MerleFest

MerleFest Veterans set on Watson Stage at MerleFest on April 27, 2019 - photo by Alisa B. Cherry Some festivals are known for their music. Others for the legacy they’ve left behind. And a few can be counted on for both. Put

Last Friday during MerleFest in North Carolina, the finals of the 2019 Chris Austin Songwriting Contest were held before a panel of judges, live on stage. As is done each year at this prestigious competition, the top three finalists in

The prestigious Chris Austin Songwriting Contest, held each year as part of MerleFest in North Wilkesboro, NC, has announced the finalists for the 2019 competition. Run as an open event, songwriters compete in two separate rounds. An initial round of judges chooses

Jerry Douglas Band at MerleFest 2018 on the Watson Stage - photo by Alisa B. Cherry It’s little wonder that MerleFest bills itself as a family-friendly event. The reasons are obvious given the multi-generational mix that runs the gamut from youngsters

Friday afternoon at MerleFest, the finals were held for the 2018 Chris Austin Songwriting Contest. Finalists had been announced earlier this month, chosen from among the hundreds of submissions received during the eligibility period. Yesterday the writers performed their songs before

The finalists for the 2018 Chris Austin Songwriting Contest have been announced this morning. Sponsored and run by MerleFest, this competition has become the crown jewel for aspiring writers, both for the generous cash prizes awarded to the winners, and

Jam Band Reunion at MerleFest 2017 - photo by William Sparklin Johnny Warren, Mark Schatz, Béla Fleck, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, and Bryan Sutton With a reputation as an event with a wide array of stylistic offerings, don't forget that bluegrass is

Linda Stokley performs her winning bluegrass song at MerleFest 2017 - photo by Ryan Case This past weekend at MerleFest, the winners were announced in the 2017 Chris Austin Songwriting Contest. Finalists had been announced a few weeks ago, and placement

MerleFest has announced the finalists for their 2017 Chris Austin Songwriting Contest. Each year hundreds of eager writers submit songs to be considered for this prestigious competition. First round judges then have the unenviable task of selecting three finalists in each

There’s still time for songwriters to enter two major contests that honor bluegrass compositions. January 5 is the entry deadline for the DC Bluegrass Union’s Hazel Dickens Song Contest. The contest, in its third year, is strictly for bluegrass (including bluegrass