While first-time performers at MerleFest–particularly those outside the bluegrass genre–sometimes express concern that their music may be outside of audience expectations, regular festival-goers know the musical borders are wide. Wyatt Flores suggested he might be “the elephant in the room.” His devoted fans throughout the audience begged to differ. Then Brent Cobb, who followed him on the Cabin Stage, echoed the sentiment.
Throughout his life, though, Doc Watson was known for bringing folks in, and the festival has continued the tradition. While plenty of traditional bluegrass is served up all four days, there are plenty of stages and plenty of opportunities to discover new acts across the folk, Americana, country, and even rock and roll genres.
Several performers and bands made first appearances at the festival this year. The Secret Sisters, with scheduling complications, were pushed back to Sunday. They admitted that while they were raised going to hear bluegrass, “we don’t play fast enough.” Their blood harmony and the humor won over the crowd. They reassured the crowd they are real sisters. When asked, “When did you girls meet?” Laura tells them, “when my mama brought home the creature that would ruin my life. There in the crib was my singing partner.”
Michigan bluegrass band Full Cord also made their first MerleFest appearance, playing the Watson Stage on Friday.
East Nash Grass also made their first MerleFest appearance. The band that played a six-year residency at Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge in Madison, TN, has been touring heavily since the release of their album Last Chance to Win in 2023. Husband and wife duo Tonya and Michael Trotter Jr., performing as The War and Treaty delivered a dynamic set from the Watson Stage.
Banjo great Tony Trischka was joined by Michael Daves, Casey Driesson, and Jared Engel to perform songs from his Earl Jam project, which resulted from the discovery of never-before-heard tapes of Earl Scruggs jamming with John Hartford. The songs on Earl Jam vol. 1 had more traditional bluegrass songs alongside the Beatles’ “Lady Madonna.” Trischka anticipates the release of vol. 2 by early 2026.
On Friday night the trio I’m With Her composed of Sara Watkins, Sarah Jarosz, and Aoife O’Donovan brought their ethereal harmony and virtuosity to the stage. Later in the evening, Bonnie Raitt invited them to join her for “Angel from Montgomery,” announcing, “I’m with them!”
Woody Platt is no stranger to MerleFest, having played as a member of Steep Canyon Rangers and after leaving the band, with his wife Shannon Whitworth. He returned this year with his new band the Bluegrass Gentleman, playing two strong sets and then joining the late night jam with Sam Bush.
Several performers out of Nashville debuted this year, getting a lot of positive chatter from festival goers–Cristina Vane, Denitia, and Mattie Schell all . Canadian-born Tami Nelson, now living in New Zealand, also delivered a powerful set from the Cabin stage.
When booking acts for the festival, MerleFest planners start and finish strong. The Steeldrivers opened their touring season on Thursday in anticipation of their new album on the Sun Records label due out this month. On Sunday, Watchhouse (formerly Mandolin Orange) performed with Leftover Salmon closing out the festival.
