Concert Review: MerleFest, Day One

The Dead South
BY MARK DOLEJS

This year’s MerleFest kicked off with local star, Presley Barker, on the main stage. Thursday, the first day of the four-day event had a fantastic crowd and great music all afternoon and evening.

Steve Lewis and Presley Barker
In its 37th year, the festival attracts people from all over and of all ages. Many folks who attend enjoy meeting up year after year, on the campus of Wilkes Community College for the festival.

Roy Book Binder
After Barker set the tone for the day, Roy Book Binder started things off on the Cabin Stage. At 81-years-old, this blues guitarist is quite amazing and it is really fun to listen to both his songs and stories. It was a treat to see him for the first time.

Daren Shumaker and Woody Platt
Woody Platt and The Bluegrass Gentlemen brought an all-star lineup to the stage with Daren Shumaker on mandolin, Casey Driessen on fiddle, Bennett Sullivan on banjo and Buddy Melton on bass. Platt is a founding member of the Steep Canyon Rangers and does a fantastic job on the guitar and vocals.

The SteelDrivers
The SteelDrivers were a crowd favorite, bringing a long-time, and much deserved following with them. Between lead singer Matt Dame and fiddle player Tammy Rogers, the vocals are supreme. Two of my favorites that they played were “The River Knows” and “Where Rainbows Never Die.”

Wyatt Flores
A very humble 23-year-old Wyatt Flores played an incredible set. Leading into a cover of Sturgill Simpson’s “I Don’t Mind,” Flores said, “Feels like a good time to point out the elephant in the room, which would be me. I am extremely grateful. I know my music is not what is going on here today, but I am a huge fan of bluegrass.” He went on to mention several of the artists that were also playing and how he was excited about sharing the stage with them. As he finished up his set, the crowd gave him a roaring standing ovation.

Matt McDaniel and Brent Cobb
Brent Cobb and his band The Fixin’s were a real treat. You could see the joy they brought to the stage and the fun they had jammin’ together.

Nate Hilts of The Dead South
The final band of the night is one of my favorites, The Dead South. This is a band that you either love or hate. Or at least that seems to be the case. There were many fans present; singing along to their catchy lyrics and it was obvious that they loved this fun band. But, I did hear one dad walking out early from their set with his daughter, saying, “this isn’t what I came for.”

Danny Kenyon of The Dead South
I had a blast on this first day of the event. Previously, I’ve only attended on one day. But this year I decided to attend for two days, so I could hear The Dead South, who were an excellent compliment to the stellar lineup of this well-oved festival.

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MARK DOLEJS

Photography is an avenue that Mark Dolejs uses to learn about the people and places that cross his path. After more than 30 years as a photojournalist, Mark enjoys concert, macro, and roadside photography. Follow Mark on Instagram at @solidrockpix.

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