Susan and I arrived early to open the WDVX booth and plan our day.  Roy Book Binder at the Americana Stage, Scythian at the Watson Stage, followed by Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives and Alison Krauss and Union Station.  That should make a full day.

Washington, D.C., based Scythian has become a favorite at MerleFest for their kicked up Celtic adrenaline music.  They kept the audience on its feet from beginning to end - closing with a cover of "Those Were the Days."

Scythian performs on the Watson Stage.

After leaving the Watson Stage area for a break, we stopped by to see Turtle Old Man at his booth.  He makes exquisite jewelry from fossils and gemstones.  

Tuttle Old Man (Jim Rice) from Boone weaves silver wire through polished stone.

Next up on the Watson Stage - Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives.

Marty Stuart

We wrapped up our musical weekend with the first half of Alison Krauss's set.

Alison Krauss

Susan and I returned to the WDVX booth to get ready to close and tear down once the crowd had left.  Anna, Josh, and Drew had already taken inventory and done what preliminary work could be done, so we sat and listened to the music coming from the Watson Stage.  By the time that the music ended with a final tribute to Merle, fans were headed for the exit, without a lot of interest in stopping to visit.

Oh, and after seven years, I'm still trying to catch up to Roy Book Binder.  Due to a schedule mixup, Susan and I had to stay in the booth while Roy was doing his final set for the weekend.  Maybe next year.

Thanks and deepest gratitude to Susan, Drew, Anna, Josh, and the other volunteers who helped staff the WDVX booth.  Thanks too to Jonathan Maness for the planning and preparation for MerleFest.  With luck, he'll be able to join us next year.