The tributes for the late Merle Haggard keep rolling in, and Valley artists gathered in Oakhurst on Saturday to play songs in memory of the country music icon.

The event, titled the Classic Country and Rock Music Festival, was not a Merle Haggard tribute concert; in fact, this is the festival's second year.

However, many musicians took it upon themselves to honor Haggard during their performances, some of them speaking about Merle's impact on their lives.

"Everything we play is in remembrance of Merle, whether it was his song or not," said Cubbie Slayton, a member of the Country and Swing Hall of Fame and a personal friend of Haggard's.

"Because he was country music."

The concert was held at the Golden Chain Theater, a non-profit theater in Oakhurst. The musicians played for free; all proceeds went to the theater.