Fiddlers’ conventions are in full swing

SEAGROVE – This Saturday the 69th Annual Seagrove Fiddlers’ Convention will take place under the leadership of Maxton Byrd and his committee. Byrd stepped up to the plate when previous promoter, Linda Loggains, became unable to continue as coordinator due to health complications.

Improvements continue to be made to the annual acoustic talent contest. This year’s event will feature several upgrades.

Blue Ridge Sound of Morganton (who works bluegrass festivals at Denton FarmPark and Big Lick) will provide professional audio, thanks to the convention’s generous sponsor, Covanta. 

Prize money has increased to $2,150 with a full slate of youth competition categories that mirror the adult ones. 

A new category has been added this year: Harmony singing. This allows two or more vocalists to enter and display their vocal prowess. 

Daniel and Carolyn Routh, hosts of Bluegrass Ridge, a weekly half-hour syndicated TV show, will be on-site filming for an upcoming segment of their program.

The convention boasts talented and knowledgeable judges who are musicians. Judges Trent Callicutt, Kevin Richardson and Racy Maness have toured with numerous groups, some of whom have appeared on such impressive venues as the Grand Ole Opry.

The Alan Perdue Bluegrass Appreciation Memorial Award will be presented during intermission. Perdue, who passed away in February 2019 at the age of 49, was a lifelong resident of the region and regular competitor at the Seagrove Fiddlers’ Convention. His mandolin talents were once a part of such well known groups as Junior Sisk’s Ramblers Choice, IIIrd Tyme Out and Mountain Heart.

The award, given in his memory, is presented to someone who has made a significant impact on bluegrass music within our area. In 2019, the first award recipient was Bobby Franklin, local radio personality and event emcee. Since then awards have been presented to Linda Loggains, the late Mrs. JD (Treva) Chrisco, and the Allred Family.

“To Alan’s family, his church, and his friends, nothing could have been done that is more precious and heartwarming than the Memorial award,” Janice Perdue, Alan’s mother, shared. “And we all are in awe that it has become such a special gift to all of us. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! God bless all of you in this awesome Bluegrass family!”

Held in Seagrove Elementary School’s gymtorium, doors open at 4:30 p.m. Band/contestant registration is 5-6:45 p.m. Youth competition begins at 6 p.m.

If you arrive early, there’s a hot dog meal and homemade desserts at the concession stand. All proceeds benefit the Southwestern Randolph (SWR) Choral Program, the SWR Golf Team and the Seagrove Elementary School PTO. High school students from the youth organizations are assisting with the convention. 

A cake auction will be conducted along with the Perdue Memorial Award presentation at intermission. There will also be a 50/50 raffle.

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

Seagrove Elementary School is located at 528 Old Plank Road