Southerleigh Haute South is celebrating its first anniversary with birthday special. Photo: google
Southerleigh Haute South is celebrating its first anniversary on Thursday September 30 and are inviting guests to join in the celebration and enjoy a complimentary birthday cake float. This anniversary freebie will be open to guests all day, during dining hours, tomorrow at The Rim location until supplies last. (Southerleigh Haute South, 2021)
Throughout the month, guests can also enjoy Haute South’s Happy Hour specials, Monday through Friday, from 3p.m. to 6p.m.
Awarded the 2021 Best New Restaurant at the Culturemap Tastemaker Awards, Southerleigh Haute South offers an approachable atmosphere and memorable experience. In September 2020, Southerleigh Haute South became a part of Southerleigh Hospitality Group and opened its doors to the public. Inspired by Balfour’s Galveston upbringing, Southerleigh Haute South is a fast casual dining experience, with a twist on Gulf Coast-inspired southern comfort food.
Southerleigh Haute South 5822 Worth Parkway Suite 112 San Antonio, TX 78257 (210) 236-8556
Taste of the Dominion 2021 will take place October 7, 2021. Photo: google
After a one year hiatus, Taste of the Dominion, San Antonio’s favorite restaurant tasting, returns on Thursday, October 7, 2021 from 6p.m. to 9p.m. Sponsored and held annually at the exclusive Dominion Country Club, the event features more than 20 restaurants, alcohol tastings, and a silent auction – all benefitting the San Antonio Food Bank. (San Antonio Food Bank, 2021)
The event is a largely-outdoor event and is one of the few times non-members can visit the Club. Tickets for the event are going fast and available for $50 each.
Silent auction highlights include: · 5 days in a luxury 3-bedroom condominium in Beaver Creek, CO starting at $2,400 · Private wine class for 20 at Total Wines starting at $500 · Whataburger mixed basket with custom sneakers starting at $750 · Private dinner for 10 at Carrabba’s starting at $500 · A Night on the Town in Gruene (4) Gift Certificate Bundle: (Appetizers for 4 at Cantina Del Rio, Appetizers for 4 at Mozie’s, Dinner for 4 at the Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar, Admission for 4 to Gruene Hall, a $25 Gift Certificate from The Grapevine, and a $60 Gift Certificate from Cotton Eyed Joe’s.) starting at $295
Parking for guests is conveniently located next to the Dominion Country Club at Raymond Russell Park (free shuttle). Tickets will sell out so get yours soon.
Dominion Country Club 1 Dominion Drive San Antonio, TX 78257 (210) 698-3364
The San Antonio Food Bank is a 501c3 non-profit organization providing millions of pounds of food to over 530 charitable organizations in Southwest Texas serving those in need. In addition to food distribution, the San Antonio Food Bank provides numerous programs that not only solve the immediate problems of hunger, but help individuals and families gain long‐term food security.
Kineapple, a new smoothie concept, is now open at Pearl’s Bottling Department. Photo: Kineapple, used with permission.
Pearl is excited to announce the latest restaurant at the Bottling Department – Kineapple – a concept by Robby and Neesha Grubbs, the duo behind Local Coffee Founders, also originating at Pearl. The new concept is now open to the public. Kineapple offers a variety of fresh smoothies, healthy snacks, salads, coffee, and more. (Kineapple, 2021)
The team behind Kineapple wanted to create an ingredient-driven menu that is easy for customers to navigate. The menu is designed to make healthy eating accessible and delicious. Kineapple is committed to sourcing the best ingredients for its patrons, who can expect to see smoothies made with different modifiers like plant based protein, whey isolate, creatine, turmeric, collagen, blue majik, cold brew shot, and more. Guests can also pick up a Crunchy Kale Salad, Free Range Chicken Salad Sandwich, Kineapple Farm Bowl, Golden Overnight Oats, In-house Protein Bar, and more. In addition to smoothies and snacks, Kineapple also offers coffee from a rotating list of curated specialty coffee roasters.
Kineapple, whose tagline is “Leave Feeling Better,” is a concept that is near and dear to its founders’ hearts in more ways than one. The name pays homage to Robby and Neesha’s youngest son, who struggled to say “pineapple” as a child and instead pronounced the name of the fruit with a K instead of a P. The founders wanted the concept to incorporate a pineapple, but wanted it to feel personal and organic, so Kineapple felt like the perfect name for this venture.
