Rule #1:  Have fun!  Although competitions are, by design, "competitive" in nature, the purpose of these competitions is to allow you to  have an enjoyable time with fellow musicians and the audience,  and showcase your talent.  Use this opportunity to meet and make connections with others, support your genre of music, and show the audience what you can do!  Everyone that is willing to step up on the stage is a winner. In that spirit, have fun! 

Youth Competition

♪  Open to all high school and younger. Two categories: elementary school & younger and
    middle & high schoolers.
♪  Registration from 9 - 10 AM.
♪  Limited to 75 entrants.
♪  Acoustic instruments only. Categories are Banjo, Guitar, Fiddle, Mandolin, Open
    (traditional bluegrass or old time instruments) and Band. 
♪  Individuals perform one tune, no more that 2½ minutes in length. No vocals for
    individual competitors. Each contestant is allowed one (1) accompaniment (no age
    restriction on the accompaniment). Points deducted if over 3 minutes.
♪  Bands must have 3 members and an established name. Bands perform two tunes, no
    more than 2½ minutes in length each. Points deducted if over 3 minutes. Vocals
    encouraged for band competitors.
♪  In case of a tie in any category, contestants should be prepared to play 1 additional tune
    for a tie breaker 
♪  Competition takes place 10:30 AM - 3 PM, or until all competitors have competed.
♪  Contestants may NOT speak into the microphone. Points will be deducted. 
♪  Blind judging. Judges will not be able to see the competitors and each competitor will be
    announced by number issued, not name.
♪  No registration fees.
♪  1st, 2nd, & 3rd Place ribbons will be provided to the winners. No monetary awards
    given. 
♪  1st place winners in each category will have the opportunity to play a tune on the main
    stage during the Youth Showcase at 4:30.


Hot Licks Competition

♪  Open to all ages.
♪  Traditional bluegrass or old time type instruments  only. Creativity encouraged.
♪  Registration cutoff at 5 PM. 
♪  All contestants must attend the contestant meeting at 5pm, no exceptions. 
♪  Competition takes place on the main stage at 6 PM.
♪  Contestants will line up in order of their number drawn prior to the competition. Each
    contestant will be challenged to play a break in a tune that is being played onstage. 
♪  The tune for Round 1 of the Hot Licks competition will be Old Joe Clark. Tunes for
    subsequent rounds will not be announced before the competition. A list of possible tunes
    that may be used during the competition will be provided to all contestants during the
    mandatory Hot Licks meeting which will be held at 5pm.  
♪  No registration fees.
♪  1st, 2nd, & 3rd Place ribbons will be provided to the winners. No monetary awards
    given.