Surry Old Time Fiddlers Convention March 25-26 DOBSON, N.C.

DOBSON, N.C. - More than 125 musicians will converge on Surry Community College March 25-26 for the second annual Surry Old Time Fiddlers Convention.

 

The two-day event - which is open to the public - celebrates Surry County's old time music heritage. The county is often considered the capital of the old time music genre.

 

Convention highlights include three noted bands playing a Friday night dance, a full day of jam sessions and fiddling competitions Saturday, plus a fiddle workshop on 
Saturday by Paul Brown of National Public Radio.

 

"The convention showcases Surry County's unique musical heritage," says assistant county manager Chris Knopf. "Most fiddler conventions cater to bluegrass and old 
time, but this focuses on old time. And the cash prizes are among the largest on the eastern seaboard, so that's a real draw for musicians."

 

New this year is a wine tasting in the college's N.C. Center for Viticulture and Enology. The tasting takes place Saturday from 2-8 p.m. and showcases a variety of 
Yadkin Valley wines.

 

Saturday's schedule also includes several workshops, a youth dance competition, and music competitions for individuals and bands.

 

The three well-known bands performing at Friday evening's dance are: Back-Step, Slate Mountain Ramblers and Mountain Park Old Time Band.

 

Meanwhile, home-style Southern food will be available Saturday at the Knight's Grill on campus. Admission charge for the entire two-day event is $5 per person.

 

"This is a great event for families and individuals of all ages," Knopf says.

 

For information on the Surry Old Time Fiddlers Convention, call (877) 999-8390 or visit: www.surryoldtime.com. For lodging info, go to: www.VerySurry.com.