“Kineapple is something that we’re looking forward to bringing to Pearl. We wanted to be able to bring high quality, healthy ingredients to the table without sacrificing taste and that’s what we’ve done here.” – Co-Founder Robby Grubbs
“Neesha and Robby are wonderful operators – innovative, engaged, and talented. We are thrilled their newest concept is coming to the Food Hall.” – Pearl’s Chief Marketing Officer Elizabeth Fauerso.
Kineapple’s hours of operation are 11a.m. to 8p.m. Monday through Friday and 9a.m. to 8p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The new concept is in the space formerly occupied by Bud’s Southern Rotisserie, located at 312 Pearl Pkwy Building 6, San Antonio, TX 78215.
Pearl is a dynamic neighborhood built around the historic Pearl Brewery, which operated from 1883 to 1999. Located just north of downtown San Antonio on the banks of the San Antonio River, it is home to architecturally significant buildings like the brewhouse and stable—both built in 1894—and numerous plazas. Today, Pearl is home to dozens of unique culinary concepts, one-of-a-kind retail, weekend markets, residential communities, innovative office tenants, the San Antonio campus of the Culinary Institute of America, and the award-winning Hotel Emma. Pearl is a vibrant district where community gathers to play, work, and live; it is a place where things are made and celebrated with purpose and sincerity. We invite all to gather and experience the best of what San Antonio has to offer.
Pinks on the Patio benefits Wings and moves to Friday nights in October. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Pinks on the Patio at La Cantera Resort & Spa is moving to Friday this year with themed events to Play up your Pink from 6p.m. to 9p.m. at Sire Bar on Plaza Saba. Pink is the symbolic color of breast cancer awareness as it symbolizes good health and playfulness. (La Cantera Resort & Spa, 2021)
Every Friday Evening, October 1-29, during the month of October, the La Cantera Family will be raising its glasses – and donations – to the efforts and actions of WINGS. Since its inception in 2017, Pinks on the Patio at La Cantera Resort has donated more than $21,000 to WINGS from the overall resort wide donation initiatives.
Pinks on the Patio themed Fridays will feature either live music or DJ Celina from 6p.m. to 9p.m. and cocktail and wine specials along with tasty snacks. Two dollars from each drink special will go back to WINGS. Resort beverage partners include Belvedere, Whispering Angel Rose, Rock Angel Rose, Moët Chandon, and Western Son Vodka.
Loma de Vida Spa & Wellness, Signature Restaurant and SweetFire Kitchen will all have Pink menu options to benefit the charity. Landscaping on Plaza San Saba just off the resort’s main lobby will have a rosy hue at dusk, as Pink LED lights bring focus to the Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Every Friday during the Month of October from 6p.m. to 9p.m.
October 1 All Things Pink, Anything Goes October 8 Pink Lipstick – matted, frosted or glossy October 15 Pink Hats ─ fascinators, chapeaus, any head embellishment with a Pink hue October 22 Fifty Shades of Pink! ─ scarves and feather boas October 29 Pink Masquerade ─ feathered, rhinestone or lace
Free ticketed event up to four (4) tickets per transaction at SquadUp, search Pinks on the Patio. Landscaping will cast a pink glow nightly through October.
La Cantera Resort & Spa – Plaza San Saba patio at Sire Bar 16641 La Cantera Parkway San Antonio, TX 78256 (210) 558-6500
WINGS mission is to bridge the gap between diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, providing comprehensive breast health services to women in Central and South Texas who are uninsured – because everyone deserves a lifetime.
Key Strengths • WINGS is the only program of its kind in the country providing this kind of support for women with breast cancer. • Provided support to over 900 South Texas women with breast cancer. • Provided over $12 Million in healthcare services to women with breast cancer. • Over 95 percent of the women treated through WINGS are still living, because of the program. • Since its inception in 1999, WINGS has seen five-year survival rates for the women it serves increase from zero (untreated breast cancer) to 100 percent for Stage I disease. • Received the Guidestar Gold Seal demonstrating a commitment to transparency. • Maintains an efficiency rating of 94 percent, which is above that of the average nonprofit organization.
Landscaping at La Cantera Resort & Spa will cast a pink glow nightly through October. Photo: La Cantera Resort & Spa, used with permission.
Whataburger’s Hatch Green Chile Bacon Burger. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.
