The second annual Earl Scruggs Music Festival is right around the corner on Labor Day weekend, and I had the opportunity to chat this week with festival producer Claire Armbruster to get a preview of what they have planned for all of us this year.

On July 20, 2023, the Lobero Theatre resonated with the sounds of mastery and innovation as Jerry Douglas, the dobro virtuoso took the stage by storm. A palpable electricity permeated the air, the anticipation crackling like a live wire as fans, their faces glowing with excitement, gathered for a night destined to be filled with melodic enchantment.

A dazzling array of musicians, across generations and genres, have contributed to a new album that celebrates the deep influence and legacy of Doc Watson, the North Carolina guitarist, singer and songwriter who would have turned 100 on March 3 of this year. I Am A Pilgrim: Doc Watson at 100 features new renditions of some of Watson’s most beloved recordings from his expansive catalog.

Although considered to be a rising star in the country music arena these days, Mo Pitney is quick to tell you his interest in music was first peaked with the sounds of banjos and bluegrass; especially that of the late J.D. Crowe. That interest spawned into a thriving career and the opportunity to re-create one of Crowe's classics in the most organic way possible - by accident.

“Every song written feels like a little victory to its writer. Sure, some are better than others, and from time to time—if you’re lucky—you write something special. But every one counts,” says Eric Gibson of International Bluegrass Music Association Award-winners, The Gibson Brothers.

MerleFest, presented by Window World, will honor Doc Watson’s 100th birthday, and commemorate the festival’s 35th year in 2023. To celebrate the historic milestone, organizers intend to showcase MerleFest’s unique history, celebrate the festival’s diverse, genre-crossing catalog, and present unique artist collaborations to honor the festival’s founding folk icon.

Multi-Platinum and award-winning singer/songwriter Dierks Bentley has always encompassed the values and sounds that have defined his authentic two-decade career. Those many strains of Country music he's mastered and cultivated span the arena shaker to the barroom weeper to the bluegrass fireballer.

MerleFest, presented by Window World, is proud to announce the first round of artist additions for 2023. Taking place April 27-30, 2023, on the campus of Wilkes Community College, MerleFest 2023 will feature performances from North Carolina’s favorite sons The Avett Brothers, country mega-star and Highwoman Maren Morris, the genre-weaving cultural collective Black Opry Revue. Also joining the lineup are award-winning MerleFest veterans Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Peter Rowan, and many more.

The musical chemistry between Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi is undeniable, bubbling over with an unparalleled creativity, passion and an innate ability to shake an audience to their core. The husband/wife duo first came together as Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi’s Soul Stew Revival in 2007, before forming what’s now known as the Tedeschi Trucks Band in 2010.

Sixthman, creators of unforgettable festivals on sand and at sea for more than two decades, have announced the 15th voyage of Cayamo: A Journey Through Song, a seven-night musical adventure sailing February 10-17, 2023 from Miami, FL to Tortola, BVI, and St. Maarten aboard the beautiful Norwegian Pearl. Pre-sales will be available beginning Monday, August 8, with general on-sales following on Tuesday, August 9, exclusively at www.cayamo.com.