Chicago-based Henhouse Prowlers, who perform globally as Bluegrass Ambassadors, performed “Little Flower” from their upcoming album, as well as other songs from their earlier albums.
While MerleFest regulars Scythian played on the Watson Stage, reports of lightning strikes nearby led to announcements advising folks to seek shelter. The audiences in the indoor Walker Center were treated by Peter Rowan–unplugged. As others waited inside, jams broke out in hallways and stairwells while waiting out the storm.
Festival organizers scrambled to adjust the schedule, with Don Flemons on the Cabin Stage before members of the Black Opry Revue performed a riveting set on the main stage. During that set, featuring Yasmin Williams, Mike Marks, Chris Pierce, Ping Rose, Nikki Morgan, Aaron Vance, Mel Washington, and Leon Timbo, the audience was captivated by a brilliant double rainbow that stretched across the festival grounds.
Singer-songwriter John Paul White played a mellow set on the cabin stage before Marcus King shifted to rock and roll. At one point, King’s wife joined him on stage for a duet.
By the time the Avett Brothers took the stage for the finale, the pit resembled a mud wrestling venue, but the crowd was not deterred. The band, hailing from Concord, NC, have been appearing at the festival since their early days of performing. Their growth as performers and songwriters is evident, as is their rapport with the audience. Even though the performance ran past the usual stopping time, the Avetts returned to the stage for an encore before signing off for the night.