By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
In 1924, the original Athens Fiddle Contest was held in our fair town, and in 1926 the famed Delmore Brothers were among the contestants. Alton Delmore’s book, Truth Is Stranger Than Publicity captured the story of the early musical days that eventually led to what we are fixin’ to celebrate: both the 100th anniversary of the first Athens Fiddle Contest and the 57th annual Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers’ Convention. “Fiddlers,” as it is affectionately known, will be held once again from October 2-5 on the Athens State University campus, and this year they are adding an extra day to the festival.
I spoke with Brandy Conway, who is the Executive Director of the Athens State University Foundation and Corporate Relations, and her excitement about what I think is one of the best things that happens in Athens each year was contagious. “Attendees bring about $100K of support for students, kids get introduced to music, and it keeps the style of music alive,” she said. Brandy added, “People actually come from all over the world to Fiddlers’.
What is unique to the 2024 Convention is that there will be a documentary about how it all started and what makes Fiddlers so special in honor of the 100th birthday of the original contest. On Friday, at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., and then again on Saturday at 4 p.m., the special commemorative film will be shown to ticket holders at no charge in McCandless Hall.
There is nearly $50K worth of prize money that will be awarded to winners in all of the “old-timey” instruments categories, singing, as well as buck dancing. The announcement of the winner of the Tennessee Valley Fiddle Champion will be on Saturday before the final guest appearance.
Here is the performance schedule, and all performances will take place on the main stage, located at the front of Founders’ Hall:
Wednesday, October 2 at 7:30 p.m. Gospel Concert
Darin and Brooke Aldridge will be performing on Wednesday night. This evening is for any and all, and the hope is that once newcomers get a taste of just what wonderful musicians the Aldridges are, they will purchase tickets for the rest of the weekend. Darin and Brooke will be back for the Friday night venue. They are an award-winning Americana/bluegrass/country duo that has toured the world and played the Opry 50+ times.
Thursday, October 3 at 6:30 p.m.
The McLain Family Band is an American bluegrass band founded in Hindman, Kentucky, in 1968. Raymond Kane McLain studied folk music at university, and began playing bluegrass music with his then-three children in the late 1950s. The McLain Family Band has become internationally known as one of the most spontaneous, creative, and spirited groups performing original and traditional bluegrass music.
Since 1968, the McLain Family Band has performed in 64 countries and all 50 states. They have appeared at Carnegie Hall, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Kennedy Center, the Lincoln Center, and the Grand Ole Opry.
Thursday, October 3 at 7: 30 p.m.
Authentic Unlimited is a relatively new group to the bluegrass music scene within the last few years, but it is comprised of seasoned veteran musicians who are no strangers to this genre. In just a few short years, they have captivated the hearts of listeners and created lifetime fans.
Friday, October 4 at 6:00 p.m.
Darin and Brooke Aldridge return
Saturday, October 5 at 7:30 p.m.
Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper are a multi-award-winning bluegrass group. Widely considered the bluegrass fiddler of his generation, Grammy award-winner Michael Cleveland has been recognized 12 times as the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Fiddle Player of the Year and in 2018 was inducted into the National Fiddlers Hall of Fame. Vince Gill describes Michael’s ability as a fiddle player in the following manner: He plays fearless and it’s intoxicating to play with him because he makes you play fearless. It’s wicked to see how much music he pulls out of a bow. He’s untouchable.
Other features:
As always, the Athens State campus will be lined and lively with 150 vendor and artisan booths, and this year there will be 20 food trucks. Café 1822 will be open. Back by popular demand, on Saturday, Kares Library will feature workshops for guitar, mandolin, and fiddle beginning at 1 p.m. They will also host a jam session in the library on Saturday from 4-6 p.m. The Jerry McGlocklin music store will have instruments for sale in Sandridge Ballroom. Lastly, the Delmore Brothers Museum and Fiddlers’ Museum will be open throughout the event.
Closing thoughts:
Hands down, the best part of the whole event (whether or not you are a musician) is to stroll through the campus and observe the spontaneous groups of musicians that form and make beautiful music together. Total strangers of every age, color, level of skill, and story come together, work together, and for a few days, transport all of us to a sweeter, simpler time. Come join them and experience the 57th Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers’ Convention. You will surely leave with a smile on your face and a dance in your step!
By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
September 20, 2024
