This article was originally posted on The Huffington Post here.
MerleFest and Rooster Walk Music and Art Festival have kicked off the 2015 summer music festival season to standing ovations. Fans have been posting all over social media they’re already looking forward to next year, biding their time for these iconic Americana and roots festivals — considered some of the best in the Southeast. There were amazing performances by MerleFest headliners, including The Avett Brothers, Lee Ann Womack, Dwight Yoakam — as well as Rooster Walk headliners Yonder Mountain String Band, Steep Canyon Rangers and Lake Street Dive. But other acts, too numerous to mention, did not disappoint. One of my favorite things about attending these festivals in particular are the new acts I “discover” by wandering among the stages. This year was no exception. Following are just a few personal discoveries I made over the two weekends. As a friend of mine says, “You come for the big names on the poster, but it’s the smaller names that keep you coming back.” Next up for me are Red Wing Roots Music Festival and FloydFest. How about you? What festivals are you headed to this summer?
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