Whataburger is bringing back its fan-favorite Hatch Green Chile Bacon Burger along with the all-new Whataburger Hatch Green Chile Bacon Chicken Sandwiches. The Whataburger Breakfast Burger has returned for its third time to offer fans a unique and hearty menu offering for those late-night and early morning cravings. (Whataburger, 2021)
The new Whataburger Chocolate Mint Shakeis the perfect cup to toast the change in weather and ring in the holidays. It is the perfect combination of the classic chocolate flavor that customers have grown to love from the brand, with the addition of mint. All items are available now for a limited time and prices vary by market.
Since 1950 when Harmon Dobson opened the first Whataburger as a small roadside burger stand in Corpus Christi, Whataburger has focuses on its fresh, made-to-order burgers and friendly customer service. Today, the company is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, with more than 850 locations across its 14-state footprint, and sales of more than $2.8 billion annually. Whataburger has 50,000 Family Members (employees) and more than 60 million customers who like to customize their Whataburgers just the way they like it.
Pearl’s Día de los Muertos community altar will be available to for the community to view and share memories of loved ones. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.
Pearl is excited to announce various programs and events happening on campus this fall. This coming season, Pearl will host initiatives, an herb festival, and is also collaborating with local artists to create a community altar to celebrate Día de los Muertos. (Pearl, 2021)
“Pearl enjoys bringing the San Antonio community together and is excited to keep those experiences going this year after we were unable to do so in 2020. Our programming this fall will showcase food, culture, and arts from around the city.” – Pearl’s Chief Operating Officer Mesha Milsap
The 2021 fall programming is as follows:
Pearl Farmers Market and Pollinator Appreciation Month – October 1 – October 31 Pearl will continue to host the Farmers Market on Saturdays from 9a.m. to 1p.m. and its Makers Market on Sundays from 10a.m. to 2p.m. throughout the fall season. Guests can shop local fresh produce and goods at the nationally recognized Farmers Market each weekend.
In recognition of Pollinator Appreciation Month in October, Pearl is partnering with the Texas Butterfly Ranch to highlight the role pollinators play in the local food ecosystem. Through showcasing products at Farmers Market, sharing digital content, and introducing special signage on property highlighting host plants, Pearl brings awareness to pollinators and their role in making so many things possible.
Herb Festival: Parsley – October 16 The market will also host the 30th Annual Herb Market on Saturday, October 16 from 9a.m. to 1p.m. and will feature specialty herbs and other items. The featured herb of the year is Parsley (Petroselinum). A cooking demonstration is scheduled from 12p.m. to 1p.m. showcasing herbs and how to cook with the herb of the year. There will be activities for adults and children alike, experts to ask gardening questions, and fresh samples to take home.
Día de los Muertos – October 30 through November 7 Pearl continues its annual tradition of celebrating Día de los Muertos (celebrated November 1-2), with a community altar created by local artists and sisters, Manola and Maria Ramirez. The sisters are part of the all-female collaborative space, Lavaca Studios. The altar is dedicated to the San Antonio community and their loved ones who have passed away. The artists will use ethereal elements in the space like cempasúchil (marigolds), papel picado, and strands of tinsel to give visitors the feeling that they are walking into a place of worship. The focal point will be a tinsel heart as the centerpiece of the altar. The altar will be available to the public to view and share remembrances of loved ones from October 30 through November 7. Visitors can participate by lighting a digital candle for their loved ones who have passed.
Pearl is a dynamic neighborhood built around the historic Pearl Brewery, which operated from 1883 to 1999. Located just north of downtown San Antonio on the banks of the San Antonio River, it is home to architecturally significant buildings like the brewhouse and stable—both built in 1894—and numerous plazas. Today, Pearl is home to dozens of unique culinary concepts, one-of-a-kind retail, weekend markets, residential communities, innovative office tenants, the San Antonio campus of the Culinary Institute of America, and the award-winning Hotel Emma. Pearl is a vibrant district where community gathers to play, work, and live; it is a place where things are made and celebrated with purpose and sincerity. We invite all to gather and experience the best of what San Antonio has to offer.
Starting this Sunday, Hopscotch guests can enjoy Salsa Sundays. Photo: Hopscotch, used with permission.
