BGS and MerleFest are so excited to once again partner to bring you exclusive clips and sessions captured on site during the incredible 2026 MerleFest event in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. We launched our off-season collaboration with the long-running bluegrass and roots music festival by sharing performances from the MerleFest Late Night Jam with the Grand Ole Opry, featuring Old Crow Medicine Show and Maggie Rose.

For our second installment, we stepped away from the rowdy and raucous Late Night Jam for a more traditional session and a wonderful set from none other than Charles Wesley Godwin. After that, Willie Watson delivered a blend of songs, stories, and personal memories in a thoughtful solo performance. We were also treated to an invigorating set from an up-and-coming East Kentucky band, The Creekers, and some splendid singing from The Band Loula. In addition, we were introduced to the compelling music of Broken Compass Bluegrass.

Next up we’re headed back to Late Night Jam with the one and only Jim Lauderdale, accompanied by Old Crow Medicine Show. Jim is a longtime MerleFest veteran and a fan favorite! He first performed at MerleFest in 1999 and has become a familiar face to festival audiences over the years. During the 2026 MerleFest Late Night Jam with the Grand Ole Opry, Jim joined Old Crow Medicine Show to perform “Night Train to Memphis.” He also sang “You Don’t Seem to Miss Me,” a song he wrote that was made famous by Patty Loveless and George Jones.

Jim’s music and career reflect so much of the tradition and musical heritage that MerleFest celebrates, making his appearance at the Late Night Jam especially fitting!

Over the coming months, BGS and MerleFest will bring you more performances, more collaborations, and more unforgettable moments from the artists who make MerleFest special. Stay tuned right here on BGS and across our BGS and MerleFest social media accounts for more coming soon.

Video Credits: I Know We Should, Brad Wagner and Juan Soria.

This content brought to you in partnership with MerleFest. Experience music and more at MerleFest.org.