http://wilkes-news.com The Central Site for Wilkesboro News, North Wilkesboro News, Wilkes County News and News from the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina Sun, 05 Feb 2012 19:00:00 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/09/11/sep-16-2007-native-american-pow-wow/ http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/09/11/sep-16-2007-native-american-pow-wow/#comments Tue, 11 Sep 2007 21:14:12 +0000 amolesa http://upcoming.yahoo.com:80/event/264752/ Forest Edge Amphitheater
at Fort Hamby
off US 421, Wilkesboro
]]> http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/09/11/sep-16-2007-native-american-pow-wow/feed/ 0 http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/09/11/sep-14-2007-native-american-pow-wow/ http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/09/11/sep-14-2007-native-american-pow-wow/#comments Tue, 11 Sep 2007 21:12:22 +0000 amolesa http://upcoming.yahoo.com:80/event/264749/ Forest Edge Amphitheater
at Fort Hamby
off US 421, Wilkesboro
]]> http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/09/11/sep-14-2007-native-american-pow-wow/feed/ 0 http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/04/13/youth-art-celebration/ http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/04/13/youth-art-celebration/#comments Sat, 14 Apr 2007 02:03:00 +0000 amolesa http://upcoming.org:80/event/175901/ ]]> http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/04/13/youth-art-celebration/feed/ 0 http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/04/13/youth-art-celebration/ http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/04/13/youth-art-celebration/#comments Sat, 14 Apr 2007 02:03:00 +0000 amolesa http://www.upcoming.org:80/event/175901/ ]]> http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/04/13/youth-art-celebration/feed/ 0 http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/04/13/apr-24-2007-youth-art-celebration/ http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/04/13/apr-24-2007-youth-art-celebration/#comments Sat, 14 Apr 2007 02:03:00 +0000 amolesa http://upcoming.yahoo.com:80/event/175901/ ]]> http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/04/13/apr-24-2007-youth-art-celebration/feed/ 0 http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/04/13/headed-to-college-5k-run-1mi-walk/ http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/04/13/headed-to-college-5k-run-1mi-walk/#comments Sat, 14 Apr 2007 02:00:00 +0000 amolesa http://upcoming.org:80/event/175900/ ]]> http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/04/13/headed-to-college-5k-run-1mi-walk/feed/ 0 http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/04/13/headed-to-college-5k-run-1mi-walk/ http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/04/13/headed-to-college-5k-run-1mi-walk/#comments Sat, 14 Apr 2007 02:00:00 +0000 amolesa http://www.upcoming.org:80/event/175900/ ]]> http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/04/13/headed-to-college-5k-run-1mi-walk/feed/ 0 http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/04/13/may-19-2007-headed-to-college-5k-run-1mi-walk/ http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/04/13/may-19-2007-headed-to-college-5k-run-1mi-walk/#comments Sat, 14 Apr 2007 02:00:00 +0000 amolesa http://upcoming.yahoo.com:80/event/175900/ ]]> http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/04/13/may-19-2007-headed-to-college-5k-run-1mi-walk/feed/ 0 http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/04/13/festival-on-the-lake/ http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/04/13/festival-on-the-lake/#comments Sat, 14 Apr 2007 01:46:00 +0000 amolesa http://upcoming.org:80/event/175899/ Gates open 5p. Show begins 6p. Enjoy this family event featuring 5 wonderful bluegrass bands. Tim Frye, from WPAQ, will emcee. Concessions available. Benefit for Friends of Rendezvous Mountain and Friends of the Lake. Advance tickets $12. Gate tickets $15. For more information contact (336)838-8382.
]]> http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/04/13/festival-on-the-lake/feed/ 0 http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/04/13/festival-on-the-lake/ http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/04/13/festival-on-the-lake/#comments Sat, 14 Apr 2007 01:46:00 +0000 amolesa http://www.upcoming.org:80/event/175899/ Gates open 5p. Show begins 6p. Enjoy this family event featuring 5 wonderful bluegrass bands. Tim Frye, from WPAQ, will emcee. Concessions available. Benefit for Friends of Rendezvous Mountain and Friends of the Lake. Advance tickets $12. Gate tickets $15. For more information contact (336)838-8382.
]]> http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/04/13/festival-on-the-lake/feed/ 0 http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/04/13/may-12-2007-festival-on-the-lake/ http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/04/13/may-12-2007-festival-on-the-lake/#comments Sat, 14 Apr 2007 01:46:00 +0000 amolesa http://upcoming.yahoo.com:80/event/175899/ Gates open 5p. Show begins 6p. Enjoy this family event featuring 5 wonderful bluegrass bands. Tim Frye, from WPAQ, will emcee. Concessions available. Benefit for Friends of Rendezvous Mountain and Friends of the Lake. Advance tickets $12. Gate tickets $15. For more information contact (336)838-8382.
]]> http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/04/13/may-12-2007-festival-on-the-lake/feed/ 0 http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/04/13/shine-to-wine-festival/ http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/04/13/shine-to-wine-festival/#comments Sat, 14 Apr 2007 01:43:00 +0000 amolesa http://upcoming.org:80/event/175898/ 10th Street
North Wilkesboro
]]> http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/04/13/shine-to-wine-festival/feed/ 0 http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/04/13/shine-to-wine-festival/ http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/04/13/shine-to-wine-festival/#comments Sat, 14 Apr 2007 01:43:00 +0000 amolesa http://www.upcoming.org:80/event/175898/ 10th Street
North Wilkesboro
]]> http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/04/13/shine-to-wine-festival/feed/ 0 http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/04/13/may-5-2007-shine-to-wine-festival/ http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/04/13/may-5-2007-shine-to-wine-festival/#comments Sat, 14 Apr 2007 01:43:00 +0000 amolesa http://upcoming.yahoo.com:80/event/175898/ 10th Street
North Wilkesboro
]]> http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/04/13/may-5-2007-shine-to-wine-festival/feed/ 0 http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/04/04/yadkin-valley-plowin%e2%80%99-pickin%e2%80%99-day/ http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/04/04/yadkin-valley-plowin%e2%80%99-pickin%e2%80%99-day/#comments Thu, 05 Apr 2007 03:24:00 +0000 amolesa http://upcoming.org:80/event/172442/ Sponsored in-part by Blue Ridge Tractor Co. Old Fashioned Heritage and Old Time Atmosphere. Horse Driven Plows, Jam Session, Wagon Rides, Food. Musicians invited. Rain Date 4/28. For more information contact (828)726-0323. Jones Farm
NC Hwy 268 West
]]> http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/04/04/yadkin-valley-plowin%e2%80%99-pickin%e2%80%99-day/feed/ 0 http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/04/04/yadkin-valley-plowin%e2%80%99-pickin%e2%80%99-day/ http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/04/04/yadkin-valley-plowin%e2%80%99-pickin%e2%80%99-day/#comments Thu, 05 Apr 2007 03:24:00 +0000 amolesa http://www.upcoming.org:80/event/172442/ Sponsored in-part by Blue Ridge Tractor Co. Old Fashioned Heritage and Old Time Atmosphere. Horse Driven Plows, Jam Session, Wagon Rides, Food. Musicians invited. Rain Date 4/28. For more information contact (828)726-0323. Jones Farm
NC Hwy 268 West
]]> http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/04/04/yadkin-valley-plowin%e2%80%99-pickin%e2%80%99-day/feed/ 0 http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/04/04/yadkin-valley-plowin%e2%80%99-pickin%e2%80%99-day/ http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/04/04/yadkin-valley-plowin%e2%80%99-pickin%e2%80%99-day/#comments Thu, 05 Apr 2007 03:24:00 +0000 amolesa http://upcoming.yahoo.com:80/event/172442/ Sponsored in-part by Blue Ridge Tractor Co. Old Fashioned Heritage and Old Time Atmosphere. Horse Driven Plows, Jam Session, Wagon Rides, Food. Musicians invited. Rain Date 4/28. For more information contact (828)726-0323. Jones Farm
NC Hwy 268 West
]]> http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/04/04/yadkin-valley-plowin%e2%80%99-pickin%e2%80%99-day/feed/ 0 http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/04/04/mprov-night/ http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/04/04/mprov-night/#comments Thu, 05 Apr 2007 03:17:00 +0000 amolesa http://upcoming.org:80/event/172437/ ]]> http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/04/04/mprov-night/feed/ 0 http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/02/24/seals-seals/ http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/02/24/seals-seals/#comments Sun, 25 Feb 2007 00:00:00 +0000 amolesa http://upcoming.org:80/event/155924/ ]]> http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/02/24/seals-seals/feed/ 0 http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/02/24/youth-art-celebration/ http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/02/24/youth-art-celebration/#comments Sat, 24 Feb 2007 23:51:00 +0000 amolesa http://upcoming.org:80/event/155922/ ]]> http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/02/24/youth-art-celebration/feed/ 0 http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/02/24/disneys-beauty-and-the-beast/ http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/02/24/disneys-beauty-and-the-beast/#comments Sat, 24 Feb 2007 23:42:00 +0000 amolesa http://upcoming.org:80/event/155921/ ]]> http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/02/24/disneys-beauty-and-the-beast/feed/ 0 http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/01/16/boat-show/ http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/01/16/boat-show/#comments Tue, 16 Jan 2007 06:42:00 +0000 amolesa http://upcoming.org:80/event/141124/ http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/01/16/boat-show/feed/ 0 http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/01/16/ice-8/ http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/01/16/ice-8/#comments Tue, 16 Jan 2007 06:40:00 +0000 amolesa http://upcoming.org:80/event/141123/ ]]> http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/01/16/ice-8/feed/ 0 http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/01/16/rosen-outdoor-sculpture-competition-and-exhibition/ http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/01/16/rosen-outdoor-sculpture-competition-and-exhibition/#comments Tue, 16 Jan 2007 06:39:00 +0000 amolesa http://upcoming.org:80/event/141122/ ]]> http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/01/16/rosen-outdoor-sculpture-competition-and-exhibition/feed/ 0 http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/01/16/mens-basketball-appalachian-state-vs-furman/ http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/01/16/mens-basketball-appalachian-state-vs-furman/#comments Tue, 16 Jan 2007 06:38:00 +0000 amolesa http://upcoming.org:80/event/141121/ ]]> http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/01/16/mens-basketball-appalachian-state-vs-furman/feed/ 0 http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/01/16/bulgarian-state-opera-aida/ http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/01/16/bulgarian-state-opera-aida/#comments Tue, 16 Jan 2007 06:37:00 +0000 amolesa http://upcoming.org:80/event/141120/ ]]> http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/01/16/bulgarian-state-opera-aida/feed/ 0 http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/01/16/mens-basketball-appalachian-state-vs-western-carolina/ http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/01/16/mens-basketball-appalachian-state-vs-western-carolina/#comments Tue, 16 Jan 2007 06:35:00 +0000 amolesa http://upcoming.org:80/event/141118/ ]]> http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/01/16/mens-basketball-appalachian-state-vs-western-carolina/feed/ 0 http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/01/15/do-you-like-to-play-chess/ http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/01/15/do-you-like-to-play-chess/#comments Tue, 16 Jan 2007 04:42:00 +0000 amolesa http://upcoming.org:80/event/141108/ ]]> http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/01/15/do-you-like-to-play-chess/feed/ 0 http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/01/15/celebrating-black-history-month-concert/ http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/01/15/celebrating-black-history-month-concert/#comments Tue, 16 Jan 2007 04:37:00 +0000 amolesa http://upcoming.org:80/event/141105/ ]]> http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/01/15/celebrating-black-history-month-concert/feed/ 0 http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/01/15/auction/ http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/01/15/auction/#comments Tue, 16 Jan 2007 04:32:00 +0000 amolesa http://upcoming.org:80/event/141104/ ]]> http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/01/15/auction/feed/ 0 http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/01/15/library-book-club/ http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/01/15/library-book-club/#comments Tue, 16 Jan 2007 04:25:00 +0000 amolesa http://upcoming.org:80/event/141101/ ]]> http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/01/15/library-book-club/feed/ 0 http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/01/15/true-west/ http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/01/15/true-west/#comments Tue, 16 Jan 2007 04:17:00 +0000 amolesa http://upcoming.org:80/event/141100/ Jan. 18-20, 25-27 at 7:30p
Jan. 21 and 28 at 2p
Two brothers come together in their mother's home to house sit. One brother agrees to help the other write a script - and in doing so - they come to realize their many differences are in actuality similarities. This show contains mature subject matter and is suggested for mature audiences. Tickets $10/adult and $8/students+seniors. Purchase online or box office (336)838-7529.
]]> http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/01/15/true-west/feed/ 0 http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/01/15/open-mic-poetry-night/ http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/01/15/open-mic-poetry-night/#comments Tue, 16 Jan 2007 04:06:00 +0000 amolesa http://upcoming.org:80/event/141097/ ]]> http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/01/15/open-mic-poetry-night/feed/ 0 http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/01/15/i-cant-stop-loving-you/ http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/01/15/i-cant-stop-loving-you/#comments Tue, 16 Jan 2007 03:54:00 +0000 amolesa http://upcoming.org:80/event/141095/ ]]> http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/01/15/i-cant-stop-loving-you/feed/ 0 http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/01/15/community-visioning-forum/ http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/01/15/community-visioning-forum/#comments Tue, 16 Jan 2007 03:47:00 +0000 amolesa http://upcoming.org:80/event/141094/ ]]> http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/01/15/community-visioning-forum/feed/ 0 http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/01/15/merlefest/ http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/01/15/merlefest/#comments Tue, 16 Jan 2007 03:32:00 +0000 North Wilkesboro News http://upcoming.org:80/event/139268/
Thursday through Sunday, April 26th - 29th, 2007. Gates will open at 3:00 pm on Thursday and at 9:00 am Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Visitors should refer to the Stage Schedules link on the home page for specific artist performance schedules.

