The Merle Watson Music Festival, a.k.a. the Merlefest, is going to be held April 27-30 of this year.  This 13-year-old traditions started off as a humble homage to the memory of Merle Watson, a Deep Gap musician.  Although Merlefest centers on Bluegrass and acoustic country music, just about every genre of music can be found at the festival.  Visitors will be flabbergasted when they walk through the campus of Wilkes Community College and while watching with wide eyes their ears will be in heaven while listening to the sounds of Tex -Mex ballads, to Zydeco dance tunes to classical fiddle music from the British Isles.  This year the Willie Nelson and Family, Nanci Griffith and the Blue Moon Orchestra, Sam Bush, and many more are scheduled to perform.  When taking into consideration of what to carry with you to this High Country tradition of fun in the sun, keep jackets in mind.  It is known to drop at least 25 degrees or so during this time of year.