Wilkesboro, N.C. — MerleFest 2010, presented by Lowe’s, is proud to announce the additions of Dierks Bentley featuring The Travelin’ McCourys and Joey + Rory to the lineup for Friday night, April 30. The award-winning country chart-topper Bentley will perform with The Travelin’ McCourys on the Watson Stage…

Wilkesboro, N.C. — The deadline for Early Bird ticket prices to MerleFest 2010 has been extended to Tuesday, April 6, at 5:00 p.m. EDT. That is the last day to purchase 4-day and 3-day tickets at the Early Bird price, representing an average 10% discount.

Ticket purchases can be made on the web at Merlefest.org or by calling 1-800-343-7857….

Wilkesboro, N.C. — The submission deadline for the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest, hosted by MerleFest 2010 presented by Lowe’s, is fast approaching. All entries must be received by February 18, 2010….

Elvis Costello, whose show “Spectacle: Elvis Costello With…” wraps up its second season on Sundance Channel at the end of January, will tour the U.S. this spring with a variety of line ups. Costello will be playing solo, with his band the Imposters, and with the Sugarcanes, the accomplished musicians who joined him on his Grammy-nominated 2009 album ‘Secret, Profane & Sugarcane‘ (Hear Music)…..

WILKESBORO, N.C. — MerleFest 2010, presented by Lowe’s, is proud to announce the addition of the Grammy^®-nominated Zac Brown Band and legendary blues artist Taj Mahal, completing the performance lineup for Thursday night, April 29, 2010.

“We are excited to welcome the Zac Brown Band and Taj Mahal and know that their performances will thrill the Thursday night crowd,” says Festival Director Ted Hagaman. “Bringing them to MerleFest fulfills our mission of providing a diverse array of the very best musical talent.”