New For 2007

Wilkes Community College will acheive completion of our new science and technology building in late 2006. This four story, 30,000 square foot structure will include new biology, chemistry, physics, and computer labs and cyber classrooms and serve as a bridge between upper and lower campuses. We can all take pride in the large contribution that MerleFest has made toward this outstanding facility.

With the end of this major project, the parking lot beside the new building will return to use for parking rather than construction. We are using this opportunity to make major site changes for MerleFest 2007 that will make Lower Campus much more people friendly. We'll post more information as specific changes are approved.

Ticket Information

The Box Office will reopen on November 14, 2006 at 2:00 PM EST. to the general public for general admission ticket sales. Also at this time, those who renewed their reserved seats during the September period will have the opportunity to change seats or purchase additional seats.

Purchasing tickets in the Online Box Office will automatically qualify you for one, or possibly two, special sweepstakes drawings depending on when your tickets are bought. Here's the deal.......

Order tickets on the web, at www.merlefest.org, and become eligible to win in one of two drawings. Entry deadlines are midnight eastern time December 1 and March 15. You could win two early-bird tickets, four night accommodations for two people, two Midnight Jam tickets and one on-campus parking pass.

If you do not wish to purchase tickets on-line you may order by phone, Fax or mail. (For phone orders - In the event you get voice mail, please leave a detailed message.)

By Phone 10 AM - 4 PM, Monday - Friday

* 1-800-343-7857 (US Orders)
* 1-336-838-6267 (Local & International Orders)

Phones are monitored 10 AM - 4:00 PM EST Monday - Friday (or by voicemail)

By Mail or FAX
MerleFest Tickets, P.O. Box 120, Wilkesboro, NC, 28697-120

Be sure to include your name, address, and phone number. Enclose your check or money order made payable to MerleFest, or credit card number with expiration date.

