By Don Livengood
For the Salisbury Post
The 46th Annual Granite Quarry Civitan Fiddler’s Convention showcased both veteran and up-and-coming musicians Saturday night at the East Rowan High School.
In addition, Ronnie Hatley, a 35-year veteran bluegrass musician from Stanfield, was honored for his outstanding and dedicated service in the field on old-time and bluegrass music.
Saturday’s performers competed for $1,700 in cash prizes, trophies and ribbons offered in a number of categories.
Judges selected John Hofmann with the Destination Bluegrass Band of Mocksville as Champion Fiddler. The Fifth String and Co. of Gold Hill presented Hofmann a miniature fiddle in memory of their father, Ralph Pennington, who spent most of his life playing and promoting bluegrass and old-time music.
Pete Corum of Concord served as Master of Ceremonies. Jeff Michael, Ben Watlington and Luther Chandler served as judges. Mary Wagner served as scorekeeper. Bill Fisher is the Granite Quarry Civitan president.
The convention raised $6,000 for the Civitan Club, according to club member Don Livengood. The event is the club’s biggest fundraiser of the year.
Members use the money raised from admissions and sales of food to support community projects, including Boy Scouts, Junior Civitan, Good Citizen Awards, scholarships, Special Olympics, Victory Junction Gang Camp and East Rowan, Erwin Middle and Granite Quarry Elementary schools.
The top bands, individual winners and most promising talent were:
Bands: Winner – Gospel Plowboys, of Cleveland, led by David Murph; Runner-up – Tight Wire, or Mocksville, led by Andy Williams;
Second runner-up – Destination Bluegrass, or Mocksville, led by Keith Souther;
Third runner-up – Midway, of Mount Pleasant, led by Dale Blackwelder.
Fiddler: Champion – John Hofmann, of Mocksville;
First runner-up – Tori Jones, of Linwood;
Second runner-up – Tanner Henson, of Asheboro.
Banjo: Champion – John Goodson, of Cleveland;
First runner-up – Tom Hiatt, of Mocksville;
Second runner-up – Chuck Ward, or Mocksville.
Guitar: Champion – John Marlen, of Mocksville;
First runner-up – Danny Casstevens, of Mocksville ;
Second runner-up – Drew Gray, of Lenior.
Mandolin: Champion – Andy Williams, of Mocksville;
First runner-up – Jerry Bobbitt, of Mocksville;
Second runner-up – Seth Gray, of Lenior.
Bass: Champion – Gary Richardson, of Mouth Pleasant;
First runner-up – Travis Brady, of Mocksville;
Second runner-up – Andrew Brown, of Cleveland.
Dobro: Champion -Danny Hargis, of Huntersville;
First runner-up – Robert Ellis, of Mocksville;
Second runner-up Roy Bourne, of Clemmons.
Vocal: Champion – Mike Jenkins, of Cleveland;First runner-up – Madeleine Baucom, of Monroe;
Second runner-up – Wanda Foil, of Salisbury.
Most Promising Talent – age 11 and under: Champion – Kirkman Sisters of Faith; First runner-up – Mary Henson, of Asheboro; Second runner-up -Elli Jones, of Linwood.
Most Promising Talent – ages 12-16: Champion – Kimberly Griffin, of Monroe; First runner-up – Anna Grace Haigler, of Indian Trail; Second runner-up – Daniel Thrailkill, of Mt. Ulla.