Big crowd enjoys Seagrove Fiddlers' Convention

SEAGROVE — More than 500 people were in attendance for the 69^th Annual Seagrove Fiddlers’ Convention returned on March 16 at the Seagrove Elementary gymtorium.

More than 60 entries competed during the five-hour bluegrass talent contest.

“We did it! It was great!” promoter Maxton Byrd exclaimed. 

Byrd was the recipient of this year’s Alan Perdue Memorial Award presented to someone in the area who has made significant contributions to bluegrass music. A plaque, given in memory of the late multi-talented musician, Alan Perdue, was presented by the Perdue family (Alan’s mother, daughter and brother).

Last year, Byrd stepped up to the plate after the fiddlers’ convention’s previous promoter, Linda Loggains, was unable to continue managing the event due to health-related issues. 

Byrd, with the assistance of a 20-plus member committee, labored to make the annual music event return, not knowing how it well it would go after a three-year hiatus due to COVID. The 2023 event was a success and this year proved to be even better with more youth entries, professional audio by Blue Ridge Sound (provided by corporate sponsor: Covanta Environmental Solutions of Asheboro), and more prize money with additional categories: Harmony singing and a full slate of awards for youth.

Byrd and his committee want thanked Southwestern Randolph High School Choral Program for manning the concession stand, Southwestern Randolph Golf Team for setting up chairs and Seagrove Elementary School for providing the venue. Proceeds from the convention will benefit those organizations.

Contestants came from as far as Abingdon, VA, to compete. Ages ranged from 6 to 93 years old.

Winners for the 2023 Seagrove Fiddlers’ Convention were:

YOUTH:

Fiddle — 1st, Aubree Decker; 2nd, Alexander Ferranti; 3rd, Benjamin Ferranti.

Banjo — 1st, Carley Hatley; 2nd, David McGuirt; 3rd, Cameron Edenfield.

Mandolin — 1st, Arthur Hayes; 2nd, Sara Cornett (age 6).

Guitar — 1st, Elliot King; 2nd, Levi Smith; 3rd, Sara Luther.

Bass — 1st, Matthew Chaney; 2nd, Alexander Hayes.

Vocal — 1st, Sara Luther; 2nd, Chelsea Edenfield; 3rd, Kate Luther.

Harmony singing — 1st, Edenfield Sisters (Chelsea and Courtney); 2nd, Luther Sisters (Sara and Kate).

Buck Dance — 1st, Sky Stanaland; 2nd, Taylor Trogdon.

ADULT:

Band — 1st, Franklinville Express; 2nd, Bustin’ Time; 3rd, Passin’ Thru.

Fiddle — 1st, Charlie Tolbert; 2nd, Gary Hatley; 3rd, Gary Pressley.

Banjo — 1st, Chris Ward; 2nd, Ronnie Hatley; 3rd, Carson Beckham.

Mandolin — 1st, Dwayne Runyon; 2nd, Jerry Stuart; 3rd, Alex Meredith.

Guitar — 1st, Jack Hinshelwood; 2nd, Tommy Chandler; 3rd, CH Lineberry.

Bass — 1st, Johnny Smith; 2nd, John Fogleman; 3rd, Travis Brady.

Dobro — 1st, Sandy Hatley; 2nd, Pammy Davis.

Vocal — 1st, Kaley Elliott; 2nd, Kyna Gunter; 3rd, Gary Hatley.

Harmony singing — 1st, Franklinville Express; 2nd, Movin’ On Bluegrass; 3rd, Passin’ Thru.

Miscellaneous — 1st, David Rabon-harmonica; 2nd, Danny Casstevens-dulcimer; 3rd, Joe Weaver-hammered dulcimer.

Buck Dance — 1st, Taylor Lingren; 2nd, Jimmy Harrington (age 93); 3rd, Melissa Campbell.

“That’s a wrap,” concluded Seagrove Fiddlers’ Convention co-emcee Big T Lassiter. “We’ll see you next year on the third Saturday in March.”

The next acoustic talent contest is the Highfalls Fiddlers’ Convention, scheduled for Robbins at North Moore High School on April 6. Competition will kick off at 6 p.m. Registration will run from 4:30-6 p.m. Cash prizes will be awarded to winners in band, fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin, vocal, dancing, bass, dobro and miscellaneous in both youth and adult categories. Top band prize is $500, top youth and adult instrument prizes are $50 each. The Third Annual Theron Caviness Best Banjo Award will be presented in his memory.

Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children, 6-12. Cash only for admission and concessions.