Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Avetts added to Merlefest lineup

Those craving another North Carolina Avett Brothers show after the band's New Year's Eve in Raleigh may want to pick up Merlefest tickets. The Concord-based band announced today that it will return to the four-day Wilkesboro roots music festival Saturday, April 25.

Merlefest also announced the addition of the Earls of Leicester, who play Friday. The Avetts join Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn, Hot Rize, Lee Ann Womack, North Mississippi All Stars, Del McCoury Band, Marshall Tucker Band, Robert Earl Keen, Sam Bush Band, Bruce Robison and Kelly Willis and a slew of others. The entire lineup is available here.

The Avetts, who have closed out Merlefest in previous years, have a strong connection to the festival. Seth Avett in particular has spoken often about attending the festival as a teenager and Doc Watson's influence and generosity.

The Avetts also announced Tuesday that it will play alongside a completely different lineup of bands at Bottlerock in Napa Valley. It will share the stage with No Doubt, Imagine Dragons, Robert Plant and Foster the People - which certainly speaks to the band's versatile appeal.

Tickets are available for Merlefest here.