Ticket Prices

Early Bird Passes (...thru March 15th)
4-Day Pass, w/reserved Seating:

* Rows 1-35, $225
* Rows 36-58, $200

(Web/Phone orders only - limit of 10 per order)

* 4-Day Pass, General Admission - $ 135
* Fri/Sat/Sun Pass, General Admission - $ 120

Options

* On Campus, 4 Day Parking - $ 120 (Available only with a 3 or 4-day pass)
* On Campus RV - $ 400 (Available only with 4-day pass; see our RV Camping page for details)
* Midnight Jam - $ 40 (Available only by Web or phone with 4-day pass, limited availability) - Includes 12 raffle chances
* River's Edge Primitive Tent Camping Add-On Campsite - $ 75 (Blue Lot Parking Area) (Available only with a 4-Day pass) - Up to 4 persons/1 tent/1 vehicle per site (Limit of 800 primitive sites)

Regular Passes (...After March 15th)
4-Day Pass, w/reserved Seating:

* Rows 1-35, $250
* Rows 36-58, $225

(Web/Phone orders only - limit of 10 per order)

* 4-Day Pass, General Admission - $ 150
* Fri/Sat/Sun Pass, General Admission - $ 130

Options

* On Campus, 4 Day Parking - $135 (Available only with a 3 or 4-day pass)
* On Campus RV (call for availability; see our RV Camping page for details)
* River's Edge Primitive Tent Camping Add-On Campsite - $75 (Blue Lot Parking Area) (Available only with a 4-Day pass) - Up to 4 persons/1 tent/1 vehicle per site ( Limit of 800 primitive sites).

Single Day Passes

* Thursday, General Admission - $ 35
* Friday, General Admission - $ 45
* Saturday, General Admission - $ 50
* Sunday, General Admission - $ 40

NOTES:

* Tickets purchased after April 13 at 1 pm will be held at Will Call (located in the Box Office tent).
* The online and telephone sales Box Office will close on April 23rd at 8 am. Tickets may be purchased at the gate starting April 26th at 2:30 pm.
* Children 12 and under admitted free to general admission seating areas (accompanied by an adult); however tickets are required for all seats in the "reserved seating" area.
* Due to limited seating for the Midnight Jam, only the first 900 orders will be honored.
* No mail orders for the Midnight Jam. Additional Jam tickets may be drawn in the festival raffle Saturday.
* Web orders receive priority processing. Phone orders are dated and processed by time of call.
* Our goal: Tickets in your hand within two weeks of your order.
* Refunds/Exchanges Will Only Be Issued Before March 23, 2007

Performance Stages

* The Watson Stage features the biggest and the best in Americana music.
* The Cabin Stage is located adjacent to the Watson Stage and offers some of the finest acoustic music available.
* The Mayes Pit Learning Stage in Cohn Auditorium provides intensive instructional sessions on mandolin, guitar, dobro, fiddle, banjo, bass, and more.
* The Traditional Stage features the best in traditional music.
* The Dance Stage offers everything from clogging to Cajun dances, all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and Friday/Saturday nights.
* The Chris Austin Stage is the place to be for some of the best songwriting and blues to be heard anywhere. For contest information, call 800-799-3838.
* The Creekside Stage has proven to be a favorite spot for workshops in everything from instruments to vocals and is the location of our huge gospel-fest on Sunday.
* The Little Picker's Family Area offers a lot of fun and games for the children (and the young at heart) as well as some fine storytelling, songwriting, and music.
* The Hillside Stage,offers an opportunity to see many MerleFest artists up close and jamming.
* Walker Center performances offer a chance to relax in comfortable seating in one of the finest acoustic halls in the Southeast. Friday and Saturday night special concerts and performances are scheduled.
* The Americana Stage offers a relaxed presentation of festival artists on the lawn across from the WCC Visitors Center.
* The Lounge, inside Alumni Hall, hosts the MerleFest Guitar, Banjo, and Mandolin contests. Also come by on Friday night for the Songwriter's Coffeehouse starting at 8:00 pm.

For complete stage schedules..... click here!

How to Get Here

From North via I-81 and I-77
Interstate Highway 81 to Interstate 77 South (65 miles) to US Highway 421 North. Travel 21 miles on 421 North to Highway 268 West in Wilkesboro, NC. Note: Wilkes Community College sign on Highway 421. Continue 1/2 mile west past the entrance to Wilkes Community College to the Blue Lot parking and shuttle.

From South via I-85 and I-77
Interstate Highway 85 to Interstate 77 North at Charlotte, NC. Travel I-77 North (63 miles) to US 421 North. Travel 21 miles on 421 North to Highway 268 West in Wilkesboro, NC. Note: Wilkes Community College sign on Highway 421. Continue 1/2 mile west past the entrance to Wilkes Community College to the Blue Lot parking and shuttle.

From West via I-40 and I-77
Interstate Highway 40 to Interstate 77 North at Statesville, NC. Travel I-77 North (23 miles) to US 421 North. Travel 21 miles on 421 North to Highway 268 West in Wilkesboro, NC. Note: Wilkes Community College sign on Highway 421. Continue 1/2 mile west past the entrance to Wilkes Community College to the Blue Lot parking and shuttle.

From East via I-40
Interstate Highway 40 to Highway 421 North at Winston-Salem, NC. Travel 49 miles on 421 North to Highway 268 West in Wilkesboro, NC. Note: Wilkes Community College sign on Highway 421. Continue 1/2 mile west past the entrance to Wilkes Community College to the Blue Lot parking and shuttle.

For more detailed information and maps..... click here!

Accommodations

Complete details and contact information for all hotels, motels, campgrounds, home rentals, and bed & breakfast operations can be found via links in the 'Places to Stay' section of our home page. We strongly encourage you to make your plans and reservations for the trip to Wilkesboro well in advance.

For a list of area hotels, bed & breakfasts and other accomodations..... click here!

Access and Parking

FREE parking and FREE shuttle services are provided from the Blue Lot located off Highway 268 West across from the festival site at Wilkes Community College. Just look for the signs as you approach campus.

The parking lot adjacent to the Walker Center is designated for on-campus, fee-based, parking for our guests. Space in this lot is available to 3 and 4 day ticket buyers only. This parking is accessible only from the Meadowview Drive entrance to the college campus off Hwy 268 West. This lot is not accessible from Collegiate Drive. Signage on Hwy 268 West will direct you to this on-campus lot. Call 1-800-343-7857 for more information.

Seating

ALL seating is designated non-smoking. Four-day reserved seats are located in front of the Watson Stage (chairs provided and set up in advance by the festival). For the convenience of all, festival policy is that unoccupied chairs (including "reserved seats") may be used by anyone before 5:00 PM or until the owner returns. Special wristbands are required for admission or re-admission into the reserved seating area after 5:00 PM.

General admission seating is on a first-come, first-served basis and is located immediately behind the reserved seating area at the Watson Stage. Children 12 years of age and younger are admitted free when accompanied by an adult except in the reserved seating area where a 4 day wristband is required regardless of age.

To protect the lovely grounds, all chairs and blankets must be removed daily except "reserved seats". Chairs are provided at most of the other stages, or you may bring your own. Convenient on-site, over-night storage is available at the Lost and Found Tent free of charge. Children 12 and under will be allowed front of house seating at the Little Picker's Stage.

R & R Tent

MerleFest takes pride in being a family-centric music festival. As part of this effort, our Presenting Sponsor, Lowe's Companies, Inc will again sponsor our R & R tent this year with cots, baby changing areas, tables and chairs, and many other amenities. As a courtesy to our performing artists, please keep conversation in the R & R tent to a minimum during stage performances.

Volunteering

MerleFest has grown tremendously since its inception. The festival could not possibly have progressed to its present size and stature without our hundreds of dedicated volunteers. For many of these volunteers, MerleFest is an annual labor of love which is critical to the success of the festival.

Each year MerleFest looks to a larger number of volunteers in almost all areas of festival operations. Every volunteer, no matter where reserved, is vital to our goal of maintaining the same high standards each year.

If you are interested in being a volunteer, please print a copy of our volunteer application form available on the Volunteers Page, or call 336-838-6414 to receive a volunteer form through the mail. A current photograph is requested as part of the application. Visit the Volunteers page for complete details.

