MERLEFEST 2011, PRESENTED BY LOWE’S, ANNOUNCES INSTRUMENT CONTEST WINNERS

WILKESBORO, N.C. (April 29, 2011)—MerleFest 2011, presented by Lowe’s, held the Doc Watson Guitar Championship on Thursday, April 28 and the Merle Watson Bluegrass Banjo Contest on Friday, April 29.

Ashe County Picker Tops MerleFest Guitar Contest

For Eric Hardin of Warrensville, NC, winning the 2011 MerleFest Guitar Contest was a little bittersweet.

“I’m ecstatic about winning,” said Hardin. “I’ve been doing this contest for eight years, and I have finally won. I do hate, though, that I won’t get to play in it next year.” Like other previous champions, he will serve as a judge and will be retired as a contestant. After the judges announced their decision, Hardin received his first prize, a Boucher Alencia Goose guitar (retail value $4,500), presented by John Kelley of Musiquip as well as gift certificates from Jackson’s Music and John Pearse Strings.

Hardin chose “Whiskey For Breakfast,” “Steel Guitar Rag,” and “Lonesome Fiddle Blues” to perform for the panel of judges.

This was not the first major win for Eric Hardin at MerleFest. He won the 2004 National Banjo Championship in Winfield, Kansas, then returned home to take the top prize on the five string at MerleFest in 2006. He has also been a consistent top finisher in the National Guitar Championship.



Young Pickers Dominate at MerleFest Banjo Contest

Youth dominated at the MerleFest Banjo Contest Friday morning at the Austin Stage – but “the old man” of the finalists took home a brand-new Deering Eagle banjo and gift certificates from Jackson’s Music and John Pearse Strings.

Of course, Weston Stewart of Anderson, Ala., is just 21 – but was older than the other two finalists, 16-year-old Tanner Norris of Monroe, N.C., who took second (and won a hardshell banjo case given by Frontier Energy and gift certificates from Jackson’s Music and John Pearse Strings), and Alex Edwards, 18, of Salisbury, N.C., who finished third (and won gift certificates from Jackson’s Music and John Pearse Strings).


“I wasn’t expecting to win,” Stewart told the crowd after the announcement of the judges’ decision. “I just want to say this is a wonderfully organized event, and there were so many great pickers taking part.” In answer to a question by Pete “Dr. Banjo” Wernick, who was one of the judges, Stewart said he was not currently part of a band. “Attention band leaders,” Wernick said, “you want to talk to this young man.”


Janet Deering, co-founder of Deering Banjo, presented Stewart with his first prize, an Eagle banjo made by the company she and her husband lead. The banjo is valued at $2,400.


Now in its 24th year, MerleFest was founded in 1988 in memory of Eddy Merle Watson as a fundraiser for Wilkes Community College Endowment Corporation and a celebration of “traditional plus” music.

Chris Austin Songwriting Contest Announces Finalists for 2011‏

WILKESBORO, N.C. (April 5, 2011)—Finalists have been selected for the 19^h annual Chris Austin Songwriting Contest, hosted by MerleFest 2011. The festival is scheduled for April 28-May 1, on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina.

Writers of the following twelve songs, selected from over 1,053 entries, will compete on the Austin Stage at MerleFest on Friday, April 29:

Bluegrass

Tonya Lowman - "Heartwrenching Lovesick Memories" (Lenoir, N.C.)
David Grindstaff, Benjamin Poteat and David Snider - "The Working Man" (Marion, N.C.)
Ashleigh Caudill - "Row By Row" (Asheville, N.C.)

Country

Mickey Clark - "Bakersfield Wine" (Louiville, Ky.)
Lera Lynn - "Bobby, Baby" (Athens, Ga.)
Thom Case - "The Smart Thing" (Brentwood, Tenn.)

Gospel/Inspirational

Johnny Tanner - "Wake Up John" (Florence, S.C.)
Tony Feathers - "On The Rock Where Moses Stood" (Gray, Tenn.)
Rachel Harrington - "He Started Building My Mansion In Heaven Today" (Seattle, Wash.)

General

Joseph LeMay - "River In My Heart" (Dyersburg, Tenn.)
The Honeycutters (Amanda Anne Platt) - "Little Bird" (Asheville, N.C.)

Driftwood Fire (Charlotte D. Formichella and Lynn Scharf) - "The Salty Sea" (Ft. Collins, Colo.)

Each of the twelve finalists will enjoy admission and lodging for four nights at MerleFest, and will receive a mentoring session with Grammy®-winning singer/songwriter Jim Lauderdale. In addition, the first place winners will receive a performance slot on the Cabin Stage on Friday of the festival.

