I had been sitting in a packed theater with a couple of thousand music fans watching the wonderful Peter Rowan and his Texas trio. Pete would fill a theater anywhere but at Merlefest he wouldn't usually command such a young crowd. I had an inkling that something else was keeping this beautiful auditorium filling up well into the bands set. The buzz, I realized was really for Nickel Creek who were up next. The previous evening they played a blinding set on the Watson Stage, which I had to miss. Today I had my schedule planned a little better and watching Peter Rowan play with one of my guitar heroes, Tony Rice was a sublime warm up for what was to come. Nickel Creek are from California and are all in their 20's. Just! But even at this young age they are already one of the most accomplished acoustic bands on the planet having played together since they were children and grew up learning together from some of the best teachers in the business. Already 2 of the band Chris Thile and Sean Watkins have solo albums doing the rounds and both albums

are masterpieces of their own genre. Chris also is the mandolin player in Dolly Parton's amazing band. Completing and complimenting the Nickel Creek tremendously is Sara Watkins on fiddle and vocals, herself destined for great things as a solo artist sooner or later. She plays with great style and warmth and sings with the confidence of someone twice her age.
As a band though they have created something huge. Musically they can hold their own with any of the greats. In the bluegrass world being older is an advantage. Nickel Creek have added life and an almost pop star youthfulness and humour to the scene while playing some of the most mature music on the market

today. I can't remember ever seeing a bluegrass concert where young girl fans held up placards and screamed not unlike fans of the boy bands around today.

No pop star egos here though. I talked with the band all through the weekend as they mingled with fans around the festival and played with friends on the smaller stages. Sara joked with me about her bad attempts at Celtic music. I think I have persuaded her that the hills of Donegal wouldn't be a bad place for herself and the lads to spend a bit of time. Chris milks the young audience with genuine wit, though sometimes "gets a bit surreal" as he said himself about some of his jokes.
The concert? Oh that was incredible and I filed out of the theater breathless at the talent and vibrancy of the music I had just heard. Nickel Creek are here to stay. Anyone who has missed them so far will soon catch up. I know the Irish will take this young band to heart and like we did with Chris Rea and David Gray will claim them as our own. Then we will tell the world.