MerleFest Shopping

The MerleFest online store is currently on indefinite hiatus.

As always, shopping alternatives will be abundant at the festival!

The Shoppes at MerleFest will bring more green space, fewer cars, and a better shopping experience to MerleFest® 2007.
For several years we have been used to vendor tents stretched out along Collegiate Drive from the Box Office to Sandy Feat. Many folks leaving at night have also grown all too accustomed to avoiding cars in the Red Lot on the way back to the Boy Scout shuttle buses.

MerleFest 2007 will witness the birth of The Shoppes at MerleFest, a much more attractive and well organized shopping area in what was the Red parking lot. The Pickin' Place and the Traditional Stage will move to the north side of Collegiate Drive thus also creating a good deal of green space for us to enjoy at MerleFest. With almost all the cars moved to the other side of Alumni Hall, this will also create a vastly superior pedestrian corridor.

The Shoppes at MerleFest will include the Heritage Crafts, featuring the work of some of the region’s finest potters, hand crafted furniture makers, weavers and spinners, glassblowers, herbalists, folk artists, and other craftsmen and artisans.

The MerleFest Mall provides your best source for artist recordings and memorabilia. For four days each spring, it becomes the best Americana music store on Earth. Artists will sign autographs at various times throughout the festival. Our Gift Shop offers a variety of official MerleFest logo merchandise and memorabilia of the highest quality. The Gift Shop offers broader product lines and improved layout. Look especially for the limited edition collectible bear. You will want to pay a visit to Flattop’s One Stop, the MerleFest on-campus convenience store that gives you the opportunity to purchase many of the items that had to be acquired off-campus in years past -- snacks, drinks, medicines, toiletries, cameras, batteries, and much, much more! You want it, Flattop’s One Stop has it! The Expo Center presents the very best in acoustic music instruments, accessories, and media by the world’s leading companies who also happen to be MerleFest sponsors. So, be sure to take a stroll through the Expo Center. Last, but certainly not least, are the MerleFest Food Courts. Our food vendors offer a multitude of diverse entrees, side dishes, desserts, and beverages sufficient to please every carnivorous or vegetarian palate. There will be no excuse for being hungry at MerleFest!

Vendor and Crafts Information

MerleFest offers each year an extensive array of craft booths and other Americana related merchandise.

We have filled all vendor openings for MerleFest 2007. If you would like to be considered for future festivals as a vendor, please email Christie Hutchens at christie.hutchens@wilkescc.edu with your name, contact info, and a brief description of the items you wish to sell.

Contests

All three instrument contests are open to ticket-buying attendees, with the exception of previous contest winners. Registration for the three instrumental contests takes place on site starting 90 minutes before each event. Twenty contestants will be randomly selected from those registered on time for each instrument contest to join the second and third place finishers from 2006. The MerleFest Mandolin Contest takes place on festival Thursday. The Merle Watson Banjo Contest and the Doc Watson Guitar Championship occur on festival Friday. For contest information, visit www.merlefest.org/MerleFest_Events.html.

Final round competition for the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest also happens Friday. To receive registration information for the songwriting contest, call 800-799-3838 or visit www.merlefest.org/SongwritingContest.htm or www.sonicbids.com/chrisaustinsongcontest . CASC entries must be received by March 4, 2007.

All those who win prizes worth more than $599 will receive a 1099-MISC.

MerleFest Mailing Lists

The best way to stay current with all the happenings at MerleFest is to join both our snail mail list and our email list. Being on our snail mail list insures you get the brochure each fall announcing the next year's artist lineup and much, much more! By joining the email list you position yourself to receive festival information about a multitude of things such as Box Office dates, mall promotions, procedural changes, and Americana news.

Join our email and snail mail lists

Learn to Jam Camp

Pete Wernick hosts his MerleFest "Learn to Jam Camp" Monday April 23 through Thursday April 26. All bluegrass instruments are welcome. Registration is limited. Please visit the Learn to Jam Camp page for more details and an online application form.

The Midnight Jam

The MerleFest Midnight Jam, held annually in the Walker Center, is the event that everyone wants to see. Get your tickets early with the purchase of your 4-Day Passes (only by Web or Phone order) since ticket sales are limited.

Pickin'

MerleFest is the place for some of the best impromptu Pickin' around. Our Parking lots, the Bee 3 Vintage Guitar tent, our on-campus RV campground, and "The Pickin' Place" all offer plenty of opportunities for spontaneous jams. "The Pickin' Place" is hosted by Tut Taylor, The Local Boys, and the Wilkes Folk Society. Bring your acoustic instruments for great pickin' fun. Overnight instrument storage is available at the Lost and Found Tent.

Raffle

Past MerleFest raffles have included great prizes including instruments made by the industry's best craftsmen as well as the much sought after Midnight Jam tickets. Campus improvements made possible with proceeds of past raffles include the building and raising of the Watson Stage, additional festival seating areas, and operational utilities.

The Grand Prize will be a drawing for a Platinum Patron Package, which includes for MerleFest 2008, 4 reserved seats, 4 Midnight Jam tickets, backstage access, meals, on-campus parking, and a 4 night complimentary stay at the Wilkesboro Hampton Inn.

Request a Festival Brochure

* By Web - Add your name to our Mailing List.
* By Phone - 1-800-343-7857 (USA only) - Include your name, address, phone/fax, etc.
* By Phone - 1-336-838-6267 (Local and International) - Include your name, address, phone/fax, etc.
* By FAX - 1-336-838-6267 - Include your name, address, phone/fax, etc.
* By Mail - MerleFest, P.O. Box 120, Wilkesboro, NC, 28697-0120

Patron Packages

Do you have an interest in helping sponsor one of the best Americana music festivals in the world? On-campus parking? Special seating? Ask about our Patron Packages! For complete details click here or call Kathy Gray at 1-336-838-6133.

Smoking Policy

NO SMOKING is allowed in concert areas and WCC buildings. Please respect your fellow audience members and refrain from smoking except in the campgrounds, parking, and other designated areas. You'll find more info in the 10 Things You Should Know document.

Miscellaneous Stuff

Rain or shine
No alcohol or drugs
No pets
No unauthorized ATV's or golf carts on campus or campgrounds
No unauthorized video or audio recording
No glass containers
All coolers, backpacks, etc. checked at entrance
No tents or canopies in concert areas
All chairs and blankets removed daily
All tents and buildings are non-smoking.
]]> http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/01/15/merlefest/feed/ 0 http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/01/15/merlefest/ http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/01/15/merlefest/#comments Tue, 16 Jan 2007 03:32:00 +0000 North Wilkesboro News http://www.upcoming.org:80/event/139268/
Thursday through Sunday, April 26th - 29th, 2007. Gates will open at 3:00 pm on Thursday and at 9:00 am Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Visitors should refer to the Stage Schedules link on the home page for specific artist performance schedules.

New For 2007

Wilkes Community College will acheive completion of our new science and technology building in late 2006. This four story, 30,000 square foot structure will include new biology, chemistry, physics, and computer labs and cyber classrooms and serve as a bridge between upper and lower campuses. We can all take pride in the large contribution that MerleFest has made toward this outstanding facility.

With the end of this major project, the parking lot beside the new building will return to use for parking rather than construction. We are using this opportunity to make major site changes for MerleFest 2007 that will make Lower Campus much more people friendly. We'll post more information as specific changes are approved.

Ticket Information

The Box Office will reopen on November 14, 2006 at 2:00 PM EST. to the general public for general admission ticket sales. Also at this time, those who renewed their reserved seats during the September period will have the opportunity to change seats or purchase additional seats.

Purchasing tickets in the Online Box Office will automatically qualify you for one, or possibly two, special sweepstakes drawings depending on when your tickets are bought. Here's the deal.......

Order tickets on the web, at www.merlefest.org, and become eligible to win in one of two drawings. Entry deadlines are midnight eastern time December 1 and March 15. You could win two early-bird tickets, four night accommodations for two people, two Midnight Jam tickets and one on-campus parking pass.

