Mitch Greenhill has been playing Americana music since before the term was invented. He has released 9 albums and 1 book. The Boston Globe hailed his "movement and drive and touch that anyone who has ever coped with a guitar cannot but envy." Kirkus Reviews (starred review) described Raised by Musical Mavericks as “a charming and informative must-read for music lovers.” In his role as president of FLI Artists/Folklore International, Mitch has represented Doc & Merle Watson for decades. He has produced an array of recordings, including a Grammy-winner for the Watsons, and has composed and designed music and sound for regional theater, where he has received several Drama-Logue awards, and on Broadway. Mitch has appeared on screen in "The Long Riders" and "Safe." Mitch’s Kitchen, founded on the idea that one makes a tasty meal from nutritious foods in the pantry, features Peter Spelman on bass and vocals and Roberta Levitow on vocals and percussion. After an extensive history as soloist and bandleader, Peter was a founding member (with Mitch) of String Madness, where his compositions fueled a decade of “string band music from Bach to Bebop.” Roberta, a modern-day Renaissance woman, has seen success as a widely produced theater director, a widely exhibited painter and a founding member of Theatre Without Borders. A sweet and savory feast is cookin’ in Mitch’s Kitchen.
Josh grew up in Madison County, North Carolina surrounded by the music and stories of his ancestors. He is a highly accomplished old-time, bluegrass, and swing musician playing close to 20 instruments. His fiddling was featured in the movie “Songcatcher,” both onscreen and on the soundtrack. He has performed in all 50 states, throughout Europe, and Japan gracing such stages as Carnegie Hall and The Grand Ole Opry. He was nominated for a GRAMMY for his 2009 release with David Holt, entitled “Cutting Loose.”
Whether it’s on stage or in the studio, Jack Lawrence is a formidable force. His recordings and performances, combining exciting, tasteful guitar solos and smooth vocals, provide listeners with performances that span musical traditions. Jack is best known as Doc Watson’s musical partner for over 25 years. Jack grew up backstage at a music hall where his father worked as a sound engineer and was exposed to all the great pro bluegrass and country music pioneers. That put the fire in the belly of the 11-year-old to pursue a career in music that began with television and festival appearances with bluegrass-gospel great, Carl Story. The early 70s found Jack in two seminal progressive bluegrass bands, The New Deal Stringband and the Bluegrass Alliance. It was a wealth of opportunity that continues to fuel his talents. Merle Watson hired him in 1983, and Jack continued to work with Doc after Merle’s death. Jack has recorded and performed with Doc, Sam Bush, Joan Baez, David Grisman, Peter Rowan, The Del McCoury Band, and many others. Jack is proud of his association with MerleFest since the planning stages of the very first festival and has performed at every one.
