Hagfest Fields Impressive Lineup for 2019 Merle Haggard Tribute
When Merle Haggard passed away on his 79th birthday, April 6th, 2016, it left a gaping hole in country music, and a gaping hole in the hearts of his fans. In the years afterwards, fans of the Hag have gathered in bars and clubs on April 6th across the country to pay tribute to the country music legend in song, with one of the biggest being Hagfest held at the Southgate House Revival in Newport, Kentucky.
Within driving distance for Haggard fans from Ohio, to Indiana, to Western Pennsylvania and Tennessee, the 2019 Hagfest has an especially stacked lineup that will take the stage at the historic Southgate House church, including Otis Williams and the Midnight Cowboys, Telecaster legend Bill Kirchen of Commander Cody, fast rising country revivalist Jaime Wyatt (who covered “Misery & Gin” on her brilliant debut), Josh Morningstar who recently received national press for writing “Must Be The Whiskey” for Cody Jinks, Joey Allcorn who is back in the game after a long hiatus, and many more.
Hagfest is one of those local events that has a national impact. It is organized each year by Joe Macheret of The Tillers and Joe’s Truck Stop, with proceeds benefiting the Appalachian Prison Book Project, something we know Merle Haggard would definitely approve of. Doors open at 5, the show is at 6, and there will be BBQ on site from Eli’s. Falling on a Saturday this year makes the event especially accessible for people outside of the greater Cincinnati area.
HAGFEST 2019 LINEUP:
Otis Williams and the Midnight Cowboys • Bill Kirchen • Jaime Wyatt • Josh Morningstar • Comet Bluegrass All-Stars • Laid Back Country Picker • 500 Miles to Memphis • Nathan Kalish • Joe’s Truck Stop • The Tammy Wynots • Luna and the Mountain Jets • Adam Lee • Billie Gant • Joey Allcorn • Slippery Creek • Chelsea Ford and the Trouble • Hammer and the Hatchet • Michael Moeller • Robert Lowell
March 5, 2019 @ 7:58 pm
Saw Sturgill there when hardly anyone knew who he was. Acoustics were good near the stage. In the back of the sanctuary, not so good. There were just a few acoustic panels on the ceiling. Hopefully it’s been improved now. Great space, historic old church, live music in other rooms, lousy city street parking. Decent beer prices. Hagfest for $20. GO!
March 6, 2019 @ 5:48 am
Many improvements to the acoustics have been made to the venue since Sturgills show.
March 5, 2019 @ 11:55 pm
If it is Hagfest why aren’t the Haggard brothers going to be there? Ben Haggard is a great guitar player and both Noel and Ben sing his songs.
March 6, 2019 @ 12:01 am
I can’t speak for Hagfest, but the money that Ben Haggard commands these days is very high. This isn’t being promoted by LiveNation. This is a bunch of independent/underground musicians getting together to pay tribute to Merle Haggard. I’m sure they would love to have one or all of Merle Haggard’s sons participate, but logistics are probably difficult to swing for both parties.
March 6, 2019 @ 6:18 pm
Amen
March 6, 2019 @ 7:10 am
I am so ready to see Joey Allcorn live . He is carring on the old counrty sound .That has been taken away from country music. I bought All Alone Again cd from his web page. It’s an awsome cd .
March 7, 2019 @ 9:14 pm
I need to catch Joey somewhere.
March 6, 2019 @ 8:15 am
I know this is unrelated Trigger but Cody Jinks posted on Twitter “Getting closer to studio time! #NewMusic”
March 6, 2019 @ 8:22 am
Southgate is one of my favorite venues! Pretty underrated IMO
March 6, 2019 @ 8:40 am
Will there be any Merle Haggard tributes on west coast? Like myself from California where Merle grew up we love and miss his songs!! Merle is played everyday in my shop!!
March 9, 2019 @ 2:55 pm
The Hag was an awesome artist, guitar picker, and singer. Ben, Marty, & Noell Haggard truly do an amazing job performing their dad’s music. I know of a Merle Haggard Tribute artist on the East Coast, Hanks Martin does a great rendition of Merle’s music. Hanks Martin is a guitarist, singer, songwriter, & performer. ( Facebook/ YouTube/ or Reverbnation) Thank you for performing Merle Haggard’s music????????