If you do not wish to purchase tickets on-line you may order by phone, Fax or mail. (For phone orders - In the event you get voice mail, please leave a detailed message.)

By Phone 10 AM - 4 PM, Monday - Friday

* 1-800-343-7857 (US Orders)
* 1-336-838-6267 (Local & International Orders)

Phones are monitored 10 AM - 4:00 PM EST Monday - Friday (or by voicemail)

By Mail or FAX
MerleFest Tickets, P.O. Box 120, Wilkesboro, NC, 28697-120

Be sure to include your name, address, and phone number. Enclose your check or money order made payable to MerleFest, or credit card number with expiration date.

Ticket Prices

Early Bird Passes (...thru March 15th)
4-Day Pass, w/reserved Seating:

* Rows 1-35, $225
* Rows 36-58, $200

(Web/Phone orders only - limit of 10 per order)

* 4-Day Pass, General Admission - $ 135
* Fri/Sat/Sun Pass, General Admission - $ 120

Options

* On Campus, 4 Day Parking - $ 120 (Available only with a 3 or 4-day pass)
* On Campus RV - $ 400 (Available only with 4-day pass; see our RV Camping page for details)
* Midnight Jam - $ 40 (Available only by Web or phone with 4-day pass, limited availability) - Includes 12 raffle chances
* River's Edge Primitive Tent Camping Add-On Campsite - $ 75 (Blue Lot Parking Area) (Available only with a 4-Day pass) - Up to 4 persons/1 tent/1 vehicle per site (Limit of 800 primitive sites)

Regular Passes (...After March 15th)
4-Day Pass, w/reserved Seating:

* Rows 1-35, $250
* Rows 36-58, $225

(Web/Phone orders only - limit of 10 per order)

* 4-Day Pass, General Admission - $ 150
* Fri/Sat/Sun Pass, General Admission - $ 130

Options

* On Campus, 4 Day Parking - $135 (Available only with a 3 or 4-day pass)
* On Campus RV (call for availability; see our RV Camping page for details)
* River's Edge Primitive Tent Camping Add-On Campsite - $75 (Blue Lot Parking Area) (Available only with a 4-Day pass) - Up to 4 persons/1 tent/1 vehicle per site ( Limit of 800 primitive sites).

Single Day Passes

* Thursday, General Admission - $ 35
* Friday, General Admission - $ 45
* Saturday, General Admission - $ 50
* Sunday, General Admission - $ 40

NOTES:

* Tickets purchased after April 13 at 1 pm will be held at Will Call (located in the Box Office tent).
* The online and telephone sales Box Office will close on April 23rd at 8 am. Tickets may be purchased at the gate starting April 26th at 2:30 pm.
* Children 12 and under admitted free to general admission seating areas (accompanied by an adult); however tickets are required for all seats in the "reserved seating" area.
* Due to limited seating for the Midnight Jam, only the first 900 orders will be honored.
* No mail orders for the Midnight Jam. Additional Jam tickets may be drawn in the festival raffle Saturday.
* Web orders receive priority processing. Phone orders are dated and processed by time of call.
* Our goal: Tickets in your hand within two weeks of your order.
* Refunds/Exchanges Will Only Be Issued Before March 23, 2007

Performance Stages

* The Watson Stage features the biggest and the best in Americana music.
* The Cabin Stage is located adjacent to the Watson Stage and offers some of the finest acoustic music available.
* The Mayes Pit Learning Stage in Cohn Auditorium provides intensive instructional sessions on mandolin, guitar, dobro, fiddle, banjo, bass, and more.
* The Traditional Stage features the best in traditional music.
* The Dance Stage offers everything from clogging to Cajun dances, all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and Friday/Saturday nights.
* The Chris Austin Stage is the place to be for some of the best songwriting and blues to be heard anywhere. For contest information, call 800-799-3838.
* The Creekside Stage has proven to be a favorite spot for workshops in everything from instruments to vocals and is the location of our huge gospel-fest on Sunday.
* The Little Picker's Family Area offers a lot of fun and games for the children (and the young at heart) as well as some fine storytelling, songwriting, and music.
* The Hillside Stage,offers an opportunity to see many MerleFest artists up close and jamming.
* Walker Center performances offer a chance to relax in comfortable seating in one of the finest acoustic halls in the Southeast. Friday and Saturday night special concerts and performances are scheduled.
* The Americana Stage offers a relaxed presentation of festival artists on the lawn across from the WCC Visitors Center.
* The Lounge, inside Alumni Hall, hosts the MerleFest Guitar, Banjo, and Mandolin contests. Also come by on Friday night for the Songwriter's Coffeehouse starting at 8:00 pm.

For complete stage schedules..... click here!

How to Get Here

From North via I-81 and I-77
Interstate Highway 81 to Interstate 77 South (65 miles) to US Highway 421 North. Travel 21 miles on 421 North to Highway 268 West in Wilkesboro, NC. Note: Wilkes Community College sign on Highway 421. Continue 1/2 mile west past the entrance to Wilkes Community College to the Blue Lot parking and shuttle.

From South via I-85 and I-77
Interstate Highway 85 to Interstate 77 North at Charlotte, NC. Travel I-77 North (63 miles) to US 421 North. Travel 21 miles on 421 North to Highway 268 West in Wilkesboro, NC. Note: Wilkes Community College sign on Highway 421. Continue 1/2 mile west past the entrance to Wilkes Community College to the Blue Lot parking and shuttle.

From West via I-40 and I-77
Interstate Highway 40 to Interstate 77 North at Statesville, NC. Travel I-77 North (23 miles) to US 421 North. Travel 21 miles on 421 North to Highway 268 West in Wilkesboro, NC. Note: Wilkes Community College sign on Highway 421. Continue 1/2 mile west past the entrance to Wilkes Community College to the Blue Lot parking and shuttle.

From East via I-40
Interstate Highway 40 to Highway 421 North at Winston-Salem, NC. Travel 49 miles on 421 North to Highway 268 West in Wilkesboro, NC. Note: Wilkes Community College sign on Highway 421. Continue 1/2 mile west past the entrance to Wilkes Community College to the Blue Lot parking and shuttle.

For more detailed information and maps..... click here!

Accommodations

Complete details and contact information for all hotels, motels, campgrounds, home rentals, and bed & breakfast operations can be found via links in the 'Places to Stay' section of our home page. We strongly encourage you to make your plans and reservations for the trip to Wilkesboro well in advance.

For a list of area hotels, bed & breakfasts and other accomodations..... click here!

Access and Parking

FREE parking and FREE shuttle services are provided from the Blue Lot located off Highway 268 West across from the festival site at Wilkes Community College. Just look for the signs as you approach campus.

The parking lot adjacent to the Walker Center is designated for on-campus, fee-based, parking for our guests. Space in this lot is available to 3 and 4 day ticket buyers only. This parking is accessible only from the Meadowview Drive entrance to the college campus off Hwy 268 West. This lot is not accessible from Collegiate Drive. Signage on Hwy 268 West will direct you to this on-campus lot. Call 1-800-343-7857 for more information.

Seating

ALL seating is designated non-smoking. Four-day reserved seats are located in front of the Watson Stage (chairs provided and set up in advance by the festival). For the convenience of all, festival policy is that unoccupied chairs (including "reserved seats") may be used by anyone before 5:00 PM or until the owner returns. Special wristbands are required for admission or re-admission into the reserved seating area after 5:00 PM.

General admission seating is on a first-come, first-served basis and is located immediately behind the reserved seating area at the Watson Stage. Children 12 years of age and younger are admitted free when accompanied by an adult except in the reserved seating area where a 4 day wristband is required regardless of age.

To protect the lovely grounds, all chairs and blankets must be removed daily except "reserved seats". Chairs are provided at most of the other stages, or you may bring your own. Convenient on-site, over-night storage is available at the Lost and Found Tent free of charge. Children 12 and under will be allowed front of house seating at the Little Picker's Stage.

