Boone, NC -- The Appalachian Heritage Council is pleased to announce the 7th annual Appalachian State University Old-Time Fiddler’s Convention and Luthiers Gathering on February 5-7th, 2015. The ASU Old-Time Fiddlers Convention is held on the campus of Appalachian State University and is 100% student operated. This unique three-day event draws over 400 attendees from nine states and celebrates the rich musical and cultural history of the Appalachian region. Events include; concerts, instructional workshops, music competitions, a gathering of luthiers, as well as a handmade market featuring crafters from across the region.
The Convention will kick-off with a free showing of “Throw Down Your Heart,” a documentary about world-renowned banjo player Bela Fleck as he takes the banjo back to its origins in Africa. The film will be shown in Greenbriar Theater of Plemmons Student Union (PSU) at 7:30 p.m. on the evening of Thursday, February 5.
At 8 p.m. Friday, February 6 at Legends Night Club, the second night of the Convention will feature a dance performance by the Green Grass Cloggers accompanied by the old-time string band, The Spring Chickens—tickets are $12 for students in advance and at the door, $15 for the public and $5 for kids 12 and under.
The Convention continues on Saturday, February 7, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. in the PSU in the heart of the Appalachian State University campus. Saturday features adult and youth music competitions with prizes and ribbons for winners—all competitions are free to attend with a registration fee of $5 per person to compete. All adult competitions will take place in the Summit Trail Solarium from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. and youth competitions will be held in the Whitewater Café from 12 – 2:30 p.m.
Saturday’s instructional workshops will be held in Calloway Peak, MacRae Peak, and Attic Window rooms in the PSU from 12 – 5p.m. Featured workshops include fiddle, banjo, and slow jam, hosted by members of the featured Saturday evening performer Old Buck, as well as flatfooting and storytelling. All workshops are free to attend and are open to the public.
The Handmade Market can be found in the PSU International Hallway from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., and includes crafts from local and regional vendors. Convention-goers can learn about instrument making at the Luthiers Gathering in the Blue Ridge Ballroom from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Both the Handmade Marker and the Luthiers Gathering are free to attend and are open to the public.
The Convention will conclude with a concert at 8 p.m. at Legends Night Club by the kickin-string band Old Buck with special guest opening act, The Buck Stops Here. Tickets are $12 for students in advance and at the door, $15 for the public and $5 for children 12 and under.
For more information and a schedule of events please visit: http://fiddle.appstate.edu/