The 46th annual Granite Quarry Fiddlers Convention is Saturday, Oct. 6 in the East Rowan High School auditorium on US Highway 52, south of Granite Quarry.
Ronnie Hatley from Stanfield will be honored for his outstanding and dedicated service to the field of old time and bluegrass music. Hatley grew up in a multi-talented musical family and was exposed at an early age to bluegrass and gospel music. Although his instrument of choice is the banjo, he is very proficient on all string instruments and has been teaching others for more than 30 years. He owns Ron’s Pick-in’ Parlor in Stanfield and teaches a wide range of lessons on all acoustic intruments and voice lessons.
Hatley is grateful for his talents that enable him to perform and share his love of music through teaching others. He follows several other family members who have previously been honored by the convention. Those include his father, Ervin Hatley, brother Gary Hatley and wife Sandy, and Sandy’s mother, Mrs. J.D. Crisco.
There will be cash awards of $1,700, plus trophies and roseetes going to the best bands, fiddler, banjo picker, guitarist, mandolin player, bass player, dobro and vocal. There will also be rosettes awarded for the most promising talent ages 11 and under, and ages 12-16.
Bands, vocals and most promising talent interested in participating may call 704-633-5940 or 704-267-9439 for information. Registration will begin at 4:30 p.m. Most promising talent under 16 competition will begin at 6:30 p.m. Band and individual over 16 competitions will follow the most promising talent competition.
Keny Poovey, Academy Street Productions from Maiden, will provide the sound services.
Admission is $8 for adults, $2 for children 6-12 and free for children under 6.
Barbecue chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs and homemade desserts will be available in the school cafeteria from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. and from 4 p.m. until.
Proceeds from the convention go to Civitan projects, including Special Olympics, Boys and Girls Homes, people with developmental disabilities, Victory Junction Gang Camp, Civitan International Research Center, scholarships, local school programs and community activities.
More information is at www.GraniteQuarryFiddlers.com.