R & R Tent

MerleFest takes pride in being a family-centric music festival. As part of this effort, our Presenting Sponsor, Lowe's Companies, Inc will again sponsor our R & R tent this year with cots, baby changing areas, tables and chairs, and many other amenities. As a courtesy to our performing artists, please keep conversation in the R & R tent to a minimum during stage performances.

Volunteering

MerleFest has grown tremendously since its inception. The festival could not possibly have progressed to its present size and stature without our hundreds of dedicated volunteers. For many of these volunteers, MerleFest is an annual labor of love which is critical to the success of the festival.

Each year MerleFest looks to a larger number of volunteers in almost all areas of festival operations. Every volunteer, no matter where reserved, is vital to our goal of maintaining the same high standards each year.

If you are interested in being a volunteer, please print a copy of our volunteer application form available on the Volunteers Page, or call 336-838-6414 to receive a volunteer form through the mail. A current photograph is requested as part of the application. Visit the Volunteers page for complete details.

MerleFest Shopping

The MerleFest online store is currently on indefinite hiatus.

As always, shopping alternatives will be abundant at the festival!

The Shoppes at MerleFest will bring more green space, fewer cars, and a better shopping experience to MerleFest® 2007.
For several years we have been used to vendor tents stretched out along Collegiate Drive from the Box Office to Sandy Feat. Many folks leaving at night have also grown all too accustomed to avoiding cars in the Red Lot on the way back to the Boy Scout shuttle buses.

MerleFest 2007 will witness the birth of The Shoppes at MerleFest, a much more attractive and well organized shopping area in what was the Red parking lot. The Pickin' Place and the Traditional Stage will move to the north side of Collegiate Drive thus also creating a good deal of green space for us to enjoy at MerleFest. With almost all the cars moved to the other side of Alumni Hall, this will also create a vastly superior pedestrian corridor.

The Shoppes at MerleFest will include the Heritage Crafts, featuring the work of some of the region’s finest potters, hand crafted furniture makers, weavers and spinners, glassblowers, herbalists, folk artists, and other craftsmen and artisans.

The MerleFest Mall provides your best source for artist recordings and memorabilia. For four days each spring, it becomes the best Americana music store on Earth. Artists will sign autographs at various times throughout the festival. Our Gift Shop offers a variety of official MerleFest logo merchandise and memorabilia of the highest quality. The Gift Shop offers broader product lines and improved layout. Look especially for the limited edition collectible bear. You will want to pay a visit to Flattop’s One Stop, the MerleFest on-campus convenience store that gives you the opportunity to purchase many of the items that had to be acquired off-campus in years past -- snacks, drinks, medicines, toiletries, cameras, batteries, and much, much more! You want it, Flattop’s One Stop has it! The Expo Center presents the very best in acoustic music instruments, accessories, and media by the world’s leading companies who also happen to be MerleFest sponsors. So, be sure to take a stroll through the Expo Center. Last, but certainly not least, are the MerleFest Food Courts. Our food vendors offer a multitude of diverse entrees, side dishes, desserts, and beverages sufficient to please every carnivorous or vegetarian palate. There will be no excuse for being hungry at MerleFest!

Vendor and Crafts Information

MerleFest offers each year an extensive array of craft booths and other Americana related merchandise.

We have filled all vendor openings for MerleFest 2007. If you would like to be considered for future festivals as a vendor, please email Christie Hutchens at christie.hutchens@wilkescc.edu with your name, contact info, and a brief description of the items you wish to sell.

Contests

All three instrument contests are open to ticket-buying attendees, with the exception of previous contest winners. Registration for the three instrumental contests takes place on site starting 90 minutes before each event. Twenty contestants will be randomly selected from those registered on time for each instrument contest to join the second and third place finishers from 2006. The MerleFest Mandolin Contest takes place on festival Thursday. The Merle Watson Banjo Contest and the Doc Watson Guitar Championship occur on festival Friday. For contest information, visit www.merlefest.org/MerleFest_Events.html.

Final round competition for the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest also happens Friday. To receive registration information for the songwriting contest, call 800-799-3838 or visit www.merlefest.org/SongwritingContest.htm or www.sonicbids.com/chrisaustinsongcontest . CASC entries must be received by March 4, 2007.

All those who win prizes worth more than $599 will receive a 1099-MISC.

MerleFest Mailing Lists

The best way to stay current with all the happenings at MerleFest is to join both our snail mail list and our email list. Being on our snail mail list insures you get the brochure each fall announcing the next year's artist lineup and much, much more! By joining the email list you position yourself to receive festival information about a multitude of things such as Box Office dates, mall promotions, procedural changes, and Americana news.

Join our email and snail mail lists

Learn to Jam Camp

Pete Wernick hosts his MerleFest "Learn to Jam Camp" Monday April 23 through Thursday April 26. All bluegrass instruments are welcome. Registration is limited. Please visit the Learn to Jam Camp page for more details and an online application form.

The Midnight Jam

The MerleFest Midnight Jam, held annually in the Walker Center, is the event that everyone wants to see. Get your tickets early with the purchase of your 4-Day Passes (only by Web or Phone order) since ticket sales are limited.

Pickin'

MerleFest is the place for some of the best impromptu Pickin' around. Our Parking lots, the Bee 3 Vintage Guitar tent, our on-campus RV campground, and "The Pickin' Place" all offer plenty of opportunities for spontaneous jams. "The Pickin' Place" is hosted by Tut Taylor, The Local Boys, and the Wilkes Folk Society. Bring your acoustic instruments for great pickin' fun. Overnight instrument storage is available at the Lost and Found Tent.

Raffle

Past MerleFest raffles have included great prizes including instruments made by the industry's best craftsmen as well as the much sought after Midnight Jam tickets. Campus improvements made possible with proceeds of past raffles include the building and raising of the Watson Stage, additional festival seating areas, and operational utilities.

The Grand Prize will be a drawing for a Platinum Patron Package, which includes for MerleFest 2008, 4 reserved seats, 4 Midnight Jam tickets, backstage access, meals, on-campus parking, and a 4 night complimentary stay at the Wilkesboro Hampton Inn.

Request a Festival Brochure

* By Web - Add your name to our Mailing List.
* By Phone - 1-800-343-7857 (USA only) - Include your name, address, phone/fax, etc.
* By Phone - 1-336-838-6267 (Local and International) - Include your name, address, phone/fax, etc.
* By FAX - 1-336-838-6267 - Include your name, address, phone/fax, etc.
* By Mail - MerleFest, P.O. Box 120, Wilkesboro, NC, 28697-0120

Patron Packages

Do you have an interest in helping sponsor one of the best Americana music festivals in the world? On-campus parking? Special seating? Ask about our Patron Packages! For complete details click here or call Kathy Gray at 1-336-838-6133.

Smoking Policy

NO SMOKING is allowed in concert areas and WCC buildings. Please respect your fellow audience members and refrain from smoking except in the campgrounds, parking, and other designated areas. You'll find more info in the 10 Things You Should Know document.

Miscellaneous Stuff

Rain or shine
No alcohol or drugs
No pets
No unauthorized ATV's or golf carts on campus or campgrounds
No unauthorized video or audio recording
No glass containers
All coolers, backpacks, etc. checked at entrance
No tents or canopies in concert areas
All chairs and blankets removed daily
All tents and buildings are non-smoking.
]]> http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/01/15/merlefest/feed/ 0 http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/01/15/merlefest/ http://wilkes-news.com/archives/2007/01/15/merlefest/#comments Tue, 16 Jan 2007 03:32:00 +0000 North Wilkesboro News http://upcoming.yahoo.com:80/event/139268/
Thursday through Sunday, April 26th - 29th, 2007. Gates will open at 3:00 pm on Thursday and at 9:00 am Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Visitors should refer to the Stage Schedules link on the home page for specific artist performance schedules.

New For 2007

Wilkes Community College will acheive completion of our new science and technology building in late 2006. This four story, 30,000 square foot structure will include new biology, chemistry, physics, and computer labs and cyber classrooms and serve as a bridge between upper and lower campuses. We can all take pride in the large contribution that MerleFest has made toward this outstanding facility.

