Musical comedian Mike Snider will be the special guest performer at the 41st annual Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention on Friday, Oct. 5.

Snider, along with his band, The Mike Snider String Band, will perform two shows beginning at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

The Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention is hosted at Athens State University in Athens. Convention tickets are $7 for Friday, Oct. 5, including Snider’s performance, and $10 for Saturday, Oct. 6. A weekend pass is $15. Tickets can be purchased at the gate.

A native of Gleason, Tenn., Snider made his way on the country music scene in the 1980’s with his incomparable wit and stellar banjo playing.

Snider first worked his way into people’s hearts through his hundreds of spots on TNN’s Nashville Now, and his seven-year stay in the cornfield on “Hee Haw.”

In addition to his television work, Snider and his band entertained crowds for seven years at Nashville’s Opryland USA.

In 1990, Snider’s popularity garnered him a membership in the Grand Ole Opry where he continues to draw laughter and entertain crowds with his music. Eddie Stubbs, famed Opry announcer calls The Mike Snider String Band, “The best string band in the nation.“

In addition to his comic performance, his group’s music has been well received. Snider’s show is exciting, funny, moving, easy-going, and above all, honest and from the heart.

Approximately 200 musicians are expected to compete in Fiddlers Convention this year.

A total of $11,870 in prize money will be awarded to the top musicians with the Fiddle Champion earning the top prize of $1,000.

Proceeds from the event go to the Athens State University Foundation for the support of student scholarships and capital projects.