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Merlefest 2001
Again to Feature Instrument Contests
Details on Participating in the Merlefest Contests
Nov-01-2000
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MerleFest 2001 will again feature three outstanding instrument contests during the first two days of the April 26-29 event. Any MerleFest ticket buyer except for past champions and artists performing at MerleFest may enter these competitions for guitar, mandolin, and banjo. For each, the first twenty registrants on site will participate.
Merle Fest will again present a major league guitar summit, the tenth DOC WATSON GUITAR CHAMPIONSHIP. This high profile contest for acoustic, flatpick guitarists will happen on Friday afternoon, April 27, from 3:00 until 5:45 PM at The Student Center Lounge on the Wilkes Community College campus. Registration takes place in the Student Center lobby between 1:30 and 2:30 PM on Friday. The winners of the Doc Watson Guitar Championship will receive prizes of the very highest order! Cash prizes are sponsored by Bruce G. Sanders Architecture, P.C. of Greensboro, NC. Gallagher Guitar of Wartrace, Tennessee built Doc's personal guitar and Don Gallagher continues the family tradition, so it's no surprise that the champion will receive a Gallagher. From San Diego, California, Taylor Guitars, have earned a sterling reputation in the hands of such practitioners as Dan Crary and our second place winner. The champion will perform on the Cabin Stage on Saturday. Previous champions include Kenny Smith, now of the Lonesome River Band.
Registration: for the seventh annual MERLE WATSON BLUEGRASS BANJO CHAMPIONSHIP takes place in the Student Center Lobby at Wilkes Community College between 8:30 and 9:30 AM on Friday, April 27. The competition begins at 10:00 AM. In keeping with Merle Watson's identification with the 5-string banjo and North Carolina's fame for having spawned the bluegrass three-finger style, this event has become one of the nation's foremost banjo contests. Offered as top prizes are a Gibson Earl Scruggs Standard Model Banjo or a Deering Golden Era. First place winners will also perform on the Cabin Stage before the festival audience on Saturday. First place receives a choice of one of the two prize banjos and a check for $300. Second place earns the remaining banjo and a check for $200. Third place receives a check for $50. Cash prizes are sponsored by Waverly Tuning Machines, a division of Stewart-MacDonald. Previous champions include Cody Kilby.
MerleFest presents the sixth annual MERLEFEST MANDOLIN CONTEST from 3:00 until 5:45 PM on Thursday, April 26, at The Student Center Lounge on the Wilkes Community College campus. Registration: takes place in the Student Center lobby between 3:00 and 4:00 PM on Thursday. The Grand Prize includes $300, a Flatiron F-5 Artist Mandolin, awarded by the Flatiron Mandolin Co., a division of Gibson USA, and a performance on the Cabin Stage. Second-place prize includes $200 and a Flatiron Mandolin; third prize - $50. Both mandolins carry a lifetime warranty. D'Addario Strings sponsors the cash prizes. Previous champions include the acclaimed Johnny Staats and Ashby Frank.
MerleFest 2001 will also include two events for songwriters. The popular Songwriters' Coffeehouse again happens on Friday evening, April 27, at MerleFest 2001. Songwriters selected by lot from on site registrants on site will share the stage with singer-songwriters performing at MerleFest. Entries on audiotape for the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest must be received by March 18, 2001. A panel of Nashville music industry figures will reviewuate all the taped entries, choosing three finalists in each of four categories: bluegrass, country, gospel, and general. Finals will take place at MerleFest 2001 on April 27 with songwriters performing at the festival judging. At MerleFest finalists receive 4-day tickets and lodging within thirty miles of the event. Finalists will compete for prizes include cash and Epiphone Guitars from Gibson. The first place contestants will perform for the main stage audience. Past winners include Gillian Welch. For entry information, please call 800-799-3838 or visit the web site at www.merlefest.org. All entries must be submitted on tape with entry fee and an official entry form sent to:
THE CHRIS AUSTIN SONGWRITING CONTEST
P.O. BOX 121855
NASHVILLE, TN 37212.
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