The Chris Austin Songwriting Contest is a unique opportunity for aspiring writers to have their original songs heard and judged by a panel of Nashville music industry professionals, under the direction of this year’s volunteer contest chairperson Jim Lauderdale. Judging is based on a song’s originality, lyrics, melody and overall commercial potential.

This year’s on-site judges are Wyatt Durrett, Corb Lund and Molly Nagel. Durrette is a respected songwriter whose credits include “Chicken Fried,” the wildly successful number one hit by Grammy Award winning Zac Brown Band. Lund, Alberta’s acclaimed alternative country star, has been named Roots Artist of the Year by the Canadian Country Music Association for the last five years running and was again nominated this year. Nagel is the newly-appointed general manager of the Asheville-based innovative marketing company Music Allies; previously she spent 12 years in publicity and artist development for venerated roots indie Sugar Hill Records.

The following were judges for the first round of competition during which the finalists were selected: Donica Christenson - Sugar Hill Records; Tim Dubois - ASCAP Nashville; Sara Johnson - creative director, Bug Music; Casey Kelly - songwriter/vice president, Songwriters Guild; Joe Limardi - program director, WSM; Shannon McCombs - producer/writer/host; Megan McNair - publicist/editor, Music City News Media; Nathan Nicholson - independent song plugger/publisher; Caine O'Rear - editor/co-publisher, American Songwriter Magazine; Victoria Shaw - singer/songwriter and producer; Joyce Symans - membership administrator, Americana Music Association; Joe West - songwriter/producer.

Net proceeds from the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest support the Wilkes Community College Chris Austin Memorial Scholarship. Since its inception the scholarship has awarded over $35,000 to 71 deserving students. The 2010-2011 Chris Austin Memorial Scholarship recipients are Mary R. Griffith and Thomas Noah Russell. Previous winners of the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest include Gillian Welch, Tift Merritt, Michael Reno Harrell, Adrienne Young, Martha Scanlan, David Via and Johnny Williams.

About Chris Austin:

Chris Austin, from Boone, North Carolina, worked as a sideman for Ricky Skaggs for three years, singing and playing guitar, banjo, mandolin and fiddle. During that time he was discovered by executives at Warner Bros. Nashville, who offered him a recording contract. While releasing singles including “Blues Stay Away From Me,” “I Know There’s a Heart in There Somewhere” and “Out of Step,” Austin also developed his songwriting skills, as

evidenced in “Same Ol’ Love,” recorded by Skaggs in 1991. On March 16, 1991, Austin’s life was cut tragically short when the private plane carrying him and six other members of Reba McEntire’s band, as well as her tour manager, crashed in the mountains near San Diego. Pete Fisher, then of Warnersongs and currently general manager of the Grand Ole Opry, and Kari Estrin, then MerleFest consultant and Pickin’ for Merle video associate producer, initiated the songwriting contest to honor Austin’s memory.

MerleFest 2011 Announces Initial Talent Lineup

TICKETS ON SALE NOVEMBER 9



WILKESBORO, N.C. — MerleFest 2011, presented by Lowe’s and slated for April 28 - May 1, is proud to announce the initial lineup for the event’s 24th year. The following artists will join host Doc Watson on the campus of Wilkes Community College for a celebration of “traditional-plus” music—a term Doc coined to describe the unique mix of traditional, roots-oriented sounds of the Appalachian region, including bluegrass and old-time music, and expanded to include Americana, country, “plus whatever other styles we were in the mood to play.”



Doc Watson

Richard Watson

Susana and Timmy Abell

Alberti Flea Circus

Balsam Range

The Banknotes

Rory Block

Roy Book Binder

Alison Brown Quartet

Buffalo Barfield

Sam Bush Band

Cadillac Sky

Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper

T. Michael Coleman

Crooked Still



Ken Crouse

Donna The Buffalo

The Doobie Brothers (with newest member John Cowan)

