Making my first trip to Merlefest this year. #Just got our tickets and confirmation of our campsite reservation at Moravian Falls. #Wondered who else might be planning to go - and if any veterans of the festival might care to impart some words of wisdom to a Merlefest newbie...
Andy Hodge
I have gone the past two years and camped at River's Edge. Check out the discussion board at the Merlefest Website. Bring raingear and good walking shoes. Make sure you get into the Midnite Jam. The established pickin tents are fun. Rich
Richard Michaud
Thanks Rich. I will check out the message board again. In prior looks, it seemed to be rather infrequently updated...so I thought I would ask my diehard mandolin brethren! Where (and what) exactly is the "Midnite Jam"?
Andy Hodge
Andy, The Midnite jam is a festival sponsored concert that starts at midnite, inside the local auditorium-good acoustics with comfortable unassigned seats. Its sold out by now. Tickets get bought and sold on the discussion board. Last minute entry is very likely-folks go to bed and don't go. Its an impromptu gathering and jam by the festival performers-and is a highlight of the festival. Rich
Richard Michaud
Andy, The Midnite jam is a festival sponsored concert that starts at midnite, inside the local auditorium-good acoustics with comfortable unassigned seats. Its sold out by now. Tickets get bought and sold on the discussion board. Last minute entry is very likely-folks go to bed and don't go. Its an impromptu gathering and jam by the festival performers-and is a highlight of the festival. Rich
Richard Michaud
It takes place on Sat night.
Richard Michaud
Lot of fun to be had. Rich are you bringing that blonde Nugget again this year? I'll vote for the A4 if you still have it!! Wild we will see you at the picking tents!!! Lp
J.Lane Pryce
Wow, Rich. Thx again for the input on the "Midnight Jam". We will definitely try and 'sneak' our way in!
Andy Hodge
Andy:
After five years attending Merlefest, here are the 5 things I make sure to do each year: #1) Really explore the entire festival. With 10 or so stages, you can check out some great acts that you may not have heard of; 2) Visit the Instrument Tent and test drive all the great mandos; 3) Check out the Mandolin Competition on Thursday afternoon and you'll be blown away by how good the next generation of players are; 4) Don't miss the Mandolin Mania at Creekside on Saturday with 8-10 of the world's best mandolin artists; 5) And of course, check out the jams.
Yes and yes, yes, yes.Originally Posted by (jjboone101 @ Mar. 01 2006, 21:41)
This'll be my 8th, 9th, or 10th time going. Done quit counting.
I was just talkin to my wife about this and gettin tickets.
I'm really getting pretty excited about the festival. #I've been to Winfield 10+ times over the years (1976 being the first!) and figured it was time to 'go east' for a change. # I will definitely heed your collective advice! #Thx for the great feedback!
Andy Hodge
Thanks for remembering me JLP. I am not sure what I am bringing this year. Probably a Gilchrist and a resonator. The A-4 you mentioned-you mean the one I have for sale on the classified? #Rich
Richard Michaud
Thats it!! Hang a for sale sign it and bring it along!! Lp
J.Lane Pryce
Happy Birthday Doc!! March 3...83 years young!
"Mandolin Cafe To Sponsor MerleFest MandoMania and Mandolin Workshops In 2006"
Anyone know anymore details about this?
I haven't found anything on the Merle Fest website.
See you all there!
MD
I've checked it out a couple times. Really cool. Judges this year are Tony Williamson (Mandolin Central), John Teer (Chatham Cty Line) and Spencer Strickland (Anderson-Strickland). Most of the entrants are kids under 18, which really blows you away. They're too good, too young! Here are more details from the MFest site:
http://www.merlefest.org/MandolinContest.htm
Windflite:
This will be my 5th year going to Merlefest. I have been going as a volunteer from day one and working as a stage hand. THis allows you to get in free each day that you work a four hour shift. I have seen some incredible acts in the past 5 years and have worked 7 different times when Doc played.
Many great mandolin stories that could be told including Chris THile, Sam Bush, Mike Compton, Mike Marshall, etc. One quick one...I worked the stage last year for an act that included Peter Rowan, Tony Rice, Bela Fleck and Sam Bush...got some great pictures from about 10' away.
I don't know very many of you guys by face...I'll wear my Mandolin Cafe t-shirt and maybe get to meet up with you at the pickin tents.
Merlefest...Highlight of my year!
Hal Loflin
2004 Weber Yellowstone Custom Mandolin
1976 Alvarez "The Alvarez" F Style Mandolin
1998 Guild D-40AB Westerly
1997 Martin D-35
1982 Takamine EF-400SC 12 String
1976 Takamine F-360SD Sunburst
1977 Fender F-65
Do you have to buy advanced tickets or can you just go there and buy a ticket at the gate.
Also, any additional info on that Rivers Edge campgound. Does it have full hook up facilities or?
Thanks
I'll be wearing my mand cafe T as well.
Bluegrassjack, you can buy them at the gate. Couldn't tell you anything about camping. I only have an hour drive, if even that.
I'll be sportin' my Mando Cafe Sticker on a white Calton. #
Bluegrassjack, You might try the Merlefest Lodging Link or the MerleFest Forums Link to get more info... #
I'm gettin' excited! #See ya'll there!
Andy Hodge
I have my passes, I have my campsite reserved (YMCA).I am still looking for a rise. I am in PA. and my car is in Vancouver.Anybody from the Northeast that can help, I will pay my share of exspences.If you are in PA,NY State,Jersey I can meet you anywhere.I am in the North East.I WILL bring my Collings MF 5!
Thanks all,
cinestudy@aol.com
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