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Doc & Rosa Lee Watson MusicFest ‘n Sugar Grove July 12-13 to Honor the Late, Great Musician

by Madison V. Fisler

July 12, 2013. Doc Watson, who always called himself “just one of the people” and his wife Rosa Lee Watson, will be forever remembered in the hearts of High Country locals and fans of quality music everywhere. His unique style of guitar, distinctive voice and beloved demeanor made him an icon of this area. 

269412_10150237642571312_117586981311_7373897_2880297_nThis year, the Doc and Rosa Lee Watson MusicFest ‘n Sugar Grove is scheduled for July 12-13, to honor the late, great musician and his wife and life companion, Rosa Lee who, since the festival’s inception in 1997, was an integral player in the Music Fest. The music fest will be held at Historic Cove Creek School in Sugar Grove.

This music festival showcases bluegrass and Appalachian music, keeping the distinct heritage of Appalachia alive. This event is always family friendly, and it a great way to spend time with loved ones, listening to great music and meeting up with old friends. The gates open on Friday at 10 a.m.

earthday_6-200x300The event consists of two stages which will have acts performing for the entirety of the festival. The acts performing on the main stage will begin at noon on Friday, while the performances on the Solar Stage commence at 1 p.m.

The Solar Stage is powered by “Daisy”, provided by the Department of Technology and Environmental Design at Appalachian State University. Daisy is a miniature home that collects solar and wind power which is then utilized to provide the power to run the Solar Stage. Daisy has been used at the music festival since 2007 to help reduce the amount of energy consumed at the event and also to teach people who attend the event about alternative energies that can be used as power sources. It is part of an ongoing goal to make Music Fest a sustainable event. 

The music line ups for both stages are as follows:

Friday, July 12

Main Stage:

  • 10 a.m. – Gates open
  • 12:00-12:30 – Opening ceremony
  • 1:00-1:40 – Made of Suede
  • 1:50-2:30 – The Major Sevens
  • 2:40-3:20 – The New River Boys
  • 3:30 – 4:10 – Upright ‘N Breathin’
  • 4:20-5:00 – Blue Horizon
  • 5:10-5:50 – Amantha Mill
  • 6:00-6:45 – White Top Mountain Band
  • 7:00-7:45 – Jim Avett
  • 8:00-8:45 – Carolina Crossing
  • 9:00-9:45 – The Kruger Brothers
  • 9:45 until … – Doc & Rosa Lee Watson Memorial Jam 

Solar Stage:

  • 1:00-1:35 – Laurel Creek Trail
  • 1:45-2:20 – Dusty Road Rangers
  • 2:30-3:05 – Brian Swanson
  • 3:15-3:50 – He Said…She Said…
  • 4:00-4:35 – Ashley Heath & Kevin Reese
  • 4:45-5:20 – The Blue Ribbon Boys
  • 5:30-6:05 – Spirit Fiddle
  • 6:15-6:50 – Mountain Laurels
  • 7:00-7:45 – Vudu Sister

Saturday, July 13

Main Stage:

  • 10:00-10:45 – The New River Boys
  • 10:50-11:30 – Carolina Crossing
  • 11:40-12:20 – Amantha Mill
  • 12:30-1:10 – Jim Avett
  • 1:20-2:00 – Spirit Fiddle
  • 2:10-2:50 – Slice of Bluegrass
  • 3:00-3:40 – The Snyder Family
  • 4:00-5:30 – Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver
  • 5:45-6:30 – Sons of Bluegrass
  • 6:45-7:15 – Charles Welch Tribute to Doc and Rosa Lee Watson
  • 7:15-8:15 – The Kruger Brothers
  • 8:30-10:00 – The Carolina Chocolate Drops
  • 10:00 until… – Doc and Rosa Lee Watson Memorial Jam

Solar Stage:

  • 11:00-11:35 – Folk & Dagger
  • 11:45-12:20 – Brian Swanson
  • 12:30-1:05 – Dashboard Hula Boys
  • 1:15-1:50 – He Said…She Said…
  • 2:00-2:35 – ETSU Country Pride Band
  • 2:45-3:20 – Ashley Heath & Kevin Reese
  • 3:30-4:05 – Sweetbriar Jam
  • 4:15-4:50 – Vudu Sister 
  • 5:00-5:35 – Blue Horizon
  • 5:45-6:20 – Upright ‘N Breathin’
  • 7:15-8:00 – Made of Suede

Advance tickets for the festival can be purchased at Boone Drug-Deerfield, the Mast General Store in Boone and in Valle Crucis, Cove Creek Store in Sugar Grove, Historic Cove Creek High School, Boone Drug-Foscoe, Ashe Arts Countil in West Jefferson and the Welcome Center in Mountain City. Tickets can also be purchased online here. Two day reserved tickets are $55 each, Friday passes are $15 and Saturday passes are $20.

Tickets will also be available at the gate for $20 for a Friday pass and $25 on Saturday.