he Avett Brothers, who frequently acknowledge their debt to Doc Watson,

will be among the headliners at MerleFest 2023,

festival organizers announced Tuesday.

The initial lineup will also include Maren Morris, a country star and member of The Highwomen

the Black Opry Revue; and longtime staples Sam Bush

Jerry Douglas and Peter Rowan

Others acts are expected to be announced in the months leading up to the four-day festival,

which will be April 27-30 at Wilkes Community College

The festival will mark its 35th anniversary and honor the 100th anniversary of Watson's birth.

Watson was a legendary flatpicking guitarist from Deep Gap

who started the festival to honor his late son, Merle.