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Appalachian Heritage Council Hosts 5th Annual Fiddler’s Convention and Luthiers Gathering Feb. 8 at ASU

by Madison V. Fisler

Feb. 6, 2014. On Saturday, Feb. 8, the Appalachian Heritage Council at Appalachian State University will host the fifth annual Old-Time Fiddler’s Convention and Luthiers Gathering at the Plemmons Student Union. 

This annual event lasts all day beginning at 10 a.m. and will include competitions, contests, concerts, workshops and more for fiddling fanatics and music lovers of all ages. 

“Throughout the day we usually see an upwards of 350 people,” said Heritage Council Chair Tyler Peterson. 

“It’s a hodge podge of people: students, community members, family members, it’s a big mix.”

Admission to the convention is completely free of charge and open to the public. Registration for competitions is $5 per person. 

In addition to the convention on Saturday, there will be a live performance in Legends the night before the event.

“One of the requests we got from people who were coming from out of state is that they wished there was something to do the night before the convention,” Peterson said. 

“So we are having a performance and a dance on the Friday night before the convention.”

On Friday, Feb. 7, meet up at Legends at ASU for the Green Grass Cloggers Performance and Square Dance. The performance will take place at 7:30 p.m.

The Luthier’s Gathering in the Blue Ridge Ballroom will allow master instrument craftsmen and women to showcase their wares to the public. Some will bring instruments to sell, and you can see firsthand the quality craftsmanship that comes from the High Country. 

The schedule of events for the convention is as follows:

Solarium Stage

  • 11:00-11:30: Guitar
  • 11:30-12:00: Mandolin
  • 12:00-1:15: Fiddle
  • 1:15-2:30: Banjo
  • 2:30-4:00: String Band
  • 4:00-5:00: Dance
  • 5 p.m. – Awards

Whitewater Stage

  • 11:00-11:30: Youth Guitar
  • 11:30-12:15: Youth Fiddle
  • 12:15-1:00: Youth Banjo
  • 1:00-1:30: Break
  • 1:30-2:30: Folk Song 

Workshops (Grandfather Ballroom)

  • 12:00-1:oo: Flatfoot
  • 1:00-2:00: Banjo
  • 2:00-2:30: Break
  • 1:30-2:00: Fiddle

Luthier’s Gathering

  • 10 a.m.-5 p.m. in the Blue Ridge Ballroom
  • See showcases of work from master instrument crafters all day long 

Handmade Market

  • 11 a.m.-4 p.m. in the International Hallway
  • The handmade market features artists and crafters from Boone and the surrounding areas

An Evening with Sons of Bluegrass and Crazy Water Crystals

This fantastic show till take place at Legends at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7:30. Tickets will be available at the merchandise table for a discount. Tickets are $10 for students in advance and $12 at the door and for the general public the cost is $12 in advance and $15 at the door. 

For more information about this event, visit the convention’s website here