the most inspiring I’ve heard in a long time (Jerry Douglas Band and Levon Helm’s Ramble on the Road set concluding Saturday night).… Read More
Notes From The Road: This is my “Pete’s-eye view” feature on this site, with reports on interesting people and events I encounter in my travels. Four bluegrass music camps, Spring of 2002: England, North Carolina, Massachusetts, and California! This spring … Read More
Often when I get back from Merlefest, people ask me, “How was it?” Lately, just to be different, I’ve taken to saying, “Sheer hell.” They look at me funny, then I say, “Yeah, there’s too much great music, and all these great musicians to be around, and to top it off, the weather this year was perfect. And did I mention, the agony of being in North Carolina in the height of springtime!”… Read More