Artists You Don't Want to Miss at Merlefest 2008

Merlefest 2008 will be held the weekend of April 24-27 in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, marking the quasi-official beginning of folk festival season. Hooray!!

If you're headed to one of the folk and bluegrass world's favorite festivals, here's a list of artists you won't want to miss. I left out the no-brainers like Jerry Douglas, Dan Tyminski Band, Peter Rowan, Tony Rice, Tim O'Brien. Those artists are masters of their craft, no doubt about it. But what about some other artists that may not be at the center of your radar screen? I've given you my Top 10 picks to get you started on your way.

For a full list of this year's performers, tickets, and a full schedule of events, check out the MerleFest Web site.

photo of Abigail Washburn: Paul Butterfield/Getty Images