San Antonio’s popular immersive art gallery and lounge, Hopscotch, is bringing back Salsa Sundays just in time for fall. Every Sunday starting September 26, guests can visit Hopscotch to hear various live music acts. Latin Jazz artist Jose Amador will play at Hopscotch every other Sunday with his band NATIAO starting this weekend from 2p.m. to 5p.m. On alternating Sundays, guests will be able to hear live music from other groups and DJs. To stay up-to-date on the performance schedule, visitors can visit Hopscotch’s Instagram or new events page on their website. No cover or tickets needed. (Hopscotch, 2021)
El Remedio food truck will set up shop at Hopscotch – Starting in October, the popular local food truck El Remedio will be parked at Hopscotch’s patio from Thursdays through Sundays during Hopscotch’s regular hours. Guests can stop by the lounge and patio to grab a cocktail from the bar and try out some of El Remedio’s Instagram-worthy grub, like their Birria Tacos, Birria Ramen, Ceviche, and more. The truck, which has more than 55,000 Instagram followers, has quickly become a staple in the San Antonio food truck scene.
Southtown Vinyl Saturdays – DJ Freeverse / Southtown Vinyl will have a residency at Hopscotch and will spin every Saturday night in the lounge from 7p.m. to 10p.m. DJ Freeverse will also host a pop up shop each week with a small selection of unique vinyl for sale during his sets. There is no cover to attend.
Travis Park Plaza 711 Navarro, Suite 100 San Antonio, TX 78205
Salsa Sundays start this Sunday, September 26 and continue every week indefinitely from 2p.m. to 5p.m. El Remedio to start service at Hopscotch sometime in October and be open until sell out during
Hopscotch’s operating hours, which are as follows: Thursday, Friday & Sunday: Noon – 10p.m. Saturday: 11a.m. – 11p.m.
Southtown Vinyl Saturdays start this Saturday, September 25 and continue indefinitely from 7p.m. to 10p.m.
PARKING: Three-hour validated parking is discounted to $4 for all Hopscotch guests who park in the Travis Park Plaza Garage, which is adjacent to Hopscotch.
Hopscotch is an immersive and experiential brand that brings together artists in collaborative environments to create distinctive shared experiences. Co-founded by entrepreneurs Nicole Jensen and Hunter Inman, Hopscotch provides distinct experiences through the curation of local-centric, immersive, and experiential art. Hopscotch creates platforms for local, national and international artists to experiment with a wide spectrum of mediums and technology. Hopscotch’s aim is to elicit a sense of joy and wonder in the curated spaces, where guests may explore beyond their day to day reality. Hopscotch strongly believes in cultivating lasting relationships and cooperation with artists and their local communities. #LetsHopscotch
Elijah Malcomb, Joseph Morales, Kyle Scatliffe, Fergie L. Philippe and Company. Photo: Joan Marcus, used with permission.
Producer Jeffrey Seller and North Park Lexus Broadway In San Antonio announced yesterday that single tickets for ‘Hamilton’ will go on sale to the public on Thursday, September 23rd at 10a.m. online through the Majestic Theatre, Broadway in San Antonio, or in person at the Majestic Theatre Box Office. Tickets will be available for performances January 5 – 16, 2022. The San Antonio engagement of ‘Hamilton’ is presented by arrangement with North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio and is a subscription offering of the 2021-2022 Series. (Majestic Theatre, 2021)
There is a maximum purchase limit of eight (8) tickets per account for the engagement. When tickets go on sale, prices will range from $49 to $179 with a select number of premium seats available from $249 for all performances. There will be a lottery for forty $10 seats for all performances. Details will be announced closer to the engagement. Jeffrey Seller notes, “It’s tempting to get tickets any way you can. There are many sites and people who are selling overpriced, and in some cases, fraudulent tickets. For the best seats, the best prices and to eliminate the risk of counterfeit tickets, all purchases for the San Antonio engagement should be made through [the Majestic Theatre or Broadway in San Antonio.]”
‘Hamilton’ is the story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, ‘Hamilton’ has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre—a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education.
With book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, ‘Hamilton’ is based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography. It has won Tony®, Grammy®, and Olivier Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and an unprecedented special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors. The ‘Hamilton’ creative team previously collaborated on the Tony Award®-Winning Best Musical In the Heights. ‘Hamilton’ features scenic design by David Korins, costume design by Paul Tazewell, lighting design by Howell Binkley, sound design by Nevin Steinberg, hair and wig design by Charles G. LaPointe, casting by Telsey + Company, Bethany Knox, CSA, and General Management by Baseline Theatrical. The musical is produced by Jeffrey Seller, Sander Jacobs, Jill Furman and The Public Theater.