Casey Driessen

Eleanor Ellis

Emmitt-Nershi Band

Paul Geremia

Mitch Greenhill

George Hamilton IV

Harper

Corey Harris and Phil Wiggins

John Hartford String Band

Bob Hill

David Holt

The InterACTive Theater of Jef

Veronika Jackson

Jeff and Vida

Johnson’s Crossroad

Catfish Keith

The Kruger Brothers

Sonny Landreth

Jim Lauderdale

Jack Lawrence

Jeff Little

The Local Boys

Lyle Lovett

Lost Bayou Ramblers

Corb Lund

Bill Mathis

Andy May

Del McCoury Band

Nashville Bluegrass Band

The Neighbors

Tim O’Brien

Pauls Creek Band

Red Molly

Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band

Scythian

Shana Banana

The Sigmon Stringers

Sinai Mountain Ramblers

Slate Mountain Ramblers

Steve and Ruth Smith

Joe Smothers

Synder Family Band

Tut Taylor

Town Mountain

Happy Traum

The Wailin’ Jennys

The Waybacks

Charles Welch

Pete and Joan Wernick

Wilkes Acoustic Folk Society

Josh Williams Band

Tony Williamson

Zephyr Lightning Bolts



“The MerleFest 2011 lineup offers an incredibly exciting, diverse and talented group of musicians, which is always our mission as a festival,” comments Festival Director Ted Hagaman. “Another goal this year is to give our festival attendees up-to-the-minute information about lineup additions and other aspects of MerleFest. As new artists are added, we will share that information immediately through our social media venues. So, staying in touch with us via our website ( http://www.merlefest.org/), Facebook and Twitter is crucial!”



Public radio station WNCW, serving the North Carolina communities of Boone, Charlotte, Greenville and Wilkesboro, will air a special devoted to the artists of MerleFest 2011 on November 4 at 8 p.m. EST; fans from around the globe can listen live at http://www.wncw.org/.



The MerleFest box office will open for 2011 ticket sales on Tuesday, November 9, at 2:00 p.m. EST. Ticket purchases can be made on the web at www.merlefest.org or by calling 1-800-343-7857. With almost 90 acts performing on 14 stages during the course of the event, MerleFest is an entertainment value. An early bird ticket discount is available through March 13, 2011.



MerleFest was founded in 1988 in memory of Eddy Merle Watson as a fundraiser for Wilkes Community College Endowment Corporation and a celebration of “traditional plus” music. Scheduled for April 28 – May 1, 2011, the event is held on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina.

MerleFest 2010 was no sleepy bluegrass festival

By Katie Scarvey
kscarvey@salisburypost.com

I've heard talk of Merlefest since I moved to Salisbury, but before this year, it's been just a hazy image in my mind: a bunch of old geezers picking banjos on the grounds of a community college.

Ho-hum little bluegrass festival.

Those who have actually attended Merlefest in recent years will imagine my surprise at discovering the reality of this incredible and exhilarating celebration, held April 29-May 2.

If I hadn't figured that out on the first three days, I surely would have realized it on Sunday, when the Avett Brothers played to an enormous and passionate crowd, whose enthusiasm was not in the least diminished by the blazing sun that day.

Security pretty much gave up trying to keep the crowd out of the aisles. As I stood on the media platform waiting to take pictures, a Merlefest security worker apologized to me.

"I'm not sure you're going to be able to get back to your seat," he said.

Fortunately, while Avett Brothers fans are rabid, they were also polite enough to let me through the crowd, especially since I was moving AWAY from the band.

The Avett Brothers seem poised for superstardom; they've been so busy of late that their Merlefest appearance was their first in the state this year, which perhaps accounted for so many of their North Carolina fans making the trek to Wilkesboro for an increasingly rare opportunity to see them.

I attended all four days of Merlefest this year with my co-worker Sarah Hall. The festival, held on the grounds of Wilkes Community College, has come a long way since 1988, when artists performed on a flatbed truck. Now, Wilkesboro has become a vacation destination for many, thanks to this wonderfully well-oiled celebration of music — which has kept its bluegrass roots but also transcended them. Read more.

