Fiddler's Grove Ole Time Fiddler's and Bluegrass Festival, Union Grove, NC

04-11-2014

 

This is the oldest fiddler's contest in North America, acclaimed a Local Legacy by the Library of Congress, icon of the genre, and not to be missed.

 

Union Grove, North Carolina (April 11, 2014) - In 1924, H.P. Van Hoy, a schoolteacher and fiddler, thought of an innovative way to raise money for Union Grove School; he would hold a fiddler's convention.  The convention became a tradition, carried on in recent years by Harper A. Van Hoy, H. P. Van Hoy's son.  On May 23-25, 2014, the fourth generation of Van Hoy descendants will open the gate for the 90th iteration of that acclaimed musical institution:  a weekend of competition, performances by invited musicians, workshops, jamming, and the renewal of years-long friendships.  This is the oldest fiddler's contest in North America, acclaimed a Local Legacy by the Library of Congress, icon of the genre, and not to be missed.  The Fiddler's Grove Ole Time Fiddler's and Bluegrass Festival is held at 1819 West Memorial Hwy., Union Grove, NC. 

 

The weekend kicks off on Friday evening.  The audience will hear from past winners and legendary musicians.   Special entertainers for the weekend include performers with strong ties to this festival: The Cockman family, Master Fiddler Robin Warren, Danny Wicker and Mel Jones, The Edwards Family, Sally Spring, The Shiver Show, Don Pedi, Lissy Rosemont, Taylor Dunn, the Laurel Creek String Band, and Storyteller Steve Houser. The festival has joined forces with the Green Grass and Cane Creek Cloggers to add to the music with a Barn Dance.
 
Saturday offers a day of competition for youth musicians in individual categories. This emphasis on youth competition is in keeping with the mission of the festival. Since 1924, Fiddler's Grove has enjoyed a long tradition of preserving old time and bluegrass music, and passing the legacy on to future generations. On Saturday morning you'll be able to attend workshops in numerous instruments, and clogging with the Green Grass and Cane Creek Cloggers. The afternoon will feature youth competition on the Youth Stage, a children's show, and Twin Fiddle and adult fiddle competition on the Main Stage. 

 

Many things take place on the Main Stage Saturday evening. After a moving tribute to founder Harper A. Van Hoy, you will see some special entertainment, clogging, and, perhaps the highlight of the evening, the Fiddler of the Festival Playoff.  Also returning is the popular "Hot Licks" competition, where musicians in all instruments will compete for the title "Best Jammer" of the festival.
 
In a long-standing tradition, Sunday morning is a lazy day of listening to gospel and good music under the trees "in the Grove" - a perfect ending for the weekend.
 
Fiddler's Grove Campground, the bucolic setting for this annual gathering of music lovers, is nicely suited for the execution and enjoyment of these great American musical traditions.  The stated purpose of this festival - to preserve, promote and perpetuate traditional American music - is carried out in a fashion that invites every ticket holder to be a part of the grand continuum.  Novice or expert, listener or competitor, youngster or otherwise: everyone can find a niche at Fiddler's Grove. 

 

For on-going information, visit www.fiddlersgrove.com, the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/FiddlersGroveINC, or contact the festival administrator at info@fiddlersgrove.com or 704-682-1350.
 
Donate to the cause at: http://www.gofundme.com/80827o
 
FESTIVAL TICKETS:
Friday: Adults $10
Saturday: Adults $10
Sunday: Adults $5
Children 12 and under: free all weekend
Festival Tickets do not include camping.
 
Entire Festival: Adults $25 purchased at the gate or after May 10.
Advance Purchase Tickets: $20/Adult, must be purchased online on or before May 10.
 
No tickets will be mailed. Online purchase receipt for Advance Purchase Tickets must be shown at the gate.
 
RV Reservations
A limited number of RV hookups are available. Visit http://fiddlersgrove.com/rv-sites/ to reserve your spot. Plenty of overflow RV camping is available at our cousin's campground 1 mile up the road.
 
Dry Camping
Dry camping is available in several areas of the campground. There are no defined sites for this, and these do not include water or electric hookups.
$7/Adult/Night
$15/Family/Night (family is 2 adults and their children)
$7/night for each additional Adult
No advance purchase. All dry camping is paid at the gate.
 
Note: Fiddler’s Grove is a family event. As a matter of public safety pets, alcoholic beverages, and illegal drugs are not allowed on the grounds.

 

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Fiddler's Grove

1819 West Memorial Hwy, Union Grove, North Carolina, 28689

Web: www.fiddlersgrove.com 

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