In the tradition of the McFarland Mall Bluegrass and Fiddle Championship and the Black Warrior Fiddle Fest, Fiddle Fest and the Southeastern Fiddle Championship will return to Shelton State Community College on Saturday, February 24 on the College’s Martin Campus. The oneday festival will be a family friendly atmosphere celebrating the rich sounds of bluegrass and fiddle music and its talented musicians. Arts, crafts, food vendors, and family activities will be ongoing throughout the day. Admission to the festival and entry in competition categories are free.
This project has been made possible by financial donations from the Community Foundation of West Alabama, Visit Tuscaloosa, and the Alabama State Council on the Arts with generous support from Shelton State Community College. With additional sponsorship contributions, Fiddle Fest serves as an ongoing effort to maintain the traditions of bluegrass and “old-time fiddle music.”
“It seems hard to believe now that we were ever concerned about the life of this event,” joked Glenn Taylor, President/CEO of the Community Foundation of West Alabama. “It has been so exciting to see our community support Fiddle Fest, and we look forward to its continued growth in the years to come.”
Festivities of the day will include the 8th Annual Southeast Fiddle Championship. Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. and competition will begin at 9:00 a.m. Over $7,500 in prize money will be awarded in a variety of categories with top prize money being awarded to the first-place bluegrass band, as well as the grand champion fiddle player.
Additional funding has been secured from other sponsors in the West Alabama community. These sponsors include American Fiberglass, Houston Hydra- Steam, The Dells Golf Club, and SmartBank with additional support provided by Ray Foundation.
For more information on the festival and a complete list of competition categories, follow @alabamafiddle on Facebook and Instagram or visit Fiddle Fest 2024.
For additional information about fine arts opportunities at Shelton State, visit sheltonstate.edu.
