Old time and bluegrass on tap in Tazewell

Local music lovers and museum supporters are ready to welcome hundreds of traditional musicians July 13 -15 to the Tazewell County Old Time & Bluegrass Fiddlers’ Convention, which will feature two nights of Band Competition this year.  The event is held at the Tazewell County Fairgrounds and is a benefit event for Crab Orchard Museum.
“It’s important for bands to know they must play both nights to qualify for prizes,” says Charlotte Whitted, Director of the museum.  “I’d hate for a great band to show up just on Saturday and be ineligible to compete.” In years past Friday night has been a performance night, so moving to two nights of competition is a significant shift.
The competition schedule alternates Old Time and Bluegrass band competition times, so bands that arrive by 9 p.m. Friday can still get in to their category, even though it starts at 7 p.m.  “We thought that was only fair, so that access to the band competition is equal between Old Time and Bluegrass.” In between competition bands, enjoy the music of Shelby Jewell & the Bluegrass Kinsmen on Friday night and the Tazewell County Back Porch Pickers on Saturday night.  “These musicians are volunteering their time to support the music, the event, and the museum—they are great house bands.”
The event features a Music Lovers’ Flea Market & Vintage Guitar Show as well, to be held in and around the Fuller-Peery Building.  Friday afternoon will also feature an Open Mic session from 4 to 6:30 p.m., for those who want to perform in front of an audience, but not necessarily compete.
JULY 13
Noon Gates Open
Noon- 7 p.m. Music Lovers Flea Market
4-6:30 p.m. Open Mic Session
7 p.m. Old Time Band Competition
8 p.m. Bluegrass Band Competition
9 p.m. Old Time Band Competition
10 p.m. Bluegrass Band Competition
Friday evening’s results will be added to scores from Saturday evening’s final round of band competition to determine the winners.
JULY 14
9 a.m.- 7 p.m. Music Lovers’ Flea Market
10 a.m. Youth Competition (16 & under) (awards given after this category)
11 a.m. Guitar, Mandolin, Harmonica, Dulcimer, Dobro, Acoustic Bass
2 p.m. Fiddle and Banjo Duet
3 p.m. Old Time Banjo/Bluegrass Banjo
4 p.m. Old Time Fiddle/Bluegrass Fiddle
6:30 p.m. Lifetime Achievement Awards
7 p.m. Old Time Band
8 p.m. Bluegrass Band
9 p.m. Old Time Band
10 p.m. Bluegrass Band

Dance Competition following Band competitions. - $5,000 in Awards Given.

JULY 15

10 a.m. Informal Gospel Jam



Tickets are available at the gate.  Single Day pass, $7 for adults.  Weekend Pass, $12 for adults.  Kids 12 and under free with accompanying adult.  Camping is available on site.  Concession food available on site.  Brochures can be downloaded at http://www.craborchardmuseum.com. Call (276) 988-6755 for more information.