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)
Originating in Europe, the Kruger Brothers made their American debut in 1997 at MerleFest; the trio moved to the United States in 2003. Their own compositions incorporate elements of American and European folk music, molding it into a unique one-of-a-kind style. The Kruger Brothers have performed at countless music festivals and performing arts venues throughout the United States, Canada, Australia and Europe. They have been honored with numerous national and international awards and have been inducted into various music Hall of Fames. They have performed with the likes of Earl Scruggs, Doc Watson, Willie Nelson, Ricky Skaggs, and many more. The Kruger Brothers are ambassadors of the music and culture, emphasizing on tradition and innovation, of the region they now call home.
