I hear banjos: The Old Time Fiddlers Convention returns to Athens

Published 7:00 am Saturday, October 7, 2023

Rain wasn’t able to slow down the 56th Annual Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention on Thursday and Friday, and the skies seem to have cleared up for Friday night and Saturday’s festivities on Athens State University’s campus.

On Wednesday, Oct. 4, the 2023 Fiddlers Convention kicked off with a free gospel concert by the Appalachian Roadshow on the main stage at Founders Hall. Thursday night followed with performances by Clearview Bluegrass and a second appearance by Appalachian Roadshow. Friday night would feature The Grasclas, followed by The Dan Tyminski Band who are set to go on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

Thursday night into Friday morning brought some rain, but as the skies cleared Friday afternoon, groups of musicians gathered to play together around the grounds of the convention and attendees started arriving to visit the food and craft vendors.

The competitions scheduled for Friday night on the main stage included performances by the Delmore Brothers Stage at McCandless Hall. Preliminary rounds will continue throughout Saturday followed immediately by the finals.

Approximately 150 booths also accompany the musical competitions. From metal working to leather goods and hand crafted tactile arts, visitors will have several options of goods and artisans to browse.

Visitors can also attend free workshops on Saturday. These will be located in the Kares Library throughout the afternoon and will help all emerging musicians learn more about playing the fiddle, banjo and mandolin.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.TVOTFC.org or www.eventbrite.com or at the gates of the convention. Saturday’s tickets will cost $20 per adult, and children younger than 12 will be admitted free with a paid adult.