It's almost time for Merlefest, the great Americana music festival held each year in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Wilkesboro, NC. We'll be going up for the entire festival. IT runs from April 24 through the 27th this year. If you've never been, and you like American roots music, you must make the pilgrammage at leat once. We'll be renting a cabin just down the road near the Parkway. I don't know how to explain the effect of this event on me. Debbie might be able to explain it better than I. It's a kind of salve for the soul, a spiritual adventure...not so intense as the gatherings held by the early Christians or by the Muslims who gather each year in Mecca. But still, there is something about it that heals and redeems... something that quickens the pulse and thrills the heart. I've included a photo here of Gillian Welch and DAvid Rawlings at the Watson Stage in 2006. Their harmonies are always enthralling and often haunting. If you think the festival is all about Bluegrass, think again. It's a great gumbo, as evidenced by the appearance last year of Elvis Costello. The year before that, Bob Weir of the Dead took the main stage, along with an eclectic California band called the Waybacks. This year, Levon Helm of the BAnd will headline on Saturday night. That's close to heaven!

Anyway, there's also a shot of my wife here with the cabel cars, and I have no idea what that has to do with this music. Anyway, she likes Bluegrass and roots music about as much as I do. Just wish we could play it better!