Tenille Townesįresh off the release of her Masquerades EP, Nashville-by-way-of-Canada country artist Tenille Townes brought a mix of stripped-back and fiery pop-country to her inaugural Merlefest appearance. With Ukrainian flags waving in the crowd the band led attendees in singing the song's chorus capped off by the phrase “Na Zdorovie!” meaning “to health,” something that we all wish the best of for those still back in Ukraine fighting off the ongoing Russian invasion. One of the most special moments from their busy weekend came during a Friday afternoon set on the Watson Stage when they led the audience in a sing-a-long of “Motherland,” a song about The Ukraine, where brothers and band leaders Danylo and Alexander Fedoryka’s parents immigrated from during World War II. The band’s shows were by far the most energetic of the entire weekend, with the group constantly hopping around on stage and getting the crowds to dance in unison with them.
Despite the frequency of their shows, fans packed in tightly to see each one. Merlefest veterans Scythian were hard at work throughout the weekend, playing six sets across three of the festival’s four days. The joyous reunion didn’t disappoint, with Russell and company tackling hits from her critically acclaimed debut album Outside Child like “Persephone” and “Nightflyer” along with favorites from her time with her other projects like Our Native Daughters’ “You’re Not Alone.” Russell’s music radiates with eternal beauty despite many fof the songs on her new album centering around the sexual abuse and homelessness she experienced as a young child and teenager, showing that even in the darkest times there’s reason to hope and dream. Perhaps the most heavenly set of the entire weekend came from Grammy-nominated star Allison Russell, who was joined by an all-star band consisting of Joy Clark, Megan McCormick and Chauntee Ross of SistaStrings for the first time since early April when they performed together during the Grammy’s. They ran with the opportunity and didn’t disappoint, ripping through poetic originals “Carolina Home” and “Blue Ridge Windowsill” that illustrate his adoration for his home state along with a cover of Doc Watson’s “Momma Don’t Allow No Music,” the latter of which brought the crowd to its feet. based group got the opportunity to kick off the festival’s final day after band competition winners The Burnett Sisters Band & Colin Ray were unable to make their spotlight set. The group, led by singer-songwriter Isaac Gibson, sampled several songs from the record including moonshine making ditty “Hillbilly Daydream,” bar-busting ballad “Last Call” and breakup saga “Second Chance.” Interspersed between them were older fan favorites like “Hayes, Kansas,” “Chemistry” and rollicking set closer “Long Hard Life.” Will Easter & The NomadsĪ runner-up in the festival’s band competition, Will Easter & The Nomads floored early arrivers to the Hillside Stage on day four of the event with an upbeat mix of country, rock and bluegrass music. On the cusp of releasing Fortune Favors The Bold - their first album on New West Records, due out on May 13 - Southwest Virginia’s 49 Winchester made a splash in their MerleFest debut with a soulful blend of Appalachian rock and roll.
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