A Rookie’s Guide to MerleFest

You’ve been promising yourself you’d make it to MerleFest for years. Now you’ve committed. You have your four-day pass (because who would want to miss a daylight?) Now what?

WEATHER

Expect all four seasons in one day. The end of April in the South is the epitome of fickleness. It is entirely possible to finish the week with frostbite and sunburn. Dress in layers. Use sunscreen. Wear a hat. Pack boots, socks, and a cheap rain poncho or two. Ray’s Weather is one of the most reliable meteorological sources for the area, but keep in mind that meteorology is one field in which 50% accuracy is acceptable.

PARKING

While some on-site parking is available, you have options. The satellite parking is served by ’round-the-clock buses, many owned by local Scout troops free of charge (but accepting tips). Some of the local business on the main road and up the road leading to WCC campus also offer parking for a reasonable fee.

SEATS

With all the stages, expect to get in your steps early in the day, but keep in mind that the evening’s biggest events wind down to the Watson Stage with the Cabin Stage performances alternating so that you have no time without music. If you’ve planned ahead and have reserved chairs, you can pack lighter, but the general admission area is where the action is. Set up your folding chairs early, but find a point of reference (speaker numbers, sidewalks, etc.) because every folding chair looks the same in the dark with hundreds of people packed together.

A folding wagon (the type Little League coaches use to carry equipment) are handy and serve as a coffee table. I keep a tarp in case of rain, a folding blanket for those chilly evenings, and other useful resources. In the past, you could check them overnight, but that option was not available last year.

Consider a cushion of ground cover for other stages, especially the Hillside Stage, where music lovers are liable to topple on the steep hillside.

If you plan ahead, you may be able to stay in one spot for awhile with plenty of entertainment, but the festival is arranged so that you can move relatively quickly from one stage to another. Only a few involve hill-climbing, but you will find yourself in an air-conditioned inside venue once you survive the climb.

FOOD

The food tents at MerleFest offer a nice variety of reasonably-priced food–not provided by fast-food chains but by churches, students groups, and scout troops. The grilled chicken is my favorite, but I appreciate the options. Outside the tent, you’ll also find other treats, such as ice cream and homemade fried pies.

MUSIC

Before you go, download the phone app so you can start planning your “not to be missed” performances. As you enter the festival, be sure to grab the big program book. It has lots of good reading–background to the festival, history of Doc Watson and family, performer bios, and–right in the middle–a day by day, stage by stage program. Tear it out and stick it in your pocket.

Some people come to MerleFest for one particular band or performer. The featured acts at the end of each day are usually high-profile performers with a huge draw. Keep in mind, though, that many of the big stars got their start on much smaller stages at MerleFest. Watch for the up-and-comers so you can say, “I saw them back when….”

It’s not all bluegrass. This surprises some people. The performers might fit most comfortably under the big tent called Americana, but variety is one of the best part of MerleFest. Keep in mind that many first-time attendees who didn’t think they liked bluegrass have experience a change of heart.

Don’t miss the regulars. While the festival planners sometimes avoid back-to-back appearances (to the disappointment of fans), a few performers can be counted on every year. Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Peter Rowan, and Jack Lawrence have been there from the beginning, and MerleFest wouldn’t feel right without Jim Lauderdale. Scythian and Donna the Buffalo are favorites on the Watson Stage and in the Dance Tent.

Saturday’s Hillside Album Hour, presented by the Waybacks and a host of guests, is worth the price of admission. Each year, they play a classic album, posting “Google-proof” clues ahead of time. Past albums have been Jimi Hendrix, the Beatles, John Prince, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, and Bruce Springsteen. They usually work in a few Easter eggs, pieces of songs from other performers, sometimes those we have lost in the past year. People show up early to stake out a sliver of shade.

VENDORS

The vendor tents offer a little of everything–clothes, sunglasses, jewelry, art, even little baby pigs made out of pieces of kindling. You can also enjoy the ambience as the music wafting through feels like your own personal soundtrack.

RESTROOMS

Any festival-goer knows that restroom facilities are a big deal. MerleFest has plenty of seats, many in warm little trailers with all the comforts of home (including heat). They are kept clean, and the lines move quickly. Sometimes they even have sugar scrub soap and pictures on the wall.

FAMILY FRIENDLY

How is MerleFest different from Bonnaroo? First, the local court system doesn’t have a day set aside to hear all drug cases afterwards, In fact, while some people sneak and skirt the rules, alcohol and tobacco are not allowed on site. People feel comfortable bringing their children to enjoy the music and the crowds. Take time to meet the folks around you. You’re likely to see them again next year.