With the end of this major project, the parking lot beside the new building will return to use for parking rather than construction. We are using this opportunity to make major site changes for MerleFest 2007 that will make Lower Campus much more people friendly. We'll post more information as specific changes are approved.

Ticket Information

The Box Office will reopen on November 14, 2006 at 2:00 PM EST. to the general public for general admission ticket sales. Also at this time, those who renewed their reserved seats during the September period will have the opportunity to change seats or purchase additional seats.

Purchasing tickets in the Online Box Office will automatically qualify you for one, or possibly two, special sweepstakes drawings depending on when your tickets are bought. Here's the deal.......

Order tickets on the web, at www.merlefest.org, and become eligible to win in one of two drawings. Entry deadlines are midnight eastern time December 1 and March 15. You could win two early-bird tickets, four night accommodations for two people, two Midnight Jam tickets and one on-campus parking pass.

If you do not wish to purchase tickets on-line you may order by phone, Fax or mail. (For phone orders - In the event you get voice mail, please leave a detailed message.)

By Phone 10 AM - 4 PM, Monday - Friday

* 1-800-343-7857 (US Orders)
* 1-336-838-6267 (Local & International Orders)

Phones are monitored 10 AM - 4:00 PM EST Monday - Friday (or by voicemail)

By Mail or FAX
MerleFest Tickets, P.O. Box 120, Wilkesboro, NC, 28697-120

Be sure to include your name, address, and phone number. Enclose your check or money order made payable to MerleFest, or credit card number with expiration date.

Ticket Prices

Early Bird Passes (...thru March 15th)
4-Day Pass, w/reserved Seating:

* Rows 1-35, $225
* Rows 36-58, $200

(Web/Phone orders only - limit of 10 per order)

* 4-Day Pass, General Admission - $ 135
* Fri/Sat/Sun Pass, General Admission - $ 120

Options

* On Campus, 4 Day Parking - $ 120 (Available only with a 3 or 4-day pass)
* On Campus RV - $ 400 (Available only with 4-day pass; see our RV Camping page for details)
* Midnight Jam - $ 40 (Available only by Web or phone with 4-day pass, limited availability) - Includes 12 raffle chances
* River's Edge Primitive Tent Camping Add-On Campsite - $ 75 (Blue Lot Parking Area) (Available only with a 4-Day pass) - Up to 4 persons/1 tent/1 vehicle per site (Limit of 800 primitive sites)

Regular Passes (...After March 15th)
4-Day Pass, w/reserved Seating:

* Rows 1-35, $250
* Rows 36-58, $225

(Web/Phone orders only - limit of 10 per order)

* 4-Day Pass, General Admission - $ 150
* Fri/Sat/Sun Pass, General Admission - $ 130

Options

* On Campus, 4 Day Parking - $135 (Available only with a 3 or 4-day pass)
* On Campus RV (call for availability; see our RV Camping page for details)
* River's Edge Primitive Tent Camping Add-On Campsite - $75 (Blue Lot Parking Area) (Available only with a 4-Day pass) - Up to 4 persons/1 tent/1 vehicle per site ( Limit of 800 primitive sites).

Single Day Passes

* Thursday, General Admission - $ 35
* Friday, General Admission - $ 45
* Saturday, General Admission - $ 50
* Sunday, General Admission - $ 40

NOTES:

* Tickets purchased after April 13 at 1 pm will be held at Will Call (located in the Box Office tent).
* The online and telephone sales Box Office will close on April 23rd at 8 am. Tickets may be purchased at the gate starting April 26th at 2:30 pm.
* Children 12 and under admitted free to general admission seating areas (accompanied by an adult); however tickets are required for all seats in the "reserved seating" area.
* Due to limited seating for the Midnight Jam, only the first 900 orders will be honored.
* No mail orders for the Midnight Jam. Additional Jam tickets may be drawn in the festival raffle Saturday.
* Web orders receive priority processing. Phone orders are dated and processed by time of call.
* Our goal: Tickets in your hand within two weeks of your order.
* Refunds/Exchanges Will Only Be Issued Before March 23, 2007

Performance Stages

* The Watson Stage features the biggest and the best in Americana music.
* The Cabin Stage is located adjacent to the Watson Stage and offers some of the finest acoustic music available.
* The Mayes Pit Learning Stage in Cohn Auditorium provides intensive instructional sessions on mandolin, guitar, dobro, fiddle, banjo, bass, and more.
* The Traditional Stage features the best in traditional music.
* The Dance Stage offers everything from clogging to Cajun dances, all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and Friday/Saturday nights.
* The Chris Austin Stage is the place to be for some of the best songwriting and blues to be heard anywhere. For contest information, call 800-799-3838.
* The Creekside Stage has proven to be a favorite spot for workshops in everything from instruments to vocals and is the location of our huge gospel-fest on Sunday.
* The Little Picker's Family Area offers a lot of fun and games for the children (and the young at heart) as well as some fine storytelling, songwriting, and music.
* The Hillside Stage,offers an opportunity to see many MerleFest artists up close and jamming.
* Walker Center performances offer a chance to relax in comfortable seating in one of the finest acoustic halls in the Southeast. Friday and Saturday night special concerts and performances are scheduled.
* The Americana Stage offers a relaxed presentation of festival artists on the lawn across from the WCC Visitors Center.
* The Lounge, inside Alumni Hall, hosts the MerleFest Guitar, Banjo, and Mandolin contests. Also come by on Friday night for the Songwriter's Coffeehouse starting at 8:00 pm.

For complete stage schedules..... click here!

How to Get Here

From North via I-81 and I-77
Interstate Highway 81 to Interstate 77 South (65 miles) to US Highway 421 North. Travel 21 miles on 421 North to Highway 268 West in Wilkesboro, NC. Note: Wilkes Community College sign on Highway 421. Continue 1/2 mile west past the entrance to Wilkes Community College to the Blue Lot parking and shuttle.

From South via I-85 and I-77
Interstate Highway 85 to Interstate 77 North at Charlotte, NC. Travel I-77 North (63 miles) to US 421 North. Travel 21 miles on 421 North to Highway 268 West in Wilkesboro, NC. Note: Wilkes Community College sign on Highway 421. Continue 1/2 mile west past the entrance to Wilkes Community College to the Blue Lot parking and shuttle.

From West via I-40 and I-77
Interstate Highway 40 to Interstate 77 North at Statesville, NC. Travel I-77 North (23 miles) to US 421 North. Travel 21 miles on 421 North to Highway 268 West in Wilkesboro, NC. Note: Wilkes Community College sign on Highway 421. Continue 1/2 mile west past the entrance to Wilkes Community College to the Blue Lot parking and shuttle.

From East via I-40
Interstate Highway 40 to Highway 421 North at Winston-Salem, NC. Travel 49 miles on 421 North to Highway 268 West in Wilkesboro, NC. Note: Wilkes Community College sign on Highway 421. Continue 1/2 mile west past the entrance to Wilkes Community College to the Blue Lot parking and shuttle.

For more detailed information and maps..... click here!

Accommodations

Complete details and contact information for all hotels, motels, campgrounds, home rentals, and bed & breakfast operations can be found via links in the 'Places to Stay' section of our home page. We strongly encourage you to make your plans and reservations for the trip to Wilkesboro well in advance.

For a list of area hotels, bed & breakfasts and other accomodations..... click here!

Access and Parking

FREE parking and FREE shuttle services are provided from the Blue Lot located off Highway 268 West across from the festival site at Wilkes Community College. Just look for the signs as you approach campus.

The parking lot adjacent to the Walker Center is designated for on-campus, fee-based, parking for our guests. Space in this lot is available to 3 and 4 day ticket buyers only. This parking is accessible only from the Meadowview Drive entrance to the college campus off Hwy 268 West. This lot is not accessible from Collegiate Drive. Signage on Hwy 268 West will direct you to this on-campus lot. Call 1-800-343-7857 for more information.

