MerleFest 2010 Day 2 and 3

Saturday and Sunday were Day 2 and 3 of MerleFest for us. Virginia came with us again on Saturday. She was loving the Little Pickers' area. We explored the kids area a little more on Saturday. Virginia's favorite part was the huge sand box that all the kids were in playing. Mom, I had to just forget the story you told me. I think a sand box is in our near future. The whole day if Virginia got cranky we just took her to the sand box and she was happy again. I did witness my first experience of big kids taking Virginia's toys in the sandbox. Virginia was a champ and didn't care. She just kept digging and playing.

We listened to a lot more bands on Saturday. I think the highlight was getting to see Steve Martin perform. Yep, you heard me right; Steve Martin, the actor, is also a banjo player. I was very surprised how well he did. He was super entertaining and made us all laugh. I was sad that we didn't get to see Elvis Costello since he didn't come on til well after 9:30 p.m. Virginia held in as long as she could but we had to call it a night at 9:00 p.m.

Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers

Sunday, we dropped Virginia off at Grandma and Grandpa Hilderbrand's house. I am so glad Virginia didn't come with us Sunday because it was so hot. I thought I was going to melt into my chair. The whole day there was hardly any shade or breeze. I believe almost everyone was really burned or walked out a lot more tan then they walked in.

Since we didn't have Virginia we were able to enjoy a lot more bands. First up was Jim Avett, The Avett Brother's father. He did great and sounded a lot better then when we heard him at The Muse. I believe that the band that was with him at MerleFest sounded a lot better.

Jim Avett

After Jim we headed over to the main stage to listen to Scythian. They were high energy and had the whole crowd up on their feet dancing.

Scythian... http://www.scythianmusic.com/

After them was another band on the smaller stage playing as they got the main stage ready for the next act.                .

Dehlia Low, http://www.dehlialow.com/

The Lee Boys and the Travelin' McCourys were a mixture of bands and they were amazing. I even found myself up and dancing. I even started to wave my hand up in the air. The main singer was a trip. He was dancing and waving his hand. He was jamming and he sounded great. I believe they were my second favorite band of the weekend. I also enjoyed WPA. They were a more smooth sounding band. But they still pleased my ears.

The Lee Boys and The Travelin’ McCourys 

Works Progress Administration (W.P.A.)

Luke Bulla (Lyle Lovett's Big Band), Sean Watkins (Nickel Creek) and Glen Phillips (Toad the Wet Sprocket) plus an ensemble of others that changes from time to time.

Glenn Phillips

Then, drum roll please......The Avett Brothers hit the stage. Everywhere you looked you saw heads and people shouting and dancing. The concert was a blast. Even though I was burned and tired from standing and dancing in the sun all day, I still found energy to jump, dance, and shout for my boys!

After the concert, we walked around to the side where all the tour buses were. We saw Bob from the Avett Brothers talking to some of the fans. Unfortunately, it was fenced in. But a few of us stood behind the fence hoping they would come over. To much delight, Joe, Scott, and Seth came over and talked to us. Bob had his baby girl in the bus so he didn't come back out.

We got pictures and handshakes from Joe, Scott, and Seth. I believe I looked like a giddy teenage girl when Scott came over and talked to us. I may never wash my hand again. I didn't stop smiling the whole way home.

The weekend was great and we will definetly be marking our calendar for next year's Merlefest!

Scott Avett (aka my boyfriend)

Seth Avett

Joe Kwon

Also all the great photos were taken by Reiggin Hilderbrand!