By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
Over 100 years ago, there was a fiddle contest held here in Athens that was the technical birth of what has become known as the Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers’ Convention. Soon, the legendary Delmore Brothers became a part of it, and a marvelous tradition was born. Then came a time when Fiddlers “lay fallow” for a few decades. In 1967, Fiddlers was revived and has been going strong ever since.
I met 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 palpable. “People who come to Fiddlers bring about $100K of support for students, kids get introduced to music, and it keeps the style of music alive,” she said. Almost every year people come from other countries, and literally thousands happily invade our fair berg for the festivities. In addition, there will be over $47,000 in prizes awarded to winners from a number of musical categories as well as buck dancing.
Several local businesses and organizations have stepped up to sponsor Fiddlers. The stage sponsors are Bank of America, Goodwin Mills Cawood, Pettus Plumbing & Piping, and TriGreen Equipment. Renewal by Andersen is the Delmore Brothers Stage Sponsor. Wristbands are being taken care of by Redstone Federal Credit Union. Other sponsors include Martin & Cobey, Fly HSV, Fink’s Music, Bath & Kitchen Idea Center, TOC, and CB&S Bank. Bank Independent is once again sponsoring a cash giveaway. There will be $500 given away on Thursday, and $1,000 on Friday and Saturday. The total amount is $2500, and there will be five winners, guaranteed.
Airstreamers will be back to set up camp at the softball field , and the food trucks will be great. The lineup includes Chick-fil-A, Pepsi, Bojangles, Happi Pappi, New South Hot Dog and Sushi, Dippin’ Dots, Suzanne’s, Rocket City Popperz, Augusta’s, Briks & Embers Mobile Pizzeria, Touchdown BBQ, Ramona J’s, Southern Wagyu, Sassy Dogs, and Alabama Cattlemen’s Association. There is space for 160 crafts vendors, and only a few spaces are left. Brandy also mentioned that due to the renovation of Carter Gym, “Parking will be adjusted,” and they are working hard to make every aspect of the Fiddlers experience run smoothly.
I have a particular love for what I have come to call “organic community building.” By that I mean the small musical groups and listeners that spring up all over the Athens State University campus throughout the entirety of the festival. Oldsters and youngsters, beginners and master musicians come together to make music; this is one of the most powerful things that people can do to forge bonds that have an effect that lasts long after the festival is over. It is what makes Fiddlers so special, and keeps people coming back.
Speaking of timeless tunes, below is the lineup of performers and show times for the Fiddlers Convention:
Wednesday, October 1 – 7:30 PM
Special Gospel Concert, Free & Open to the Public
Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers
Thursday, October 2 – 7:00 PM
Pitney Meyer
Friday, October 3 – 6:00 PM
Jimmy Fortune
Saturday, October 4 – 7:30 PM
Rhonda Vincent & The Rage
There are several things you need to know that will make your time at Fiddlers even better. Bring lawn chairs. No pets are allowed inside the gates. Free camping is available, but no hookups are available. Athens State University is a smoke and vape-free campus.
Musical competitions begin on Friday at 7:30 PM and will continue Saturday morning. Competitions conclude with the announcement of the Fiddle Champion on Saturday afternoon.
Sandridge Ballroom will once again be the location of the Jerry McGlockin Music Store. There will be traditional instruments available for purchase from several vendors. There will also be strings workshops held in Kares Library on Thursday and Friday. Thursday’s workshop will be for banjo, mandolin, and a JAM workshop. JAM is a patented approach to playing improv music with musicians you have never met. Friday’s workshop will be for guitar, fiddle as well as a JAM workshop. The Delmore Brothers, who were so instrumental in establishing the Grand Ole Opry a century ago have a museum located on the ground floor of McCandless Hall. The museum also contains an exhibit that tells the history of the Fiddlers Convention.
Ticket Prices:
Wednesday is free
Thursday- $20.00
Friday-$20.00
Saturday- $20.00
3-Day Pass- $30.00
For more information and ticket purchase, go to AthensFiddlers.org, and see you soon!
By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