The Snyder kids are all right

Lee Jessup
Published: Wednesday, May 5, 2010 at 5:05 p.m.
Faithful readers of this column know how much I love to attend Merlefest, Doc Watson's "bluegrass and more" tribute to his late son Merle, who tragically died way too young back in 1985.
I've witnessed some wonderful performances at Merlefest. One of my compadres and I sang along with Arlo Guthrie during a long-ago performance of "Alice's Restaurant," I was privileged to hear Earl Scruggs play "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" with Doc on the main stage and even heard "Charlene" and the Darling boys (The Dillards) from the old "The Andy Griffith Show" do a show-stopping rendition of "There is a Time."
All that plus a mesmerizing performance some years back by a trio consisting of Alison Kraus, Emmylou Harris and Gillian Welch have made Merlefest nothing short of a marvel for me since my first one back in 1995.
Friday, I heard and saw something completely different, something that knocked me over like a chicken feather propped up against a bedroom fan.
After listening to an early morning set by Doc Watson and David Holt in the Traditional Tent, Mary Jo and I made our way over to the Pickin' Stage to hear Lexington's own Snyder Family Band.
When we arrived, I saw a few tents set up and underneath one of them, eight musicians were sitting in a circle, getting ready to jam awhile with guitars, fiddles, a couple of mandolins and a banjo. What happened next caused every adult jaw to drop, and I haven't seen eyes that big since a hog chased my sisters and me on our Grandpa Charlie's farm outside of Stokesdale 50 years ago.
I heard genuine old school bluegrass coming from beneath that tent - and I'm talking seriously good, old-school bluegrass, foot-stompin' bluegrass, side-slappin' bluegrass, I'm talking about fiddle-bows-on-fire bluegrass.
And no one, no one in the circle was more than 15 years old.
Zeb and Samantha Snyder, both of whom are about as world-class as two young people can be and could stand on the stage with any flat-picking guitarist and fiddle player at the festival, led the group. Joining them were some of their friends, the Wilsons from Moore County. One of the Wilson boys played a guitar that was as big as he was, and at one point he uttered the line of the festival as far as I'm concerned.
After one fantastic jam that gave all the youngsters an opportunity to solo, the boy looked around the group and said, "Man we could use a bass player, oh and Mom, I'm getting kind of hungry!" I don't have to tell you that he brought the house down with that one.
The Snyder Family Band was profiled here in The Dispatch a couple of weeks ago, and you learned that Bud and Laine Snyder started teaching 11-year-old Samantha and 14-year-old Zeb classical music as soon as they could hold an instrument. They've got another boy, 4-year-old Owen, who'll join the family on stage real soon, I imagine.
Zeb has only been playing bluegrass on his guitar for three years and recently won top prize at the Jimmy Edmonds Homecoming Competition in a guitar competition in Galax, Va. Tony Rice and Doc Watson, watch out. Zeb's a'comin'. Read more.

MERLEFEST 2010, PRESENTED BY LOWE’S, EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS

