APRIL 23, 2009 ISSUE
MerleFest Hosts Annual Instrument Contests This Weekend
This weekend, MerleFest will once again host its annual Mandolin Contest, Merle Watson Bluegrass Banjo Championship and Doc Watson Guitar Championship on Thursday and Friday, April 23 and 24, in Alumni Hall at Wilkes Community College. These popular contests offer aspiring pickers some time in the spotlight to be heard by the wildly appreciative audiences at the festival, along with a chance to compete for an impressive array of prizes.
The contests are open to paid MerleFest ticket holders. There is no registration fee for the contests. Previous champions of the contest and advertised, paid performers for MerleFest 2009 are not eligible.
Interested participants will register and receive a number at Alumni Hall at the appointed times listed below. Twenty registrants will be randomly selected to join each contest, along with the second and third place winners of that contest from last year. Contestants must follow this procedure and cannot recruit a friend to hold their place in line or register for them. The order of appearance will be determined by drawing numbers one half-hour before each contest begins. Contestants are judged on arrangement; execution and tuning; spirit; and overall impression.
The MerleFest Mandolin Contest will take place on Thursday, April 23. Interested participants should make their way to Alumni Hall between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m. to register and receive a number. The contest begins at 4:30 p.m.
The Grand Prize winner will receive a Gibson F-9 F-Style mandolin, valued at $3350; the Second Prize winner will receive a Gibson Flatiron “Festival” F-Style mandolin, valued at $1350; and the Third Prize winner will receive a Calton mandolin case, valued at $735.
During the first round, each contestant will play two instrumental numbers. For the final round, each finalist will play two numbers—one instrumental of their choice, and a standard vocal number assigned by random drawing. During the standard vocal number, the festival will provide a singer/guitarist while the contestant accompanies and performs solos and back-up to the singer/guitarist. Medleys are not permitted. A single accompanist is permitted though not required, and accompanists are not permitted a solo performance.
The Merle Watson Bluegrass Banjo Championship will take place on Friday, April 24. Interested participants should make their way to Alumni Hall between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. to register and receive a number. The contest begins at 10:30 a.m.
The Grand Prize winner will receive a Deering “Terry Baucom” Edition banjo, valued at $4600, and one set of John Pearse strings; the Second Prize winner will receive a Gibson RB-250 banjo, valued at $3300, and one set of John Pearse strings; and the Third Prize winner will receive a Calton banjo case, valued at $785, and one set of John Pearse strings.
During the first round, each contestant will play two instrumental numbers. For the final round, each finalist will play two numbers—one instrumental of their choice, and a standard vocal number assigned by random drawing. During the standard vocal number, the festival will provide a singer/guitarist while the contestant accompanies and performs solos and back-up to the singer/guitarist. Medleys are not permitted. A single accompanist is permitted though not required, and accompanists are not permitted a solo performance.
The Doc Watson Guitar Championship will take place on Friday, April 24. Interested participants should make their way to Alumni Hall between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. to register and receive a number. The contest begins at 3:30 p.m.
The Grand Prize winner will receive a Gallagher guitar and case, valued at $3200, one set of John Pearse strings and $300 cash; the Second Prize winner will receive a Taylor 310 guitar, full featured with cutaway and electronics and valued at $2000, one set of John Pearse strings and $200 cash; and the Third Prize winner will receive a Calton guitar case, valued at $895, one set of John Pearse strings and $50 cash.
During the first round, each contestant will play two instrumental numbers. For the final round, each finalist will play two additional numbers. If there are nine or fewer registered contestants, each will play three tunes, and judges will place winners without an additional tune. Medleys are not permitted. A single accompanist is permitted though not required, and accompanists are not permitted a solo performance.
For additional rules, regulations and details on any of the instrumental contests, click to www.MerleFest.org.
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