It's time for the Granite Quarry Fiddlers' Convention

Saturday night, October 8, the 56^th Annual Granite Quarry Fiddlers’ Convention will be held at East Rowan High School in nearby Rowan County. 

The annual October talent contest draws many local musicians to compete for trophies, ribbons and cash prizes. Categories include both adult and youth bluegrass band and bluegrass gospel band competitions plus youth and adult individual instrument contests (fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin, bass and dobro). 

Registration opens at 4 p.m. All adult entries must be registered by 6 p.m. to be eligible to draw a number for performance time in a lottery-style drawing.

Youth competition begins at 4:30 p.m. The local band the Grass Strings will entertain at 6 p.m., followed by a special presentation at 6:30 p.m. 

Since 1970, the Granite Quarry Civitan Club has honored individuals who have made a substantial contribution to the promotion and preservation of traditional old time and bluegrass music. This year’s honoree is Jim Fraley, long time banjoist for Deeper Shade of Blue from Monroe. For two decades, Fraley — who has also played with Chubby Wise, Mac Wiseman and Bobby Hicks — toured with Deeper Shade of Blue, but retired in 2020 due to health reasons. The banjo picker will be joined on stage by his former bandmates. Deeper Shade of Blue will perform a short set honoring Fraley following the presentation.

Youth winners will be announced at 7 p.m. prior to adult competition.

 East Rowan High School is located off Highway 52 at 175 St Lukes Church Road near Salisbury. Admission is $10, children under 12 free. Advanced tickets for chopped BBQ dinner are available at 704-633-2995. Hot dogs and hamburgers will also be served. All proceeds benefit the Granite Quarry Civitan Club.