Corey Harris BY MARK DOLEJS 5:30 PM, Friday, April 24, 2026 Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper The evening sessions proved to be q...
BY MARK DOLEJS
5:30 PM, Friday, April 24, 2026
The evening sessions proved to be quite special. It started off with a set by Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper. I remember distinctly the first time I saw the video of Michael meeting and playing with Doc Watson. If you haven’t seen it, check it out.
Michael is probably the fastest most accurate fiddle player I have ever seen. He is so smooth and meticulous that he is really fun to watch and listen to. His band is talented as well and is a great compliment to his talent.
I moved back over to the Traditional Stage for Seth Mulder & Midnight Run. These guys can play some old time bluegrass and Seth’s vocals are spot on.
Molly Tuttle was the highlight of the night for me. She has been on my bucket list for quite some time to photograph. She did not disappoint! What a fun set, playing some of my favorites and ending the show with her song “Crooked Tree.” Her pickin’ talent on the acoustic guitar stands up with anyone and her joy while playing is envious.
Next up was Lamont Landers. His bluesy set on electric guitar with his band was a really nice surprise for me. He has grouped an outstanding band and his vocals stand out. Their set left me wanting more.
The night ended with Old Crow Medicine Show taking the stage like it was their last show. I’ve not seen them before, but they did not hold back. Wow, what a fun group of extremely talented musicians. Ketch Secor runs around the stage like a possessed crazy man, singing and playing his fiddle. What a fun way to round out the day.
3:30 PM, Friday, April 24, 2026
I saw The Waybacks last year here, and did not necessarily have them on my must-see list, but when passing their stage, I was pulled in by the licks from James Nash on lead guitar, like a fly attracted to stink. But, this was a good stink, oh my, was it good. The jam between him and expert fiddle player, Warren Hood were insane.
I then hung out with the Knackered Ramblers for a little bit of traditional bluegrass. This duo of Mike Compton and Laura Boosinger can really get your bluegrass juices tingling as they are masters of the mandolin and banjo respectively. Crossed paths with a friend that I hadn’t seen in over a decade, life is good.
I rounded out the afternoon with Shelby Means. She leads her band on vocals and upright bass. They crowd was a bit more laid back for her set, but into it nonetheless.
1:30 PM, Friday, April 24, 2026
I took a short break during some unexpected rain and returned to the Cabin Stage for Nick Wade. The country-blues musician’s debut album, Feeling Good is God Enough, came out in 2023. But, this guy was a was of playing and singing that sounds like he has been around the block many times. One of my favorite sets of the morning.
Next up was the Kruger Brothers, Jens on banjo and Uwe on guitar. These guys are great and started playing MerleFest in 1997 and have played almost every year.
I wandered over to another stage to catch The Band Loula. This is duo and best friends Malachi Mills and Logan Simmons. This pair was a nice surprise that was not on my punch list. Fantastic chemistry between these two.
11:30 AM, Friday, April 24, 2026
The second day of MerleFest 2026 started off with a bang with Amelia Day on the B. Townes American Stage. While this is the second day of the four-day festival, it is my first of the weekend. Day has a wonderful stage presence and has the talent to back it up.
Next stop is the School Day Dance with Scythian in the Dance Tent. This is always a big draw and Scythian brings the crowd up to speed quickly with their fast paced rhythms and music. Filled with families and school children, there is always movement in the crowd.
For a completely different pace I moved to the Cabin Stage for the soulful sounds of Corey Harris. Harris brings a seasoned voice accompanied by his acoustic guitar.
The morning was great, other than a few raindrops in the morning.
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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.
Read Mark's posts here.
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