WILKESBORO, N.C.—While MerleFest 2010, presented by Lowe’s, is now officially another one for the history books, initial figures show that aggregate attendance over the festival’s four days exceeded 76,000 people, who attended the celebration of “traditional plus” music on the campus of Wilkes Community College from Thursday, April 29 to Sunday, May 2. MerleFest is the primary fund-raiser for the college and funds scholarships, capital projects and other educational needs.
A diverse and fully loaded schedule of artists as well as an unusual rain-free four days, encouraged attendance. Thursday’s attendance was the highest in the festival’s history, and the remaining days are estimated to be in the top three of festival history. Festival officials are also proud to announce that a goal set at the close of the 2009 event, to reverse the trend of unpaid tickets comprising a greater percentage of total attendance, has been met.
“What a weekend this has been!” exclaimed festival director Ted Hagaman. “With over 100 artists playing on 15 stages, representing everything from bluegrass and blues, to gospel, country and Americana, we feel that we succeeded again in giving our festival guests a great value for their entertainment dollars. We deeply appreciate the support of the great folks of Wilkes County, everyone who works here at the college, and of course our volunteers and fans, for making this all possible.”
Performers who turned in riveting performances at MerleFest 2010 include Doc and Richard Watson, Elvis Costello and the Sugarcanes, Steve Martin with the Steep Canyon Rangers, The Avett Brothers, The Zac Brown Band, Joey + Rory, Dierks Bentley, Taj Mahal, Little Feat, Sam Bush, Tony Rice, Dailey & Vincent, Cadillac Sky, Balsam Range, Bearfoot, The Duhks, The Gibson Brothers, The Greencards, The SteelDrivers, Rhonda Vincent & the Rage, Great Big Sea, Peter Rowan, Scythian, The Travelin’ McCourys, and many more.
The highly anticipated Hillside Album Hour on Saturday evening, hosted by The Waybacks, featured The Beatles’ album Abbey Road. Joining The Waybacks were Sarah Dugas, Shannon Whitworth, Byron House, Jerry Douglas, Jim Lauderdale, and Elvis Costello. As usual, a sea of fans filled the hillside to find out the album that would be featured, which is always a closely held secret until the show begins.
The legendary Doc Watson received an honorary Ph.D. from the Berklee College of Music on the Watson Stage on Saturday night. Watson performed throughout the weekend including the memorable Docabilly set, featuring Doc and friends applying their style to classic pop tunes. The fan-favorite My Friend Merle set included friends of Doc’s late son Merle sharing special memories between their favorite songs.
The Midnight Jam on Saturday, hosted by Zac Brown, featured The Duhks, The Greencards, Peter Rowan and many other surprises for audience members who stayed up late to enjoy the Jam.
In addition to promoting "traditional-plus" music, a term coined by Doc Watson to describe the wide variety of musical genres and styles celebrated at MerleFest, the festival also featured heritage crafts demonstrations, instrument picking lessons and jam sessions, dancing, instrument contests, music education workshops, and the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest. A record number of musicians participated in Pete Wernick’s Bluegrass Jam Camp from April 26-29 and had the opportunity to perform on the Cabin Stage on Thursday afternoon.
The Shoppes at MerleFest, located in the center of the festival grounds, was a popular area filled with merchandise vendors, the official MerleFest Gift Shop, concessions, and valuable services including an information tent, lost and found, overnight storage, and more. There was also an R&R tent for festival-goers who needed to take a break and escape the heat.
MerleFest is known for its warm, inviting family atmosphere. A key part of that effort is the Little Pickers area, sponsored by Charlotte and Greensboro area BURGER KING Restaurants®. Designed with kids in mind, the area was expanded in size and scope for 2010, offering more activities and crafts to enhance children’s experiences at MerleFest. The stage in the area, hosting kid-friendly performances, was larger, and the youth showcases on Friday and Saturday were extended from 60 minutes to 90 minutes. Also, children 12 years of age and younger were admitted free to the festival when accompanied by an adult with paid admission.
A significant part of MerleFest's mission is to give back to the community. In that spirit, the outreach program took place on Thursday, with more than 20 of the artists at MerleFest giving performances at local schools. In addition, on Friday morning, over 3,200 school children from Wilkes and surrounding counties were invited to attend the festival and flooded the event grounds.
Volunteers are integral to the success of MerleFest. Over 500 individual volunteers, 150 volunteer stagehands, and over 30 volunteer groups, including college and community organizations, helped to make the festival a success. Also, each food vendor at MerleFest supports a local non-profit, with proceeds going to further their work and mission. “Quite simply, MerleFest would not be possible without the support of our volunteers,” says festival director Ted Hagaman. "Some of these individuals and organizations have given of their time since the festival began, and we are so grateful to them.”
MerleFest 2010 was presented by Lowe’s. MerleFest is grateful to 75+ sponsors for their support in making the event possible, including: Charlotte and Greensboro area BURGER KING® Restaurants, G&B Energy, Pepsi, Taylor Guitars, Cutter, Ray’s Weather Center, WXIII-TV, The Winston-Salem Journal, WTQR Radio and 98.7 Simon. A complete listing of all MerleFest sponsors and additional information about all aspects of the festival can be found at http://www.merlefest.org/.

MERLEFEST PREVIEW: Five questions with Tony Rice

Tony Rice, a native of Danville, and a Rockingham County, N.C., resident, is known as one of bluegrass’ top instrumentalists and singers.
He is a headliner at the 23rd annual Merlefest, which starts Thursday and runs through Sunday on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, N.C., and features more than 100 artists performing on 15 stages.
Merlefest 2010, was founded in 1988 in memory of Eddy Merle Watson as a fundraiser for Wilkes Community College and a celebration of “traditional plus” music.
Rice talked recently while in Illinois preparing for a show with his band, the Tony Rice Unit, at the Chicago Old Town School of Folk Music.
QUESTION: For the past 22 years you have played acoustic flatpicked guitar and harmonized with bluegrass legends Bela Fleck, Sam Bush and Alison Krauss and Union Station, just to name a few, at Merlefest. What keeps you coming back to Wilkes County year after year?
ANSWER: I always look forward to Merlefest especially the years that it is low key for me like this year. My friends keep me coming back. There’s always good music and good camaraderie. I’ve played or recorded with just about everybody that plays at Merlefest. It’s just become a part of my life.
QUESTION: What is the magic of Merlefest? The answer and more found here...

Snyder Family Band to play MerleFest

 By VIKKI BROUGHTON HODGES
The Dispatch
In the case of the Snyder Family Band, the family that plays together stays together.

And the Lexington band will soon be playing together for three days, April 29-May 1, at the largest "traditional-plus" music festival in America, MerleFest, a four-day-long event in Wilkesboro founded in 1988 that now annually attracts more than 85,000 fans to 14 stages of primarily bluegrass and old-time music. The festival is hosted by guitar great Doc Watson and is named for his late son, Eddy Merle Watson.
Want to hear?• The Snyder Family Band will be in concert at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Jersey Baptist Church Fellowship Hall in Lexington as part of a fundraiser for the Linwood Lions Club. Tickets for the dessert social and concert are $5. They will also perform at Memorial United Methodist Church in Thomasville at 7 p.m. May 22.

