MerleFest [ tickets ] 2009, which will be held April 23-26 on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, NC, will feature host Doc Watson [ tickets ] joined by numerous "traditional-plus," roots-oriented artists including Emmylou Harris [ tickets ], BeauSoleil, The Del McCoury Band and Rory Block [ tickets ].

Now heading into its 22nd year, MerleFest is a four-day event that honors the memory of instrumental virtuoso Eddy Merle Watson and the contributions of Doc Watson and the entire Watson Family to the musical traditions of the region and nation, according to a press release. The event began as a fundraiser for Wilkes Community College and remains the largest fundraiser for the institution.