101st Fiddlers' Convention to Benefit Arts in Education
"Let the sound of the fiddle and the bow soothe the savage beast" reads an early advertisement for the DeKalb County (Alabama) Fiddlers' Convention, and the sound is still ringing in the ears of lovers of traditional music today. That first note was played in 1908, and on August 1st 2009, 101 Years later, contestants will gather at the Fort Payne Middle School to not only "Celebrate the Heritage" but to compete for over $5000 in prize money in 10 categories and to support Arts In Education.
"I've been privileged to work in our (Fort Payne) city schools the past two years as an artist in residence" said Big Wills Arts Council Director, Russell Gulley, "and to be able to bring master fiddlers James and Rachel Bryan and other musicians into our classrooms has helped introduce our students to our musical heritage first hand. This past year through the introduction of a guitar class at Fort Payne Middle School, many students have begun to participate in that musical tradition. Therefore, it's only fitting that any proceeds from our annual fiddlers' convention be used to benefit and raise awareness of the arts in education program. I invite all of these students to attend the contests and help "Celebrate the Heritage" of music in DeKalb County."
The 101st Anniversary Celebration is of special note to musicians all over the Southeastern United States for its historical and cultural significance. In its heyday, from 1908 till World War II, the convention was among the largest in the South with many professionals from as far away as Nashville competing. To continue presenting the convention is to help preserve one of the community's strongest and most enduring traditions.
Saturday, August 1st, the tradition continues as contestants begin registration at 11 AM and the contests begin at 12 Noon. Last year's special category of Old Time String Band was a real crowd pleaser and will be presented again in the lineup for this year.
Admission is only $5.00 for spectators and contestants. Admission includes entry into one individual contest category, while additional categories are $5.00 each per individual contestant. Band category entry fees will be announced at a later date.
"The fiddlers' convention is a tradition that I'm proud that the arts council continues to produce", said Eric McKinney, the council president and project director of the convention. "It's difficult to continue presenting the event in light of our current national economic situation, but as many traditions fall by the wayside, it's even more important to hold on to our heritage. Our convention continues to grow with contestants of all ages in all categories, ranging from pee wee to senior fiddler, to dobro and guitar, on to a full "bluegrass" band and "old time" band competition. It's also for such a good cause, our Arts in Education Program".
REMEMBER the date August 1st, the 101st Anniversary of the DeKalb County Fiddlers' Convention. Come out and join in the "Jam Sessions", greet old friends, meet new ones, "Celebrate the Heritage" and support Arts in Education.
For more information, Contact the Big Wills Arts Council at 256-845-2224 or e-mail the director at bwac@russellgulley.com. Be a friend at www.myspace.com/dekalbfiddlers.