They will be at MerleFest on April 29-May 1 at the welcome stage at the entrance to the festival and will also play a set on the plaza stage and at the 'pickin' place.'

The Snyder Family Band, featuring musical prodigies Zeb Snyder, 14, and Samantha Snyder, 11, joined by their father, Bud Snyder, will perform at the welcome stage of the huge festival, where people arrive at the event entrance and purchase tickets. They will also perform a set on the plaza stage and the "pickin' place" during the festival and sign their new CD, "Comin' On Strong," at the autograph tent, said mom Laine Snyder, who occasionally joins the family on stage for a three-part harmony when not looking after the youngest family member, Owen, 4, who also occasionally joins in the family fun.
The family is thrilled to be playing at a festival with people like Doc Watson and many others they admire.
"It's quite an honor because it's by invitation only," said Bud, who plays upright bass.
They were asked to play by John Adair, artistic director for MerleFest, who has heard them play at The Cook Shack, a bluegrass music venue in China Grove.
"It's exciting because all of my heroes have played there - Tony Rice, Jerry Douglas, Sam Bush and the list goes on and on,'' said Zeb, who primarily plays guitar but also mandolin and banjo and sings.
Samantha, who sings and plays fiddle, said she's looking forward to hearing Dailey and Vincent, one of her favorites. Read more...

CHRIS AUSTIN SONGWRITING CONTEST, HOSTED BY MERLEFEST, ANNOUNCES FINALISTS FOR 2010

WILKESBORO, N.C. (April 6, 2010)—Finalists have been selected for the 18th annual Chris Austin Songwriting Contest, hosted by MerleFest 2010, presented by Lowe's and scheduled for April 29-May 2 on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina.
Writers of the following twelve songs, selected from over 1,044 entries, will compete on the Austin Stage at MerleFest on Friday, April 30, at 2:00 p.m. This year’s on-site judges are Laurelyn Dossett, Wyatt Durrette, and Rory Feek.
Bluegrass
“New Love” by Josh Pickett; Cana, VA

“Whisper Sweet Goodbyes” by Jo Ellen Doering; Los Angeles, CA

“Carolina Dust” by Brink Brinkman; Pickerington, OH



Gospel
“On the Winning Side” by David Tew; Turkey, NC

“Amen” by Jo Ellen Doering; Los Angeles, CA

“I Had A Little Talk With Jesus” by Richard Henry; Houston, TX



Country
“You Opened My Eyes” by Mark Wayne Glasmire; Arlington, TX

“It Ain't Over” by Julianne Ankley; Fort Gratiot, MI

“Alive” by Lisa Torres; Antioch, TN



General
“Rush” by Liz Longley; Downingtown, PA

“Get It Right” by Shay Lovette; Purlear, NC

“Opening” by Chris Ayer; McLean, VA


The Chris Austin Songwriting Contest is a unique opportunity for aspiring writers to have their original songs heard and judged by a panel of Nashville music industry professionals, under the direction of this year’s volunteer contest chairperson, Grammy®-winning singer/songwriter Jim Lauderdale. Judging is based on a song’s originality, lyrics, melody and overall commercial potential. The following were judges for the first round of competition during which the finalists were selected:
Donica Christensen - Director of Artist and Media Relations, Sugar Hill Records

Patrick Clifford – Vice President A&R, Ten Ten Music Group

Jimmy Fortune - Singer/songwriter and member of Country Music Hall of Fame and Gospel Music Hall of Fame as tenor singer for the Statler Brothers

Whitney Holmes - Americana Music Association

Sara Johnson - Senior Director of Creative Services, Bug Music Nashville

Tony Lawson - Programmer, WDVX Radio

Kendell Marvel - Songwriter

Todd Mayo - Executive Producer, Music City Roots

Shannon McCombs - Radio producer and air personality

Roger Murrah - Songwriter and Sr. Vice President, Bug Music Nashville; member of Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame

