For over 30 years, MerleFest’s Late Night Jam has been the after-hours festival gathering space for some of the best pickers in the world mingling alongside new generations of talent. This annual tradition was initially led by festival founder Doc Watson, his family, and his peers. In 2025, the Late Night Jam hosting torch was passed to the equally legendary Sam Bush, who held court alongside Peter Rowan, Casey Driessen, Jerry Douglas, and countless other musical friends. Over the years, BGS has had the pleasure of partnering with MerleFest in Wilkesboro, North Carolina to present the Late Night Jam on the Saturday night of the festival. As in 2025, we’ll be back this year in 2026 to enjoy the fun with Ketch Secor and Old Crow Medicine Show stepping in as hosts. Tickets for the Late Night Jam are still available.
In the run up to this year’s festival, set for April 23 through 26, BGS is partnering with MerleFest and our videographer friends at I Know We Should to share exclusive video clips from 2025’s Late Night Jam. The latest in the series features Americana and bluegrass string band the Barefoot Movement performing an absolute classic, the gospel stunner “Wade In the Water.” Lead singer Noah Wall, mandolinist Tommuy Norris, and bassist Katie Blomarz-Kimball are joined by Stephen Mougin (of the Sam Bush Band), fiddler, multi-instrumentalist, and artist Bryan McDowell, Sam Bush Band drummer Chris Brown, and other friends, too. It really is a jam session each year at the Late Night Jam, as songs from the bluegrass and American songbooks are offered in special collaborations to the devoted MerleFest audience.
The Barefoot Movement lead singer Noah Wall leads the number with confidence and plenty of soul, her voice soaring and passionate, offering acrobatic twists, licks, and runs on the familiar melody. Between her lovely verses and choruses each of the talented musicians jam through in-the-moment improvised solos, again highlighting the special jam session quality of the evening. The crowd roared in applause.
Next week, we’ll just one more additional exciting performance from 2025’s Late Night Jam. Make your plans now to experience it all live, in person, at the 2026 Late Night Jam at MerleFest, hosted by Ketch Secor & Old Crow Medicine Show. Buy your tickets here – and get more information on the Late Night Jam here.
Video Credits: I Know We Should, Brad Wagner and Juan Soria.
