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ASU to Hold Eighth Annual Appalachian State Old-Time Fiddlers Convention Feb. 5 – 6

By Bailey Faulkner

Want a taste of old-time Appalachia? Don’t miss out on the eighth annual Appalachian State Old–Time Fiddlers Convention in the Plemmons Student Union and Legends on Feb. 5–6.

The convention is divided into three main events.

The fully student-run convention will celebrate the rich musical and cultural history of the Appalachian region. Historically drawing over 400 attendees, the event will also offer over $2,500 in prizes. Events will include:

  • Concerts
  • Instructional workshops
  • Music competitions
  • Luthier gathering
  • Handmade market

All events are family-friendly and open to the public.

Friday: Square Dance with The Zephyr Lightning Bolts

Legends 7:30 p.m.

Convention
The Zephyr Lightning Bolts/zephyrlightningbolts.com

The festivities will kick off on Friday with the Appalachian Old–Time Square Dance. The Zephyr Lightning Band will provide dancing tunes and caller Aaron Ratcliffe will lead folks in dancing.

Student tickets will be $3, while public tickets will be $5. Doors will open at 7:30 p.m. and dancing will begin at 8 p.m. Children ages 13-18 may attend, but must be accompanied by a guardian.

Saturday: Fiddlers Convention

Plemmons Student Union 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The convention’s main event will begin at 10 a.m. in the Plemmons Student Union. During this segment of the convention, Appalachia-lovers can:

  • Compete in instrument contests
  • Browse through the handmade market in the International Hallway
  • Attend a luthier gathering in the Blue Ridge Ballroom
  • Participate in instrument workshops hosted by members of The Hogwire String Band

Saturday’s convention in Plemmons will wrap up at 5 p.m. While there will be a $5 fee for entering competitions and a $25 fee for setting up your own booth in the handmade market, the event is otherwise free to the public.

Saturday: Brad Leftwich & The Hogwire String Band w/ Skillet Gap

Legends 7:30 p.m.

Convention
Brad Leftwich & The Hogwire String Band/hogwirestringband.com

After Saturday’s main event, Legends will host American roots group Brad Leftwich & The Hogwire String Band. Exciting and sophisticated, the group’s vocal harmonies and fiddle-centric melodies will end the Fiddlers Convention on a truly Appalachian note.

The band will be joined by opening act Skillet Gap. Hailing from Boone, Skillet Gap will give audiences a true old-time, High Country musical experience.

Saturday’s Legends show will be $5 for students and $10 for the public. Doors will open at 7:30 p.m. and music will begin at 8 p.m. Music-lovers ages 18 and under must be joined by a guardian.

For more information about the Appalachian State Old–Time Fiddlers Convention, check out the convention’s website. The site includes useful links and details about each event and contains information regarding parking and competition registration.