The 43rd Annual Granite Quarry Fiddler’s Convention is this Saturday, Oct. 3, in the East Rowan High School Auditorium on U.S. Highway 52 South of Granite Quarry.
Sixteen hundred dollars in cash awards, plus trophies and rosettes, will be awarded to the best band, fiddler, banjo picker, guitarist, mandolin player, bass player and dobro. There will also be rosettes for the most promising talent ages 11 and under and ages 12-16.
Bands 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.
Richard Jones, a native of Granite Quarry, will be honored during the convention for his outstanding and dedicated service in the field of old time and bluegrass music.
Jones started playing the guitar in 1953 while serving in the navy. He played guitar until around 1962 when he became interested in folk music groups like The Kingston Trio; Peter, Paul, and Mary; Gordon Lightfoot and Jim Croce. He joined the Charlotte Folk Music Society in 1973, and in 1978 he joined the Yadkin Valley Folklore Society, of which he is still a member.
Over the last 56 years of playing, Richard has played with many local musicians and bands. He also enjoys his solo gigs that give him a chance to play folk songs, ballads, blues, and original songs that he has written. He can usually be found picking and singing every Friday night at the Montgomery Store in Gold Hill.
Keny Poovey, Academy Street Productions from Maiden, will provide the sound services.
Admission is $8 for adults and $2 for children ages 6-12. Children under 6 are free of charge. Port-A-Pit barbecue chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs and homemade desserts will be available in the school cafeteria from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. and starting again at 4 p.m.
Proceeds from the convention will 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 available on the website at www.GraniteQuarryFiddlers.com.