A.K.A. Dr. Banjo and Nurse Banjo, Pete and Joan are longterm MerleFest performers and old friends. Their well-seasoned performances feature down-home harmonies and Joan’s soulful singing, set off by Pete’s masterful banjo work. Pete has played every MerleFest since Year 2 and played on every stage. He will again host the popular Friday “Flexigrass” Jam on the Creekside Stage, combining bluegrass notables with musicians outside the genre into a spontaneous one-time-only jam. Besides his long career with Hot Rize, “Dr. Banjo” is known as a leading and innovative bluegrass educator. As creator of the Wernick Method for bluegrass jamming, the first banjo camps, jam camps, and many popular instruction books and videos, he was named the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Mentor of the Year in 2018. Pete and Joan’s camps this year include their 25th annual “flagship” Bluegrass Camp preceding MerleFest. The campers play the Cabin Stage Thursday, and Saturday morning Pete and Joan lead a how-to-jam workshop at the Austin Stage. Bring your instrument! (www.LetsPick.org) The Doctor and Nurse have performed throughout the U.S. and as far away as Ireland, Russia, and Israel. Their music is touching and timeless. (www.DrBanjo.com)
