APRIL 2, 2009 ISSUE
Pickin’ A Winner
Hayes Center Kicks Off 2nd Annual HayesGrass Competition April 13
Local rising stars Surefire took top honors in last year’s inaugural HayesGrass competition. On Monday, April 13, the Hayes Center will host the first night of this year’s quarterfinal round. The competition will continue through May, with the finals taking place Friday May 15.
March Madness is almost over, but there is plenty of competition left this spring. For the second consecutive year, the Mariam & Robert Hayes Performing Arts Center in Blowing Rock will host HayesGrass, a playoff-style contest pitting some of the region’s best bluegrass bands against one another for the chance to win a cash prize, as well as a coveted opening slot for bluegrass legends the Lonesome River Band at the Hayes Center on Saturday, May 16.
This year’s competition will begin with four nights of quarterfinal competition at the Hayes Center on Monday and Tuesday, April 13 and 14, and 20 and 21. Each show will consist of two bands performing a 40-minute set. Winners of these evenings will move on to the semifinal round, slated for Monday and Tuesday, May 4 and 5.
“We’re very excited to present this second installment of HayesGrass,” said Hayes Center Artistic Director Ken Kay. “We hope that we’ll be able to do something like HayesGrass each and every year.”
Bands and artists participating in HayesGrass were chosen from submissions by bands that reside in Ashe, Avery, Caldwell and Watauga counties. Youthful rising stars Surefire took top honors in last year’s inaugural contest.
“Last year’s contest was great fun for the audiences,” said Kay. “They got to see and hear some of the best up-and-coming bluegrass bands around.”
On Friday, May 15, the final two bands will compete for the grand prize. A change in this years contest is the addition of two surprise guest judges each night. Audience members will be the third component in deciding which band advances. Bands are encouraged to spread the word to their faithful followings that will hopefully turn out and make plenty of noise.
“We want folks to know that this year’s judging is going to be a bit different than last time,” said Kay. “The audience will still have a vote, but we are going to bring in two independent judges for each phase for the contest. This way the contest won’t just become a popularity contest.”
Tickets for the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds are $10; final round tickets are $15. Purchase tickets by calling the box office at 828-295-9627 or online by clicking to www.hayescenter.org.
Want To Go?
Date: Monday and Tuesday, April 13 and 14, April 20 and 21
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Hayes Performing Arts Center, Blowing Rock
Cost: $10
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