Elliott County Fiddler’s Convention

https://www.facebook.com/elliottcofiddlersconvention/

John Ryster is the founder and organizer of the Elliott County Fiddler’s Convention. He said the festival has a quirk that sets it apart from other events in a fiddler’s contest circuit.

“Most contests will have very qualified judges, but this is folk music. I feel like it’s music of this area, and so I hire just three people from Elliott County to judge that aren’t even necessarily well versed in old time,” said Ryster. “And I just want three normal people to say ‘this was good’ or ‘this was not as good’.”

Contest categories include fiddle, dulcimer, ballad singing, banjo, dancing, and string band competitions, with different categories for youth and adults.

Stidham Old Time Music Gathering

https://www.facebook.com/stidhamoldtime/

The Stidham Old-Time Music Gathering takes place at the James E. Webb Musical Repair & Sales shop in Tomahawk (Martin County, KY).

Organized by James L. Webb, son of the shop’s namesake, the festival features an extensive lineup of old-time musicians and workshops throughout the weekend.

The Stidham Old-Time Music Association, a nonprofit organization that focuses on increasing participation in music and traditional arts in eastern Kentucky, is seeking donations, sponsorships and volunteers to support the 2024 festival.

1213 S. Milo Road