The ‘Hamilton’ Original Broadway Cast Recording is available everywhere nationwide. The ‘Hamilton’ recording received a 2016 Grammy for Best Musical Theatre Album.
Limatus Bespoke will open in October at the Pearl’s Oxbow Building. Photo: Josh Huskin, used with permission.
Pearl is excited to announce that San Antonio-based custom clothing company, Limatus Bespoke, will be opening up shop at the new Oxbow building at Pearl. Limatus Bespoke’s 1,500 square foot space will officially open to the public on Saturday, October 16, 2021. (Limatus Bespoke, 2021)
Devin Castleton started Limatus Bespoke in 2000 after he developed an appreciation for custom clothing while living abroad. Limatus is a Latin word meaning “refined” and bespoke refers to clothing made from scratch. The custom clothier makes suits, shirts, pants, jackets, vests, coats, and skirts according to the customer’s precise measurements. Limatus Bespoke works with the client to create a personalized style and fit that is unique to them.
“When we started Limatus Bespoke, we did it with a very direct intent to build a company that did not solely focus on the bottom line, but could promote our values like expressing individuality and creativity, supporting and championing other local businesses that build our community, and ultimately add to the character of San Antonio. Pearl aligns with our values and we are fortunate to be part of the community and thrilled to begin our next chapter.” – Limatus Bespoke Founder Devin Castleton.
“We are thrilled to welcome Limatus Bespoke to Pearl. The team behind the brand embodies exceptional service, top-quality fabrics and craftsmanship, and the unique experience of custom tailoring. They are a wonderful fit and we’re honored to have them as our neighbors.” – Pearl Chief Marketing Officer Elizabeth Fauerso.
Limatus Bespoke uses high quality fabrics from mills like Ermenegildo Zegna, Loro Piana, Holland & Sherry, and more and the company has dressed notable San Antonians like Doc Watkins, Chef Steve McHugh, Jenna Saucedo Hererra, The Bachelorette contestant Mike Johnson, and more. Limatus Bespoke will be open Mondays through Saturdays from 10a.m. to 6p.m. and Sundays from 12p.m. to 5p.m. at 1803 Broadway Street, Suite 106, San Antonio, Texas 78215.
Pearl is a dynamic neighborhood built around the historic Pearl Brewery, which operated from 1883 to 1999. Located just north of downtown San Antonio on the banks of the San Antonio River, it is home to architecturally significant buildings like the brewhouse and stable—both built in 1894—and numerous plazas. Today, Pearl is home to dozens of unique culinary concepts, one-of-a-kind retail, weekend markets, residential communities, innovative office tenants, the San Antonio campus of the Culinary Institute of America, and the award-winning Hotel Emma. Pearl is a vibrant district where community gathers to play, work, and live; it is a place where things are made and celebrated with purpose and sincerity. We invite all to gather and experience the best of what San Antonio has to offer.
Limatus Bespoke is an experience-based custom clothing company in San Antonio, Texas. Clients choose the fabric, fit, and design of their clothing and every piece is hand-measured and tailored to fit each person’s body perfectly. Limatus Bespoke prides itself on customer service in a relaxed collaborative environment. With each private appointment, their designers collaborate with clients to discover their personal style and create clothing that speaks to their personality. For more information or to book a private appointment, visit Limatus Bespoke.
Jody Carroll performed at this year’s MerleFest. Photo: Jim Gavenus, used with permission.