Nathan Nicholson - Creative Director, NTN Music Publishing

John Pennell - Songwriter

Ed Williams – Director of Creative Services, Bug Music Nashville
First place winners in each category receive: a performance on the Cabin Stage at MerleFest on April 30, a Big Baby Taylor guitar, a check for $300, two boxes of D’Addario strings and one-year subscriptions to both Acoustic Guitar and American Songwriter magazines. Second and third place winners in each category receive performance slots on the Friday night Songwriters Coffeehouse, as well as cash prizes, D’Addario strings and subscriptions to Acoustic Guitar and American Songwriter. In addition, for the first time in the history of the contest, the finalists will have the invaluable experience of a group mentor session with Jim Lauderdale
Previous winners of the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest include Gillian Welch, Tift Merritt, Michael Reno Harrell, Adrienne Young, Martha Scanlan, David Via and Johnny Williams.
Net proceeds from the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest support the Wilkes Community College Chris Austin Memorial Scholarship. Since its inception the scholarship has awarded over $ 30,300 to 69 deserving students. The 2009-2010 Chris Austin Memorial Scholarship recipients are Ian Tucker Francis and Dustin Rubio-Serrano.
About Chris Austin:

Chris Austin, from Boone, North Carolina, worked as a sideman for Ricky Skaggs for three years, singing and playing guitar, banjo, mandolin and fiddle. During that time he was discovered by executives at Warner Bros. Nashville, who offered him a recording contract. While releasing singles including “Blues Stay Away From Me,” “I Know There’s a Heart in There Somewhere” and “Out of Step,” Austin also developed his songwriting skills, as evidenced in “Same Ol’ Love,” recorded by Skaggs in 1991. On March 16, 1991, Austin’s life was cut tragically short when the private plane carrying him and six other members of Reba McEntire’s band, as well as her tour manager, crashed in the mountains near San Diego. Pete Fisher, then of Warnersongs and currently general manager of the Grand Ole Opry, and Kari Estrin, then MerleFest consultant and Pickin’ for Merle video associate producer, initiated the songwriting contest to honor Austin’s memory.



About MerleFest:

MerleFest 2010, presented by Lowe’s, will celebrate its 23rd year from April 29 – May 2, 2010 on the campus of Wilkes Community College. Over 100 acts will perform on 15 stages during the course of the event. A complete list of confirmed performers is available at http://www.merlefest.org. MerleFest was founded in 1988 in memory of Eddy Merle Watson as a fundraiser for Wilkes Community College and a celebration of “traditional plus” music.

Updated 18:45, 4/6

Early Bird Tickets for Merlefest Extended

WILKESBORO, N.C. (March 8, 2010)—The deadline for Early Bird ticket prices to MerleFest 2010, presented by Lowe’s, has been extended to Tuesday, April 6, at 5:00 p.m. EDT. That is the last day to purchase 4-day and 3-day tickets at the Early Bird price, representing an average 10% discount.

Ticket purchases can be made on the web at http://www.merlefest.org/ or by calling 1-800-343-7857. As always, there are no hidden fees or surcharges on MerleFest tickets. Free parking is available, and children 12 years of age and younger are admitted free to the festival when accompanied by an adult with paid admission.

MerleFest 2010, presented by Lowe’s, will celebrate its 23rd year from April 29 – May 2, 2010 on the campus of Wilkes Community College. With over 100 acts performing on 15 stages during the course of the event, MerleFest is an excellent entertainment value. A complete list of confirmed performers is available at http://www.merlefest.org/. As in previous years, the list of performers fits the “traditional plus” definition offered by Doc Watson when describing the rich musical diversity that is a hallmark of the event.

MerleFest was founded in 1988 in memory of Eddy Merle Watson as a fundraiser for Wilkes Community College and a celebration of “traditional plus” music.

