Bluegrass convention keeps old time music alive

The Yadkin Bluegrass and Old Time Convention is a 35-year tradition in the community. The competition, hosted by the Yadkin Arts Council, is held each spring on the campus of Yadkinville Elementary where a host of youth and adult musicians perform.

Musicians of all ages compete during the convention, playing traditional bluegrass instruments such as fiddle, guitar, banjo, dobro and mandolin. There is also a vocal and band category for youth and adults.

While there are plenty of adult competitors at the convention, organizers like Steven Corn say they have a particular fondness for seeing the youth involvement.

“I’m most looking forward to all the youth,” Corn said. He noted that an Old Time band category was added in the junior competition this year. He said its vital for the styles of bluegrass and old time to have youth involved and learning these traditional styles of music that goes back generations.

“If we don’t continue to pass that tradition down it will be lost,” Corn said. We’re just trying to keep the music alive here in this Yadkin Valley Region; and the traditional bluegrass music as we play it here in the Yadkin Valley.”

In the junior competition, Emme Davis claimed first place in acoustic bass. Charlie Tolbert won first place in bluegrass fiddle and mandolin. Malachi Bulman won first in bluegrass banjo. Judah Davis one first in guitar. Everly Davis claimed first place in old time banjo. First place in old time fiddle went to Sylvie Davis. Gabriella Rogers won first in vocal. New Found Gap Band claimed first place in the junior old time band category.

In the adult category, first place for bluegrass band went to Outlaw Bluegrass. Three Saemanders claimed first in the old time band category. For the full list of winners, visit the Yadkin Bluegrass Convention page on Facebook.