In 2016 Lindsay Lou and her band made their first appearance at Merlefest. They’re no strangers to the Piedmont and welcomed the opportunity to return to the 2018 Merlefest lineup. Hailing from the Great Lakes State of Michigan and now transplanted to Nashville, TN, they’ve been touring extensively (nationally and internationally) behind the release of their album, Ionia, in 2015. That year they were named one of NPR Music’s 12 best live performance sessions of 2015 by Mountain Stage with Larry Groce. Between then and now they’ve been featured in the lineup of prestigious affairs ranging from The Shetland Island Folk Festival in Scotland, The Bluegrass Jamboree in Germany, Telluride Bluegrass Festival in Colorado, Stagecoach Music Festival in California, Wheatland Music Festival in Michigan, Strawberry Music Festival in California, Redwing Roots Festival in Virginia, ROMP in Kentucky, and Pagosa Springs Folk Festival in Colorado, and Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival in Upstate New York.

Show-goers have compared them to bands like Lake Street Dive and The Punch Brothers, but they describe their sound as entirely their own. Lindsay’s singing floats over the masterful picking and groove of her band with dynamics that range from a lullaby to a battle cry. In the words of David Grier, “Lindsay really puts her heart into what she sings and how! She sings the way you would want to if'n you could. Phrasing, tone, emotion, it's all there. Effortless seemingly. Simply mesmerizing. Riveting! Don't miss the musical force that is Lindsay Lou.” And it’s all captured on her newest record, Southland, available for the first time April 2018. Southland is a collection of songs that embody the spirit and emotion of the changing times; delivered soulfully, tenderly and fiercely. Tune in and come along for the ride.