MerleFest, presented by Window World, has officially ended, but not without several unforgettable collaborations, spontaneous sit-ins, and world-class performances at North Carolina’s beloved festival. Tedeschi Trucks Band, Sturgill Simpson, and Mavis Staples all brought extra MerleFest energy to the Watson Stage over the course of the weekend. MerleFest, held on the campus of Wilkes Community College, is the primary fundraiser for the WCC Foundation, which funds scholarships, capital projects, and other educational needs. MerleFest will return to its usual spring weekend in 2022, April 28 to May 1. (MerleFest, 2021)
“Once again I want to thank all of our MerleFest family—artists, volunteers, staff, and fans—for their patience and support as we worked together to put on a safe and enjoyable festival that spotlighted the very best in roots-plus music. We’ve had a wonderful weekend and we look forward to seeing everyone’s smiling faces again in seven short months when MerleFest returns to its usual April weekend in 2022.” – Festival Director Ted Hagaman
The following are just a few of the weekend’s highlights. Thursday: The raucous Po’ Ramblin’ Boys’ set on the Watson Stage kicked off the twice-postponed MerleFest. Los Texmaniacs joined Peter Rowan’s Free Mexican Airforce for a crossover set for the ages. Closing out the night on the Watson Stage were arguably the reigning queen and king of outlaw country, Margo Price and Sturgill Simpson. Simpson performed with his new bluegrass band which consisted of his longtime drummer Miles Miller, Tim O’Brien, Stuart Duncan, Mike Bub, Mark Howard, and Elmer Burchett. Over the course of ninety minutes, Simpson revisited his wildly popular catalog of songs in this new string band format much to the delight of day one festival-goers.
Friday: With programming on all twelve of MerleFest’s diverse stages, Friday found the festival firing on all cylinders. Highlights included a genre-melding set from Joe Troop of Che Apalache, Sierra Ferrell’s much talked about Watson Stage MerleFest debut, a Scythian-fueled late night party at the Dance Stage, and a grand return of Derek Trucks’ and Susan Tedeschi’s Tedeschi Trucks Band—playing only their second show back in the saddle with the full twelve-piece band. The TTB classic “Midnight In Harlem” followed a hair-raising version of Bobby “Blue” Bland’s “I Pity The Fool” to close out Friday’s main-stage programming to much delight from fans, new and old.
MerleFest’s 2020 & 2021 Chris Austin Songwriting Contest winners (full list below) were announced on Friday. After nearly 30 years, CASC is ending, and long-time contest coordinator and host, Jim Lauderdale, was honored Saturday for his over twenty years of shared expertise, enthusiasm, and engagement.
2020 MerleFest’s Chris Austin Songwriting Contest
First Place Winners
Gospel/Inspirational – Mark Atkinson (Charleston, W.Va.) – “Home”
Country – Sarah Jane Nelson (Nashville, Tenn.), Kenny Foster (Nashville, Tenn.) – “Sins of the Father”
General – Jomo Edwards (Austin, Texas) – “You Need It”
2021 MerleFest’s Chris Austin Songwriting Contest
First Place Winners
Gospel/Inspirational – Daniel Davis (Bristol, Va.) – “Dear Lord”
Country – Ian Meadows (Higganum, Conn.), Dustin Meadows (Old Saybrook, Conn.) – “Trouble”
Bluegrass – Andrew Small (Floyd, Va.) – “Yesterday’s Blues”
General – Shay Martin Lovette (Boone, N.C.) – “For Rose Marie”
Saturday: The Waybacks delighted music fans by honoring the late great John Prine, playing his self-titled album from front to back. MerleFest favorite Sam Bush joined the band, as did Jim Lauderdale and members of Shinyribs and Barefoot Movement. Watson Stage headliners Shovels & Rope had fans on their feet, dancing into the night with their own blend of low country Americana. Afterward, Shinyribs hosted the annual Late Night Jam. Themed “Gulf Breeze: Songs of the Third Coast,” the after-hours concert featured a rotating cast of all-star artists, entertaining music fans into the wee hours of Sunday morning.
Sunday: The morning kicked off with a special performance from the Band Contest Winner, Into The Fog. Tupelo, Mississippi-based Paul Thorn took music fans to church with MerleFest’s annual Gospel Hour at the Creekside Stage. Midday, Oh Boy Records recording artist Kelsey Waldon sang her truth on the Cabin Stage and Mavis Staples rocked the Watson Stage with her classic mix of gospel and rock ‘n roll. Speaking of rock ‘n roll, rock royalty Melissa Etheridge closed the festival and brought music fans to their feet for the final set of the weekend.
MerleFest was founded in 1988 in memory of the son of the late American music legend Doc Watson, renowned guitarist Eddy Merle Watson. MerleFest is a celebration of “traditional plus” music, a unique mix of traditional, roots-oriented sounds of the Appalachian region, including old-time, classic country, bluegrass, folk and gospel, and blues, and expanded to include Americana, classic rock, and many other styles. The festival hosts a diverse mix of artists on its thirteen stages during the multi-day event. MerleFest is the primary fundraiser for the WCC Foundation, funding scholarships, capital projects, and other educational needs.
SA Examiner 