Highfalls event described as ‘one of the best yet’

ROBBINS — Since 1921, the Highfalls Fiddlers’ Convention has been a Moore County community gathering for good food, fellowship, and most importantly, music. 

When COVID shut the event down, it looked like it might not return, but a rising NC State student and community member, Miranda Smith, picked up the baton to make sure the annual acoustic talent show survived. 

Saturday, Feb. 21, brought bluegrass musicians from across North Carolina and at least two neighboring states to compete for the top prizes at North Moore High School in Robbins. 

Smith, who fell during the January snowfall and broke her leg, was rolling around on a scooter, still attending to business. She even joined her fellow NCSU alumni bandmates to play polka style music and entertain during intermission. She was happy at the close of the evening.

“This year’s event was one of the best yet, and it was great to see new musicians coming to Highfalls for the first time as well as some who have been coming for decades,” the young promoter said. “We had a very solid turnout, and will be able to give some money to the schools again. 

“My favorite part of the night was giving the Most Outstanding Adult award in Pammy Lassiter’s memory to John Fogleman who said he had been encouraged by Pammy for many years. It was another special moment in a special year for lots of people at Highfalls.”

Lassiter, a dobro player from West End and huge supporter of NC bluegrass, passed away in January following a period of declining health. Her husband, Big T Lassiter, served as emcee for the event. 

Fogleman, normally a bassist and son of the late resphonic player Wade Fogleman, was surprised and emotional as he was presented the award in her memory. 

“Last year, I entered dobro. It was out of my comfort zone. Pammy was on the side stage videoing me and cheering me on,” he said. “She called me the next day to say how proud she was of me.” 

Following is a list of other award winners.

YOUTH

Band: 1. Five Sevenths, 2. 4 Walls

Fiddle: 1. Lydia Walls, 2. Macy Wyand, 3. Hope Terry

Banjo: 1. Ford Terry, 2. Cameron Edenfield, 3. Silas Walls

Mandolin: 1. Arthur Hayes, 2. Sarah Walls

Guitar: 1. Elliot King, 2. Parker Terry, 3. Corban Walls

Bass: 1. Ford Terry

Miscellaneous: Corban Walls (harmonica)

Vocal: 1. Chelsea Edenfield, 2. Elliot King, 3. Miles Welch

ADULT

Band: 1. White Hill Blueberries, 2. Sumthin Stoopid, 3. Hazy Ridge

Fiddle: 1. Katie Koerner, 2. Tabitha Tatham, 3. Gabe Wisner Carlson

Banjo: 1. Andy Hunt, 2. Dale Mills, 3. Carson Beckham

Mandolin: 1. Tim Perry, 2. Alex Meredith, 3. Caroline Terry

Guitar: 1. Tommy Chandler, 2. John Marler, 3. Cooper Marona

Bass: 1. John Fogleman, 2. Daniel Perry, 3. Daniel Schronce

Dobro: 1. James Murdock, 2. Daniel Smith, 3. Sandy Hatley

Miscellaneous: Kenny Welch (harmonica)

Vocal: 1. Kyna Gunter, 2. Tommy Chandler, 3. Daniel Perry

Dance: 1. Cheryl Skeen, 2. Joey Trogdon, 3. Taylor Lingren

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Seagrove Fiddlers’ Convention will follow on Saturday, March 21, at its new location: Southwestern Randolph High School, 1641 Hopewell Friends Road, Asheboro. Registration will be held from 4:30 to 6:45 with competition beginning at 5:30. Admission is $12 for adults, $5 for children 6-12, free for children under 6. Cash only. Concessions will be available.