19th Annual
Oldtime & Bluegrass Fiddler's Convention
Saturday, March 29, 2007

Rules of Competition

1. No electric instruments, with the exception of electric bass will be allowed on stage.
2. A Bluegrass band must consist of not less than three members nor more than seven members and must include a fiddle or mandolin, guitar, and a five string banjo which must be played in the Bluegrass style.
3. An Oldtime band must consist of not less than three members nor more than seven members and must include a fiddle or banjo and guitar which must be played in an accepted Oldtime style.
4. Individuals will play one tune.
5. Bands will compete in a two round competition:
   1. Bands will play one tune of their choice in the first round. 
   2. The top 5 bands from each category (Oldtime & Bluegrass) will be invited back to play one additional tune of their choice in round 2.
   3. The combined scores from rounds 1 & 2 will determine the final score.
6. All bands and individuals must perform in their proper category, for example, the Oldtime bands cannot take breaks with their individual instruments, and the Oldtime banjo cannot be played three finger style.
7. Youth competition is open to children 16 & under.   Individual contestants only.  All instruments will be judged collectively, and the top 5 musicians will be chosen from all those who enter.  Youth may choose to enter an individual category instead of the Youth category, but they can not enter both.
8. The Talent Show category is open to all instrumentalists and/or vocalists who have not competed in another individual category.  This includes but is not limited to Dulcimer, Autoharp, Folk Song, and Bass.  Individuals who were unable to compete in their normal category (such as Banjo or Fiddle) may also compete in this category.  Only stringed instruments will be permitted. 
9. Individual contestants (including the Talent Show category) will be permitted one back-up instrument. No refund on back-up instrument.
10.   No tuning or jamming in the auditorium while contestants are performing on stage.
11.   Only Flatfoot dancing will be judged in the dance competition. No taps in dance.
12.   In case of broken strings or picks, or malfunction of the sound system, any contestant will be permitted to repeat the performance, playing the same tune, without penalty.
13.   Contestants agree that all performances may be recorded without claim.
14.   The Management reserves the right to audition any performer or band.
15.   All contestants will have five dollars refunded immediately after performing. All band members to be refunded in a group. Children under 12 will receive no refund since their admission is free.  NO REFUNDS FOR ANY DANCERS.
16.   Individual band members may enter one other contest. A contestant may only enter one individual category whether they compete in a band or not.
17.   Contestants will use only songs and instrumentals from the public domain and authentic folk or mountain music field.   No copyrighted music will be permitted.
18.   Once a category starts, there will be no further registrations in that category. NO EXCEPTIONS.
19.   ALCOHOL AND DRUG LAWS ENFORCED.

Click here for driving directions and lodging information.

For more information:
Call: (276) 238 - 0376
E-Mail: stever@bluegrassingalax.com

Sponsored in part by:

Come hungry! We've got great food for you to enjoy before or during the show. We have hot dogs, hamburgers, and our famous homemade Bar-B-Que sandwiches. Of course, we have french fries, candy, popcorn, and soft drinks to go along with your meal, so come and enjoy!

Last Update: Monday, March 17, 2008