I talked with rock n’ roll band Wayland at MerleFest 2018. We talked about their music and how it falls into the MerleFest scheme of things.
Naturally, we also talked about the best food they have eaten and advice they have for themselves too.
Listen on to see why I Had to Ask!
The Canadian band, Rosie and the Riveters, were a huge hit especially with the young women at MerleFest 2018!
Their demeanor and style are both unapologetic and fierce.
They stand as a symbol of independent feminism with their strong stand-up vocals.
Rosie and the Riveters look and sound like the female role models young women in North American need today!
I found it amazing that thy could gracefully, yet powerfully, promote ideals like equal pay for all in song without being too “in your face” about it.
Rosie the Riveters needs to be the next band added to every girl’s playlist!
As the threatening rain cloud rolled away from the Watson stage, fans sitting on the field were in for a treat!
Nu-Blu had a wonderful set on the Watson Stage at 1:30 on Friday.
Carolyn’s powerful and animated voice paired with the driving rhythms filled the air. Listeners weren’t hungry for lunch, they were hungry for more Nu-Blu music!
A few years ago my little sister and I interviewed Carolyn, you can listen to that interview here: http://ihadtoask.com/2015/01/carolynrouth/
I remember how genuine Carolyn was. She still continues to be a genuine beacon of strength and hope to many.
Nu-Blu (Carter Baker, Justin Harrison, and Carolyn and Daniel Routh) recently released a new album, Vagabonds. If you purchase it, you will not be disappointed. You can find it here: https://squareup.com/store/nu-blu-bluegrass-artists
They played some songs off of the album today, and they were wonderful.
If I had a chance to ask them one question following their set, I would’ve Had to Ask this…
Where did you get all of your energy that you have on the stage from? 
I interviewed David Holt, who will be performing (again) at MerleFest! He was happy to talk with me about everything from his music to Doc Watson, to key lime pie. Listen on to see what I Had to Ask!
I interviewed Cathy Fink of the duo Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer. We talked about everything from winning Grammy’s, to “Dancing in the Kitchen”, to the mother of children’s folk music, Ella Jenkins.
Listen on to see why I Had to Ask!
I talked with the bassist from bluegrass band, Town Mountain. They will be performing at MerleFest in just a few days, and will also be hosting the Midnight Jam. Listen on to see why I Had to Ask about tacos, MerleFest, and music!
I have been asked by South Carolina Wildlife magazine to do a series of podcasts for their digital magazine www.SouthCarolinaWild.org. I will be spotlighting South Carolina Department of Natural Resources staff and the kind of work that they do.
My first interview was with Tyler Harrell, she is a turtle technician who works for the SCDNR. She was happy to share what her job is like, and all about sea turtles.
Listen on to see why I Had to Ask!
I also wrote an article called “Turtle Talk” a while back for SC Wild (the youth publication for the SC DNR) it can be found here: http://www.southcarolinawild.org/2017/09/01/turtle-talk/
Jack Lawerence has been playing at MerleFest since it’s inception. I had the chance to sit down with him after a set and talk about the music, memories, and moments at MerelFest.
Listen on to see why I Had to Ask!
The next episode in the summer I Had to Ask series is a short interview with Todd Albright: a 12 string folk guitarist from Detroit Michigan, and who likes his steak cooked medium.
Listen on to see why I Had to Ask!
To kick off our summer series of podcasts here is an interview with the Kruger Brothers from MerleFest 2017. I talked with Jens about composing his new composition, Roan Mountain Suite (the Brother’s new album). We also talked about the international fan base, and they gave lots of advice.
Listen on to see why I Had to Ask!
