The Avett Brothers have been added to the schedule for Merlefest 2013.
The Concord-based band will play Sunday, April 28, the last day of the four-day festival that is an annual homecoming of musicians and music fans that starts April 25 on the campus of Wilkes Community College.
Rolling Stone calls the Avett Brothers “the best Pop band in the Alt-Country corral.” The Avett Brothers are Seth Avett (guitar, percussion), Scott Avett (banjo, percussion) and Bob Crawford (vocals, bass). The indie folk-pop group received rave reviews for their 2009 breakthrough major-label debut, “I and Love and You,” and continue to win over fans and critics with their latest release, 2012’s brilliant, complex “The Carpenter,” nominated for a Grammy Award.
The Avett Brothers first performed at MerleFest in 2004, and have been one of the most requested performers in the festival’s history. Just as many fans compare MerleFest to a family reunion, that comparison may be truth for the Avetts; their dad, Jim Avett, will perform some of his beloved gospel favorites during the Gospel Hour on Sunday morning on the Creekside Stage.
“Many artists have come to MerleFest through the years. The Avetts first appeared on the lineup before they had gained world-wide fame,” says Ted Hagaman, festival director. “Our audience loved them and we could see there was something special about this group. It’s been great to watch how their careers have blossomed through the years. Weąve been pleased to have them back a few times since that first appearance, and it is something that our fans look forward to each time. We’re pleased that they will be joining us in April to close out the festival on Sunday afternoon.”
Tickets for MerleFest 2013 can be purchased at www.merlefest.org or by calling 1-800-343-7857. An early bird ticket discount is available through March 10, 2013. Additional details about this year’s festival lineup and other MerleFest information can also be found at the website.