Merge’s 20th Birthday Party

The fest takes place July 22-26 with four nights at the Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro, N.C. and the final night at Memorial Hall in Chapel Hill, N.C.

Additional artists include Spent, M.Ward, The Rosebuds, Destroyer, Guv’ner, Polvo and Pipe. Naturally, Superchunk will also be there as the indie fun all started with Superchunk guitarist/vocalist Mac McCaughan and bassist Laura Balance, who formed the label in 1989.

Merge’s Web site promises the fest will feature more than 25 artists including “many more expected & unexpected.”

Hmmm, could the lineup include Arcade Fire, whose 2004 debut album, Funeral, was the first Merge album to claim a spot on the Top 200 album chart? Maybe ultimate girl crush Zooey Deschanel might drop by and join M.Ward to play some She & Him tunes. Or Neutral Milk Hotel could use the occasion as a good excuse to have a little reunion and share some of their psychedelia/folk goodness.

Tickets go on sale Wednesday at 10 a.m. EST though eTix.com. A 5-day pass will set you back $150. The passes must be picked up at will-call at the Cat’s Cradle with your ticket and your ID. Purchases are limited to 4 tickets per person.

A limited number of single-day passes will go on sale at a later, yet-to-be announced date.

If you’re wondering where you should stay during the fest, XX Merge has set aside a block of rooms at the Holiday Inn in Chapel Hill with a special rate of $85 per night. To make reservations, call 1-888-452-5764 and use the 3 letter booking code “MRA.”

For more information, check out Merge’s Web site by clicking here.