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"You can't beat the Ellenboro Fiddlers' and Bluegrass Convention --- either as a musician on the stage, or a spectator listening in the audience," says Ronnie Hawkins, event organizer, as he announces the date for the 26th annual fund raiser. "If a person likes Bluegrass music, if they want to encourage local as well as regional musicians that perform well but are not usually in the lime-light of the profession, if they want to enjoy an evening of good clean family entertainment while supporting the local community, they should come. We encourage Bluegrass performers, either bands or individuals, to come and 'show their stuff'."
The stage is set in the Ellenboro School Gym, Saturday, November 18th, at 6:30 pm. Trophies will be awarded for: Best Band, Best Banjo, Best Fiddle, Best Mandolin, Best Guitar, Best Dobro, Best Vocalist and to the People's Choice Band.
The event continues the "long tradition of Bluegrass heritage of the area, giving both old and new musicians an opportunity to perform locally that many people look forward to for an evening of good clean family entertainment. " says Hawkins. "The first Ellenboro Fiddlers' and Bluegrass Convention was held in the auditorium of the old Ellenboro School on Cherry Mountain Street in 1992, and annually thereafter until the school moved to new facilities on Piney Mountain Church Road where the event continues to be held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. The event has been well received by the community and usually attracts both musicians and spectators from throughout western North Carolina and surrounding states. The Ellenboro event continues the legacy of the Hollis Fiddlers' Convention which ran from 1925 until the mid 1960's."
The 2017 host band, Golden Valley Crusaders, have been playing and singing Bluegrass and Gospel music since 1970. They are a well known local group that has performed throughout the southeast. Their presence ensures a lively evening of quality and inspirational musical delights.
"The Ellenboro event is unique in that it is the only event in the area where a variety of Bluegrass musicians from pre-teens to senior-adults perform competitively, and our audience listens to that many different groups and individuals perform." continues Hawkins. "And, the net proceeds always go to the benefit of Ellenboro Elementary School, for special equipment, library books and other materials to benefit the students."
"Attendance is usually around 300-400 including 7 to 18 different acts. Last year, there were a total of 17 acts; 12 Bands and 5 Individual performers, for a total of 62 musicians." reported Hawkins.
The address for the location of the Convention is 813 Piney Mountain Church Road in Ellenboro. Performers may register upon arrival beginning at 5:30 pm. For more information call 828-453-7457 or 828-657-5212.
So, come on out and support the students of Ellenboro Elementary while enjoying the fellowship of Bluegrass and Gospel music lovers. It's sure to be a night you will enjoy.
