Research Page
Check out my research project for J50! I researched a bluegrass festival called Merlefest, which is held in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. It sounds like such an awesome show, and I would love to be able to attend it some day.
JOMC 50 Treasure Hunt
Sarah Gaskins
Lab Section 403
Tuesday 2:00, Lillie
Project Title: The History of Merlefest.
Section I:
For my treasure hunt I have decided to research something in the music field. Music is one of my passions, and I want to learn more about a music genre of which I knew very little. I like the sound of bluegrass and similar cultural music related to North Carolina, so the decision to focus on Merlefest was an easy one. A friend of mine has attended the festival for a couple of years, and all that I knew about Merlefest, I heard from him and saw from his pictures.
What I want to learn about Merlefest is why it was founded. I know it was in honor of the late Merle Watson, but I do not know anymore than that. A second thing that I want to know is what type of music the musicians play because Merlefest is more than just bluegrass. A final thing that I want to learn is the history of Merlefest and what has made this festival popular.
My intended audience for my research is anyone who is interested in bluegrass music in North Carolina. The audience can get a little information on this annual festival and what kind of festival Merlefest actually is. My research is more for entertainment, so hopefully people can use the provided information or links to plan their own visit to Merlefest.
KEYWORDS:
UNC Library Catalog:
Country musicians AND North Carolina
Watson, Merle AND Festival
Bluegrass AND Music AND North Carolina
Doc Watson AND North Carolina
Academic Universe Lexis-Nexis:
Bluegrass AND Merle Watson
Merlefest
Merlefest AND North Carolina AND Bluegrass
Merle Watson AND Merlefest
Merlefest AND History
Doc Watson
Section II: UNC Library Sources
Two Print Sources:
Nicholas, Dawidoff. In the Country of Country: People and Places in American Music.
New York: Pantheon Books, 1997.
Call number: ML3524.D39 1997
Rosenberg, Neil V. Bluegrass: A History. Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 1985.
Call number: ML3520.R67 1985
Two Non-Print Sources:
Merle Watson Memorial Festival. produced and directed by Michael Sheehan. 120 min.
Wilkesboro, NC: North Carolina Public Television, 1992. Videocassette.
Call number: C784.4 M564m Location: NCC
Watson, Doc. Doc & Merle Watson’s Guitar Album. Chicago, Ill: Flying Fish, 1983.
Soundrecording.
Call number: FC- 6311
Section III: Electronic Databases
(2000, July 14). Festival in Doc Watson’s Honor Taking off like Merlefest. The Associated Press State & Local Wire [online], 449 words. Available: Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe [2002, February 2].
Wise, Jim. (1999, April 25). Merlefest Offers Music and More. Growing Festival Appeals to Broad Range of Tastes. The Herald-Sun [online], page H1 (1291 words). Available: Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe [2002, February 2].
Carson, Al. (1998, April 24). Merlefest Heaven for Bluegrass Music Lovers. The Herald-Sun [online], page 3 (929 words). Available: Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe [2002, February 2].
Waddell, R. (2001, January 27). Merlefest Embraces More Than Bluegrass. Billboard [online], 864 words. Available: Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe [2002, February 2].
Jameson, Tonya. (2001, April 23). Americana Goes Global: International Flavor Accents Merlefest. Knight-Ridder/ Tribune News Service [online], page K (734 words). Available: Infotrac [2002, February 4].
Overman, Ogi. (2000). Merlefest ’99 Tops Itself Yet Again. Bluegrass Unlimited [online], 34, pages 46-9. Available: Music Index [2002, February 2].
Section IV: Web Sources
Title of Web Page: Merlefest. An Americana Music Celebration.
Web Address: http://www.merlefest.org/homepage.htm
Brief Description: This site will tell the viewer anything he or she wants to know about Merlefest. One can find all kinds of useful information from the history to the musicians to the definition of Americana. One can also purchase tickets as well as find directions.
Web Source: Wilkes Communiity College
Title of Web Page: Doc Watson
Web Address: http://bluegrassguitar.com/DocWatson/docwatson.htm
Brief Description: This site is dedicated to the live of Doc Watson. One can read his bibliography, hear is music, and learn is playing techniques. There are links to other information related to Doc, such as Merlefest.
Web Source: Etherjazz Internet Service
Title of Web Page: Destination: Southern Music Festivals
Web Address: http://www.cnn.com/TRAVEL/DESTINATIONS/9704/southern.music.fest/merlefest.html
Brief Description: This site describes the atmosphere of Merlefest as a family atmosphere. The site gives details on the festival and what can be expected.
Web Source: CNN
Title of Web Page: The Merlefest
Web Address: http://www.wilkesnc.org/tourism/Tour/merlefest.htm
Brief Description: This site is about Merlefest held in Wilkesboro. One gets a feeling of Wilkesboro and other important features of this small town.
Web Source: Wilkes Chamber of Commerce
Title of Web Page: Festivals and Events
Web Address: http://www.ridgewayopry.com/events.htm
Brief Description: This site gives the viewer information on upcoming events and bluegrass festivals all over North Carolina.
Web Source: Ridgeway Opry
Mini Essay
Topic: Merlefest: A lot of blues and a lot of fun
Topic Area: The Merlefest Festival in Wilkesboro, North Carolina
Being a very popular festival in North Carolina, the awareness of the 15-year-old Merlefest continues to grow not only in the United States, but outside as well. The founder, Doc Watson, began Merlefest in 1987 in memory of his beloved son, Merle Watson, who passed away in a farm accident. Doc Watson and a few of his closest friends played on a bunch of flatbed trucks to an audience of 4,000 listeners. In 2000, the stage grew as well as the audience to about 65,000 people. (1)
What makes Merlefest stand out is that it is a festival for all kind of music and not just bluegrass although there is plenty to be heard. Many different genres of music influence the music of Doc Watson, and the same went for his son. Merlefest, therefore, is dedicated to bringing the audience everything from bluegrass music to Cajun music to old-time country music. Merlefest is popular for its jam sessions, which consist of the best musicians from different genres of music. Though these combinations of artists are not commonly seen or heard, most people consider the sound incredible and memorable. (2) The atmosphere is another quality that sets Merlefest apart from most concerts and festivals. The performers look like average people who act and talk like average people until their favorite instrument is placed into their hands. (3) Merlefest has a friendly and safe tone, which is inviting to families. The four-day festival is more than music with hundreds of craft booths and food from many different cultures. (2) The atmosphere also encourages amateur artists to play along and to be proud of their musical talents. (3) Anyone can follow his or her dream to be a musician, and they are warmly welcome, as well as their families, to play at Merlefest.
NOTES:
THREE WEB SITES:
Title of Web Page: Made in Americana
Web Address: http://www.indyweek.com/durham/2001-05-02/music.html
Brief Description: The site is about the Merlefest’s explosion of popularity over time.
Web Source: Durham Independent
Title of Web Page: History of Country Music: Bill Monroe and Bluegrass
Web Address: http://www.roughstock.com/history/bgrass.html
Brief Description: This site gives the viewer the roots of bluegrass music.
Web Source: Roughstock
Title of Web Page: The Grass is Growing
Web Address: http://www.spectatoronline.com/2001-12-13/vibes_feature.html
Brief Description: This site the growing popularity of bluegrass around the country
Web Source: Spectator Online
If you have anymore to add about Merlefest, email me!