Returning after sold-out performances at SMF in 2011 and 2014, The Avett Brothers open the 2017 festival at the Johnny Mercer Theatre with a two-night stand. This celebrated North Carolina folk-rock band led by brothers Scott and Seth has continued to gather diehard fans of all ages for their high-energy live performances. With a penchant for penning accessible, often sing-along melodies, The Avett Brothers are “influenced by everyone from Aretha Franklin to Jimmie Rodgers to Pink Floyd” (Garden & Gun).