Tazewell, VA—The 10th Annual Tazewell County Old Time & Bluegrass Fiddlers' Convention is preparing for a lively weekend of traditional mountain music July 13-15th with a visitor-friendly format for spectators and musicians alike. "We are back at the Tazewell County Fairgrounds just as in years past, but we are bringing all the competitions and scheduled performances into Nuckoll's Hall," says Charlotte Whitted, Executive Director of Crab Orchard Museum and event coordinator. "Last year we had a storm on Friday night, so we kept band competition indoors that evening. It went just fine and spectators appreciated the chance to enjoy the music with seating and food in the air-conditioned and dry comfort of the building. Pickers still had plenty of space in the picnic shelter and throughout the campground for jamming when the storm passed too."
This year from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in Nuckoll's Hall the convention welcomes youth performers, the Suzuki Strings of Appalachia under the direction of Jan McClure, and Dale Elswick's Youth All Stars. "We want to make sure this music is passed down to our young people, to keep it going. They are talented musicians that are sure to give an inspiring show." At 7:30 p.m. Dale Elswick and Phill Bevins will bring a group of pickers to the stage as Joan Yates calls a square dance until 9:00 p.m. "We teach several dances to our Pioneer Youth Apprentices at camp, including the Virginia Reel, the Galiopede, the Patty Cake Polka, Oh Susannah, waltzes, and more. They will be on hand to help teach newcomers the steps." Mayflower Restaurant will offer hot dog, hamburger or barbecue dinners for sale as attendees relax and enjoy the show. Band competition will round out the evening with Old Time at 9:00 and Bluegrass at 10:00 p.m. "Although we don't require bands to compete both nights, it's to a band's advantage to perform both nights, since we drop the lower score." Friday night's events are sponsored by Harry Rentals.
Saturday, July 14th's competitions start at 10:00 a.m. with Youth, Folk Song, Individual Instruments (Guitar, Mandolin, Dobro, Harmonica, Dulcimer, Bass & Autoharp), Fiddle & Banjo Duet, Old Time Banjo, Bluegrass banjo, Old Time Fiddle & Bluegrass Fiddle. At 6:30 p.m. the Lifetime Achievement Awards will be presented, followed by a full stage of past and current honorees singing "Will the Circle Be Unbroken." "That's my favorite part," continues Whitted. "I love to be on stage with so many who have done so much to preserve the music. This year we will honor Eddie Marrs, Jeff Brown and Norman Hagerman with Lifetime Achievement Awards, all most deserving."
Saturday night Band competition finals are 7:00 – 11:00 p.m. sponsored by Hurst-Scott Funeral Homes of Richlands & Tazewell as well as CONSOL Energy, with alternating sets of Old Time & Bluegrass. The dance competition follows while the final results are tallied. The awards will be announced following the dance competition. Over $5000 in cash and prizes will be awarded, and one talented competitor will be recognized as Best All-Around Performer.
Gates open at 12:00 noon on Friday, July 13th and on-site camping is encouraged. "This is a fundraiser for Crab Orchard Museum, so the more the merrier." Camping is first-come, first served, with two dumping stations on-site and no hook-ups. Water outlets are available. Self-contained RVs welcome. Primitive camping spaces are $8/night, RV spaces $15/night. Food is available on-site as well.
Weekend passes for $12 or single day passes for $7 are available at the gate. Kids 12 and under are free with an accompanying adult. Competitors receive an event tee-shirt after competing. Food is sold separately.
No scheduled activities are slated for Sunday, July 14th, so campers may sleep in, but the gates will close at 3:00 p.m. The Tazewell County Old Time & Bluegrass Fiddlers' Convention is an Affiliated Partner of The Crooked Road Heritage Music Trail. The event is made possible by several sponsors, including Platinum media partners, WVVA, Kicks Country Radio, and Time Warner Cable. For more information, go to craborchardmuseum.com or call the museum at 276-988-6755.
