Date: June 30, 2009
Contact: Alex Demas, 978-970-5028
Contact: Phil Lupsiewicz, 978-275-1705
(Lowell, MA) The sounds of Bluegrass, Dixieland, old time mountain picking, and the strains of ethnic dance tunes from all over the world will flow from Boarding House Park in Lowell, Massachusetts, on Saturday, September 12, 2009, during the annual Banjo and Fiddle Contests. The public is invited to a full day of music, food and family fun. The event is free, but donations will be accepted. Free workshops on Mountain Dulcimer, Oldtime Fiddle, Oldtime Banjo, Twin and Bluegrass Fiddle, and Bluegrass Banjo begin at 10:00 a.m. The contests begin at noon and continue throughout the afternoon. Pre-registration for contestants is suggested. A printable Contestant Registration Form is available here.
Banjo and fiddle players of all ages, experts and beginners alike, compete for cash prizes and trophies in this annual competition. Participants have ranged in age from 4 to 75, many traveling from as far away as North Carolina, and Quebec. Musicians interested in participating should pre-register by contacting the Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center, 246 Market Street, Lowell, (978) 970-5000 or visiting www.nps.gov/lowe/banjofiddle. Entry questions can be directed to e-mail us. Contest entry and admission are free to all.
For more information, please call (978) 970-5000/5002 (TDD). Boarding House Park is located at 40 French Street, Lowell. The rain location is Lowell High School Auditorium across from the Boarding House Park. Both locations are wheelchair accessible. The Banjo & Fiddle Contests are sponsored by Lowell Festival Foundation and Lowell National Historical Park.