Merlefest 2010 Lineup

Merlefest 2010 Lineup Features Doc Watson, Elvis Costello, Jerry Douglas

A very diverse lineup for 2010

Merlefest, April 29 - May 2

Doc Watson
Richard Watson
Susana and Timmy Abell
Alberti Flea Circus
The Avett Brothers
Jim Avett
Balsam Range
Shana Banana
The Banknotes
Bearfoot
The Belleville Outfit
Roy Book Binder
Brave Combo
Buffalo Barfield
Sam Bush Band
Cadillac Sky
T. Michael Coleman
Elvis Costello
John Cowan Band
Dailey & Vincent
Dehlia Low
Donna The Buffalo
Jerry Douglas
The Duhks
Eleanor Ellis
Alice Gerrard
The Gibson Brothers
Great Big Sea
The Greencards
Buddy Greene
Mitch Greenhill
George Hamilton IV
John Hammond
Corey Harris
Wayne Henderson
David Holt
The InterACTive Theater of Jef
Phil Jamison
Jeni & Billy
The Kruger Brothers
Jim Lauderdale
Jack Lawrence
The Lee Boys
Little Feat
Jeff Little
The Local Boys
The Lovell Sisters
Harry Manx
Bill Mathis
Andy May
Nashville Bluegrass Band
Nation Beat
The Neighbors
Ben Prestage
Missy Raines and The New Hip
Red Molly
Tony Rice
Peter Rowan
Scythian
Anne and Pete Sibley
Joe Smothers
Steep Canyon Rangers
Tut Taylor
Happy Traum
The Travelin’ McCourys
Rhonda Vincent and The Rage
The Waybacks
Lightnin’ Wells
Pete and Joan Wernick
Shannon Whitworth
The Wilders
Wilkes Acoustic Folk Society
Tony Williamson
W.P.A
Wylie and The Wild West
Zephyr Lightning Bolts"

Chris Austin Songwriting Contest

CHRIS AUSTIN SONGWRITING CONTEST, HOSTED BY MERLEFEST, OFFERS INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY FOR ASPIRING WRITERS AND SUPPORTS COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS

Submission Deadline For This Year's Contest is February 18, 2009

WILKESBORO, NC (January 15, 2009)--MerleFest 2009, presented by Lowe's, is proud once again to host the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest. Now in its 17th year, the contest is an extraordinary opportunity for aspiring writers to have their original songs heard and judged by a panel of Nashville music industry professionals, under the direction of this year's volunteer contest chairperson, Grammy®-winning singer/songwriter Jim Lauderdale.

The contest recognizes winners in four categories--country, bluegrass, gospel and general. First place winners in each category receive: a performance on the Cabin Stage at MerleFest 2009 (April 23-26), an acoustic guitar, a check for $300, two boxes of D'Addario strings and a one-year subscription to Acoustic Guitar magazine. Second and third place winners in each category receive performance slots on the Friday night Songwriters Coffeehouse, as well as cash prizes, D'Addario strings and Acoustic Guitar subscriptions.

This year's deadline for submissions is February 18, 2009. To be eligible to enter, a songwriter must not derive more than 50% of his or her total income from songwriting or music publishing. Additional information about eligibility and requirements is available at http://e2ma.net/go/1643968472/1491066/54801895/goto:http://www.merlefest.org/.

Songs may be submitted via U.S. mail or online via Sonicbids at www.sonicbids.com. Details about entry fees and what must accompany each entry are available at http://e2ma.net/go/1643968472/1491066/54801894/goto:http://www.merlefest.org/.
Once submitted, songs are judged by a volunteer panel of Nashville songwriters, publishers and other music industry professionals. Judging is based on a song's originality, lyrics, melody and overall commercial potential. Twelve finalists, three from each category, will be announced during the first week of April 2009. Each of the twelve finalists will compete on the Austin Stage at MerleFest 2009.
Previous winners of the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest include Gillian Welch, Tift Merritt, Michael Reno Harrell, Adrienne Young, Martha Scanlan, David Via, and Johnny Williams.
For additional information about the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest, call the contest hotline at 1-800-799-3838 or Laurie Hayes, CASC Coordinator: 336-838-6158, laurie.hayes@wilkescc.edu.

Net proceeds from the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest support the Wilkes Community College Chris Austin Memorial Scholarship. Since its inception the scholarship has awarded over $25,000 to 68 deserving students. The 2008-2009 recipients are Ryan Jeffery Call and Kimberly Ilene Osborne. Ryan is enrolled in WCC's college transfer program with plans to transfer to North Carolina State University for the completion of his bachelor's degree. Kimberly is enrolled in WCC's office systems technology program.

About Chris Austin:
Chris Austin, from Boone, North Carolina, worked as a sideman for Ricky Skaggs for three years, singing and playing guitar, banjo, mandolin and fiddle. During that time he was discovered by executives at Warner Bros. Nashville, who offered him a recording contract. While releasing singles including "Blues Stay Away From Me," "I Know There's a Heart in There Somewhere," and "Out of Step," Austin also developed his songwriting skills, as evidenced in "Same Ol' Love," recorded by Skaggs in 1991. On March 16, 1991, Austin's life was cut tragically short when the private plane carrying him and six other members of Reba McEntire's band, as well as her tour manager, crashed in the mountains near San Diego. Pete Fisher, then of Warnersongs and currently general manager of the Grand Ole Opry, and Kari Estrin, then MerleFest consultant and Pickin' for Merle video associate producer, initiated the songwriting contest to honor Austin's memory.