Though we won’t know how many weeks of winter are left until tomorrow (Groundhog Day), festival season is moving ahead at full force. Doc Watson, Richard Watson, Sam Bush, Vassar Clements, Donna The Buffalo, The Chieftains, Bela Fleck Acoustic Trio featuring Casey Driessen & Bryan Sutton, John Hiatt, Balfa Toujours, BR549, Corey Harris, The John Jorgenson Quintet, Alison Krauss & Union Station and Jim Lauderdale are among the artists confirmed for the 18th annual Merle Festival. MerleFest 2005 will take place April 28-May 1 in Wilkesboro, NC, paying tribute to the late Merle Watson. In addition to the above-mentioned acts, MerleFest will host guitar, banjo and mandolin championships for aspiring bluegrass musicians.