Seating

ALL seating is designated non-smoking. Four-day reserved seats are located in front of the Watson Stage (chairs provided and set up in advance by the festival). For the convenience of all, festival policy is that unoccupied chairs (including "reserved seats") may be used by anyone before 5:00 PM or until the owner returns. Special wristbands are required for admission or re-admission into the reserved seating area after 5:00 PM.

General admission seating is on a first-come, first-served basis and is located immediately behind the reserved seating area at the Watson Stage. Children 12 years of age and younger are admitted free when accompanied by an adult except in the reserved seating area where a 4 day wristband is required regardless of age.

To protect the lovely grounds, all chairs and blankets must be removed daily except "reserved seats". Chairs are provided at most of the other stages, or you may bring your own. Convenient on-site, over-night storage is available at the Lost and Found Tent free of charge. Children 12 and under will be allowed front of house seating at the Little Picker's Stage.

R & R Tent

MerleFest takes pride in being a family-centric music festival. As part of this effort, our Presenting Sponsor, Lowe's Companies, Inc will again sponsor our R & R tent this year with cots, baby changing areas, tables and chairs, and many other amenities. As a courtesy to our performing artists, please keep conversation in the R & R tent to a minimum during stage performances.

Volunteering

MerleFest has grown tremendously since its inception. The festival could not possibly have progressed to its present size and stature without our hundreds of dedicated volunteers. For many of these volunteers, MerleFest is an annual labor of love which is critical to the success of the festival.

Each year MerleFest looks to a larger number of volunteers in almost all areas of festival operations. Every volunteer, no matter where reserved, is vital to our goal of maintaining the same high standards each year.

If you are interested in being a volunteer, please print a copy of our volunteer application form available on the Volunteers Page, or call 336-838-6414 to receive a volunteer form through the mail. A current photograph is requested as part of the application. Visit the Volunteers page for complete details.

MerleFest Shopping

The MerleFest online store is currently on indefinite hiatus.

As always, shopping alternatives will be abundant at the festival!

The Shoppes at MerleFest will bring more green space, fewer cars, and a better shopping experience to MerleFest® 2007.
For several years we have been used to vendor tents stretched out along Collegiate Drive from the Box Office to Sandy Feat. Many folks leaving at night have also grown all too accustomed to avoiding cars in the Red Lot on the way back to the Boy Scout shuttle buses.

MerleFest 2007 will witness the birth of The Shoppes at MerleFest, a much more attractive and well organized shopping area in what was the Red parking lot. The Pickin' Place and the Traditional Stage will move to the north side of Collegiate Drive thus also creating a good deal of green space for us to enjoy at MerleFest. With almost all the cars moved to the other side of Alumni Hall, this will also create a vastly superior pedestrian corridor.

The Shoppes at MerleFest will include the Heritage Crafts, featuring the work of some of the region’s finest potters, hand crafted furniture makers, weavers and spinners, glassblowers, herbalists, folk artists, and other craftsmen and artisans.

The MerleFest Mall provides your best source for artist recordings and memorabilia. For four days each spring, it becomes the best Americana music store on Earth. Artists will sign autographs at various times throughout the festival. Our Gift Shop offers a variety of official MerleFest logo merchandise and memorabilia of the highest quality. The Gift Shop offers broader product lines and improved layout. Look especially for the limited edition collectible bear. You will want to pay a visit to Flattop’s One Stop, the MerleFest on-campus convenience store that gives you the opportunity to purchase many of the items that had to be acquired off-campus in years past -- snacks, drinks, medicines, toiletries, cameras, batteries, and much, much more! You want it, Flattop’s One Stop has it! The Expo Center presents the very best in acoustic music instruments, accessories, and media by the world’s leading companies who also happen to be MerleFest sponsors. So, be sure to take a stroll through the Expo Center. Last, but certainly not least, are the MerleFest Food Courts. Our food vendors offer a multitude of diverse entrees, side dishes, desserts, and beverages sufficient to please every carnivorous or vegetarian palate. There will be no excuse for being hungry at MerleFest!

Vendor and Crafts Information

MerleFest offers each year an extensive array of craft booths and other Americana related merchandise.

We have filled all vendor openings for MerleFest 2007. If you would like to be considered for future festivals as a vendor, please email Christie Hutchens at christie.hutchens@wilkescc.edu with your name, contact info, and a brief description of the items you wish to sell.

Contests

All three instrument contests are open to ticket-buying attendees, with the exception of previous contest winners. Registration for the three instrumental contests takes place on site starting 90 minutes before each event. Twenty contestants will be randomly selected from those registered on time for each instrument contest to join the second and third place finishers from 2006. The MerleFest Mandolin Contest takes place on festival Thursday. The Merle Watson Banjo Contest and the Doc Watson Guitar Championship occur on festival Friday. For contest information, visit www.merlefest.org/MerleFest_Events.html.

Final round competition for the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest also happens Friday. To receive registration information for the songwriting contest, call 800-799-3838 or visit www.merlefest.org/SongwritingContest.htm or www.sonicbids.com/chrisaustinsongcontest . CASC entries must be received by March 4, 2007.

All those who win prizes worth more than $599 will receive a 1099-MISC.

MerleFest Mailing Lists

The best way to stay current with all the happenings at MerleFest is to join both our snail mail list and our email list. Being on our snail mail list insures you get the brochure each fall announcing the next year's artist lineup and much, much more! By joining the email list you position yourself to receive festival information about a multitude of things such as Box Office dates, mall promotions, procedural changes, and Americana news.

Join our email and snail mail lists

Learn to Jam Camp

Pete Wernick hosts his MerleFest "Learn to Jam Camp" Monday April 23 through Thursday April 26. All bluegrass instruments are welcome. Registration is limited. Please visit the Learn to Jam Camp page for more details and an online application form.

The Midnight Jam

The MerleFest Midnight Jam, held annually in the Walker Center, is the event that everyone wants to see. Get your tickets early with the purchase of your 4-Day Passes (only by Web or Phone order) since ticket sales are limited.

Pickin'

MerleFest is the place for some of the best impromptu Pickin' around. Our Parking lots, the Bee 3 Vintage Guitar tent, our on-campus RV campground, and "The Pickin' Place" all offer plenty of opportunities for spontaneous jams. "The Pickin' Place" is hosted by Tut Taylor, The Local Boys, and the Wilkes Folk Society. Bring your acoustic instruments for great pickin' fun. Overnight instrument storage is available at the Lost and Found Tent.

Raffle

Past MerleFest raffles have included great prizes including instruments made by the industry's best craftsmen as well as the much sought after Midnight Jam tickets. Campus improvements made possible with proceeds of past raffles include the building and raising of the Watson Stage, additional festival seating areas, and operational utilities.

The Grand Prize will be a drawing for a Platinum Patron Package, which includes for MerleFest 2008, 4 reserved seats, 4 Midnight Jam tickets, backstage access, meals, on-campus parking, and a 4 night complimentary stay at the Wilkesboro Hampton Inn.

Request a Festival Brochure

* By Web - Add your name to our Mailing List.
* By Phone - 1-800-343-7857 (USA only) - Include your name, address, phone/fax, etc.
* By Phone - 1-336-838-6267 (Local and International) - Include your name, address, phone/fax, etc.
* By FAX - 1-336-838-6267 - Include your name, address, phone/fax, etc.
* By Mail - MerleFest, P.O. Box 120, Wilkesboro, NC, 28697-0120

Patron Packages

Do you have an interest in helping sponsor one of the best Americana music festivals in the world? On-campus parking? Special seating? Ask about our Patron Packages! For complete details click here or call Kathy Gray at 1-336-838-6133.

Smoking Policy

NO SMOKING is allowed in concert areas and WCC buildings. Please respect your fellow audience members and refrain from smoking except in the campgrounds, parking, and other designated areas. You'll find more info in the 10 Things You Should Know document.

Miscellaneous Stuff

Rain or shine
No alcohol or drugs
No pets
No unauthorized ATV's or golf carts on campus or campgrounds
No unauthorized video or audio recording
No glass containers
All coolers, backpacks, etc. checked at entrance
No tents or canopies in concert areas
All chairs and blankets removed daily
All tents and buildings are non-smoking.
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