Above: Banjo Contestant at The Roost in 2011
Photo Credit: Live Edits Lab

Yonder Mountain String Band’s Harvest Festival is excited to host the Second Annual Fiddlin’ and Pickin’ Contest! 

Don't miss your chance to compete in one of the four competitions being held at The Roost: Mandolin, Fiddle, Flatpicking, and Banjo.  Prizes include cash money and gift baskets!

The deadline for online registration has passed. You can register onsite at The Roost up to 15 minutes before the competition begins. Remember: it is first come, first served, and contests may fill up!

Even if you aren't a Fiddler or Picker be sure and stop by The Roost to check out all the talent! 

Please note that competitions will be held within the Harvest Festival grounds for Harvest ticket holders only.

Registrations are open to anyone attending Harvest Festival with a paid festival ticket.

Paid performers are not allowed to enter the contests.

The first 10 contestants who have successfully registered and paid the $10 Entry Fee prior to the start of the contest will be entered into the contest.  On site registrations will be accepted during the contests’ registration times;  CASH ONLY for on-site registrations. 

All contestants MUST check in at the registration table 15 minutes prior to start of contest to draw for order of performance.  If you do not check-in during the time designated for the contest and/or are not present 15 minutes prior to contest, you may be disqualified.

Contestants will be asked to play 2 songs.  In the event of a tie, a third song is required to determine a winner.  Maximum playing time is 5 minutes per contestant.  Contestants still playing after the 5 minute cut-off will be asked to stop, which may affect the overall score.

Songs may be from any genre and do not need to be original. No vocals or lyrics will be allowed.

Contestant must only play one instrument.  Only one accompanist allowed per contestant.  Instruments must be played acoustically into microphone.  Any electrical capability of the instrument is prohibited to be used during performance.

Mandolin:  Mandolin must be played with standard tuning.  No cross tuning allowed.
Fiddle:  Fiddle must be played with standard tuning.  No cross tuning allowed.
Flatpicking: Contestants must use a flat pick.  No fingerpicks or tapping allowed.
Banjo:  Contestants must play a clawhammer or bluegrass style on a 5 string banjo.

Contestants may not talk on stage.  The emcee will announce the contestant number and song titles to be performed directly prior to contestant entering the stage.  Once the 2 songs are performed or the time limit is up, the contestant must exit the stage.

Please email us if you have any questions.

Mandolin

Contest:

10:15 am

Fiddle

Contest:

11:30 am

Flatpicking

Contest:

10:15 am

Banjo

Contest:

11:30 am

While judges deliberate the final scores, we welcome the contestants to join together and jam until the results are revealed!