Concert Reviews Archives

MerleFest Concludes 2025 Festival; NC Governor Josh Stein Makes Special Appearance

April 29, 2025 MerleFest, presented by Window World, wrapped up its 37th annual celebration with a romp-roaring tribute to the music and community that folk icon Doc Watson championed throughout his life. Over the course of four vibrant days, nearly one hundred acts ranging from rising stars to seasoned legends graced a dozen stages across the campus of Wilkes Community College, drawing thousands to the rolling hills that canvas the region. Founded in 1988, MerleFest has grown into not only a musical cornerstone of North Carolina but also a vital economic engine for the area, fueling scholarships, capital improvements, and educational programs throughout the community. The 2025 edition continued that legacy, blending genre-defying performances with a deep sense of purpose rooted in place and people.

January 14, 2025. FLOYD, VA — Writing that “FloydFest has set a standard for thriving independent music festivals by annually bringing a devoted crowd back to a scenic site in southwest Virginia for a carefully curated, eclectic lineup of roots music,” Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine once-again named FloydFest ‘Best Music Festival’ in its ‘Best of the Blue Ridge 2025’ earlier this month. “It’s a big deal to us to win this award again, especially in a region rich in world-class events and creatives,” said Sam Calhoun, FloydFest co-owner and chief operating officer. “Congrats to all of the honorees, and a special shoutout to the myriad Floyd-based businesses who also took home top honors, including Floyd Country Store, Red Rooster, Chateau Morrisette, Hotel Floyd and Buffalo Mountain Ziplines.”

Mipso and Opening Act Kate Rhudy Give Legends Crowd Another Exciting Night of Music

Apr. 25, 2016. I can’t say that I was surprised to see Mipso’s huge crowd when I walked through the doors at Legends. Like the band’s August show at the venue, fans of the “renegade traditionalists” excitedly packed the floor. This time, fans had the pleasure of seeing folky opening act Kate Rhudy before Mipso took the stage. By Bailey Faulkner – Photos Courtesy of Logan Hall

The Mantras Thrill the High Country with Another Sensational Night at Boone Saloon

Apr. 22, 2016. Walking through the doors and seeing the band’s sound and light equipment, I knew that The Mantras were about to kick off an unforgettable night of music. Having never seen the band live, I couldn’t wait for Greensboro’s most exciting “jam machine” to take the stage. By Bailey Faulkner – Photos by Kendall Bailey Atwater

Concert Review: Pigeons Playing Ping Pong at The Local: How I Became Part of ‘The Flock’

March 9, 2016. Throughout the night, I kept losing myself in the music. As I danced and looked around the venue, I would catch myself being totally mesmerized by one member at a time. The band truly has an ability that sets amazing bands apart from “good” bands: each member puts on a show of his own while simultaneously meshing with the others to make the tightest, most groovy sound that any band could ever dream of achieving. If you’ve never heard of Pigeons Playing Ping Pong and I haven’t won you over with my experience, check out the band’s music or, even better, catch the group live as soon as you can. If you have a set of ears, you’d be doing yourself a disservice not to become PPPP’s next fan! By Bailey Faulkner. Photos by Tim Hubert.