Avetts added to Merlefest lineup

Those craving another North Carolina Avett Brothers show after the band's New Year's Eve in Raleigh may want to pick up Merlefest tickets. The Concord-based band announced today that it will return to the four-day Wilkesboro roots music festival Saturday, April 25.

Merlefest also announced the addition of the Earls of Leicester, who play Friday. The Avetts join Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn, Hot Rize, Lee Ann Womack, North Mississippi All Stars, Del McCoury Band, Marshall Tucker Band, Robert Earl Keen, Sam Bush Band, Bruce Robison and Kelly Willis and a slew of others. The entire lineup is available here.

The Avetts, who have closed out Merlefest in previous years, have a strong connection to the festival. Seth Avett in particular has spoken often about attending the festival as a teenager and Doc Watson's influence and generosity.

The Avetts also announced Tuesday that it will play alongside a completely different lineup of bands at Bottlerock in Napa Valley. It will share the stage with No Doubt, Imagine Dragons, Robert Plant and Foster the People - which certainly speaks to the band's versatile appeal.

Tickets are available for Merlefest here.