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Rules

Rules

  1. Contestants must purchase admission and competitor tickets, unless a youth competitor under 12.

  2. Contestants may compete in up to two individual, one duet, and one band category, unless providing accompaniment to another individual competitor. Wild Card will be considered one of the individual categories.

  3. Contestants may compete in EITHER youth or adult categories, but not both. Any age may compete in open categories.

  4. Individuals may not speak before or after their individual performance, as judging is blind.

  5. Any contestants not in line by one hour before category end time, will not be able to cross the stage and compete.

  6. Individuals will perform only one song. Bands will perform two songs. Songs should be limited to three minutes.

  7. Only songs from the public domain; no copyrighted music.

  8. All vocal entries should be traditional, original, or folk songs. Solo vocalists may play an instrument while they sing, and have one additional string instrument backup. Songs may also be presented acapella.

  9. Acoustic instruments only, except electric basses as accompaniment only. Electric basses will not be judged in individual competition.

  10. If a contestant breaks a string while performing, or the sound system malfunctions, they have the option to stop immediately. They will be allowed to replace the broken string and repeat the performance without penalty.

  11. The judge's decisions are final, and will be supported by management.

  12. By performing, all contestants agree that the convention and its affiliates may record and reproduce performances free of claim by contestants.

Youth Specific Rules

  1. Youth categories are limited to contestants aged 16 and under. Any contestants 17 and up must compete in adult categories.

  2. Youth contestants can choose to compete in adult categories, but will not be able to compete in youth categories if they choose to do so.

  3. Youth bands must have at least three members age 16 and under, and may be accompanied by one adult.

  4. Youth individuals may have one accompaniment of any age.

Singer Songwriter Rules

  1. Songs must be written by the performer and must be original material. 

  2. ​The Singer may give a short (no more than 2 min) explanation of the meaning behind the song or about the writing process of the song. 

  3. Singers will be allowed one accompanying musician, who may also sing background vocals and which will not be judged.

Duet Rules

  1. Duets may be composed of any two instruments or vocalists.

  2. All accompanying instruments must be played by one of the members of the duet.

Band Rules

  1. To qualify, a band must consist of at least four members including a banjo, guitar, bass, and one of the following: a fiddle, mandolin, or dobro. Bands are limited to seven members. Bands must have the same members in all rounds of competition if applicable.

  2. Bands may come in any order, but they must be ready. If no one else is in the line to compete when competition is done, the competition will end.

  3. Bands will play 2 songs no longer than 3 minutes each.

Masters Rules

  1. The Masters Series is invitation only. In the future, contestants who win the regular competition 3 times will automatically be moved up to the masters and will be unable to compete in regular competition for the same category. This year, the top 10% of competitors from last year are eligible, in addition to regular competition. This year only, if you were not contacted and notified of eligibility, you may enter for a $20 fee.

  2. Competitors will play one song of their choice, and one song drawn from a hat with 5 minutes to prepare.

  3. The list of songs in the hat will be available at the registration table.

  4. If two contestants tie, they will have a play off with either an agreed upon song, or another song picked from the hat. They will play the same song.

Wild Card Rules

  1. Contestants will randomly draw an instrument that they have no experience playing from the hat, and will be judged by crowd reaction.

  2. Contestants will then play a lick of “Mama Don’t Allow No” on their instrument with the band (with no preparation).

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