Maxton Byrd, reviver of the Seagrove Fiddlers' Convention, dies at age 88

Maxton Byrd, most recent organizer of the Seagrove Fiddlers’ Convention, passed away on Tuesday, Dec 30. The Asheboro resident was 88 years old.

Byrd first began his association with the Seagrove Fiddlers’ Convention as an attendee. Later, when an emcee was needed, he stepped up to the plate and held that position for many years.

Then, though in his 80s and confined to a wheelchair, he worked diligently to restore the annual fiddlers’ convention in 2023 after a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19. 

Byrd and his committee successfully brought the beloved bluegrass talent contest back to the third Saturday in March. Each year since its return, the talent contest has grown in attendance and in competitors.

Byrd became the sixth recipient of Alan Perdue Memorial Award in 2024. The award is presented annually during the Seagrove Fiddlers’ Convention to recognize someone in the area who has made significant contributions to bluegrass music. A plaque, given in memory of the late multi-talented musician, Alan Perdue, who passed in 2019, was presented to Byrd by the Perdue family (Alan’s mother, daughter and brother).

Maxton Byrd was a true supporter of bluegrass music, attended many NC fiddlers’ conventions and bluegrass festivals, and was a brother to another lover of the music, the late Shorty Byrd.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2025, at Union Grove Christian Church, 3985 Old NC Hwy 13, Asheboro, with pastors Gary Reeder, Scott Kidd and Jacob Clapp officiating.