Wilkesboro, N.C. ? Bob Weir, a guitar player and singer for the Grateful Dead, will make his first appearance at MerleFest 2006, the annual celebration of Americana music begun by bluegrass legend Doc Watson.

Weir will perform with a veteran Merlefest band, The Waybacks.

Among the other headliners are Emmylou Harris, Gillian Welch, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, and Nickel Creek. Watson and his grandson, Richard Watson, also are scheduled to perform.

The 19th annual festival will be held April 27-30 on the campus of Wilkes Community College. It raises money for the Eddy Merle Watson Garden for the Senses, named for Watson’s son and fellow musician, who was killed in a 1985 tractor accident.