From April 28th through May 1st, something happens; a mood, a sort of melancholy sets over the Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, NC. Music enthusiasts in their sincerest form travel from every inch of the country—and sometimes the world—to bump elbows with likeminded individuals and experience one of the most diverse music festivals in the region.

MerleFest, getting ready to kick off its 23rd year, prides itself on providing attendees with one of the most multi-faceted music experiences possible. It's the kind of place where you can hear Celtic, Cajun, Zydeco, country and blues music all within a four-day period.

Doc Watson created and named the yearly event in memory of his son, Eddy Merle, who died in a farming accident in 1985; but from the loss, spawned a grassroots, musical experience like no other. The festival's roots have proliferated into an event that attracts nearly 90,000 people each year since its establishment in 1988.

This year's lineup includes musical greats Randy Travis, Del McCoury, Robert Plant and Lyle Lovett. Other accomplished musicians like Sam Bush, Sonny Landreth and Scythian will also grace the stage throughout the four-day stint, but the musical acts aren't the only important thing going on around here.

Ted Hagaman, the festival director, sets this event apart from others of its magnitude by giving back to the surrounding community. "Every year we raise money for Wilkes Community College that goes towards scholarships for current and prospective students." Aside from overall value, diversity, customer service and a safe atmosphere, MerleFest recently became alcohol and tobacco free.

The festival features several contests. Prolific banjoists and guitarists may test their mettle against the talent of other aspiring musicians in a face-off competition that showcases a traditional-style piece, as well as an original piece. The Chris Austin Songwriting Contest shares songwriters' original works with a celebrity panel of songwriters and members of the professional Nashville music community. The 1st place winner performs on stage at MerleFest, and receives cash, a Big Baby Taylor guitar, gift certificates and other prizes.

Musical tributes this year pay homage to both Bill Monroe, key developer of mainstream bluegrass music and founder of "The Blue Grass Boys," and John Hartford, talented fiddler and master composer/songwriter.

Tickets for MerleFest are on sale now and offer some of the best deals around, so if you're looking for a primo three-day pass to wrap up the spring festival season, mosey over to their website, secure a spot or two and find out more information about this can't-miss event.