Merlefest 2025 in Photos
Venue: Wilkes Community College, Wilkesboro, North Carolina
Merlefest 2025 was a truly unforgettable celebration, solidifying its reputation as one of the Carolinas’ premier music festivals. This year’s lineup was a testament to the power of music, featuring the Canadian Bluegrass group The Dead South, North Carolina’s own the Avett Brothers, the incomparable blues-country rocker Bonnie Raitt, and closing out the festival- the captivating power duo Watchhouse. Here are some of my favorite moments captured from the 4-day festival at Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina.
The Avett Brothers
Paul McDonald and the Mountain Doves
Bonnie Raitt
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Woody Platt and the Bluegrass Gentleman
The Dead South
Brent Cobb
John R. Miller
Peter Rowan
Emily Nenni
Asleep at the Wheel
Leftover Salmon + Jason Carter
The Wilder flower
Becky Buller
East Nash Grass
Tony Triscka’s Earl Jam
Full Cord
Im With Her
2025 Merlefest Band Contest Winner- Mama and the Ruckus
Light Shifter Studios is a live music photographer based in Asheville, North Carolina. Lightshifter Studios is available for touring and photo projects for musicians, venues, promoters, and music festivals. To view more of our work please visit: www.lightshifterstudios.com
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