Tony Rice, Sam Bush, Mark O'Connor, Bela Fleck, Jerry Douglas, John Cowan

[JimmyDeLocke]

Was Merlefest ever this small? Were these guys ever this young?

[FreshPowderInCO]

I went to the Telluride Bluegrass Fest back around '80. Sam & Bela, Tony Rice, JD, Doc & Merle. Everybody had their own bands and then sat in with everybody else's band. It was an IMPRESSIVE display of talented musicians! Not too crowded either. You could walk right to the front of the stage if you wanted to. This reminds me a little of that..

[JimmyDeLocke]

WOW was MerleFest ever that small?? The good old days for sure . . .

[billwot]

@JimmyDeLocke

Yup, it was that small I was there. And it was cheap, too. Seems like a 2 day pass was $15. Went to Merlefest every year from '88 to 2000.

[WyattD18]

I was there.....before Merlefest became "Woodstock Jr.". Haven't been back since 1993. This was the best of the best!

[HectorHeadgear]

Somone give John Cowan a microphone before he knocks sam bush over!

[tfutaba9248]

Jerry is forgotten...?

[BATENKILL]

@tfutaba9248 Flux is never forgotten he's is like Chuck Norris check out that lick at 1:10!

[tfutaba9248]

Douglas is forgotten...?

[MrJsizemore]

Keep it like this..!! Timeless !!

[BluegrassPhil]

As usual, Sam at his best !!!

[berCarBel]

@BluegrassPhil no, Tony Rice

[trkcop]

Was that David Grisman in the audience at the 2:04 mark?? He was probably thinking that he wanted to get the Quintet back together!! Seriously though, O'Conner is the best musician on the stage!!

[TruegrassBoy]

Very cool video. Bluegrass is so great!

[theguitarchi]

I would have to disagree with the comment, that Merlefest has become a ****hole. It has merely evolved into a more commercial event that has raised considerable funds to benefit Wilkesboro and the local economy. Not to mention has intoduced music lovers to some some local, national and international musicians, that might not otherwise get recognition. It remains to be a fun, family-friendly event.

Thank you Merlefest organizers for all of your efforts, and keep up the good work.

[489177]

Super post, thanks.

[DrymillRoad]

Merlefest has become a shit hole since then

[DrymillRoad]

not the mid 80's it was 1989

[SamuelBush]

Ragin'. Out of control ragin'!



[BATENKILL]

Son Flux killed it!

[greekflatpicker]

I like John Cowan's haircut! LOL

[guitarice]

Want to thank you for the video. Great musicians. Love Tony's tone.