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Writer's pictureRocky Baker

Americana is On Display at the 2024 Fiddlers Convention - Plus More About Old Time Singing

Updated: Oct 23

Americana On Display


The 57th annual Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention took place in early October at Athens State University in Athens, Alabama. A large crowd enjoyed the event along with the perfect weather. American history and American culture were reflected everywhere at the four-day event.


A veteran fiddle player plays bluegrass at the Old Time Fiddlers Convention.
Fiddling that Bluegrass

Thousands of people enjoyed song, dance, arts-and-crafts, and fun at the 2024 Fiddler's Convention.


People from all over the country visited the campus of Athens State University to enjoy the music, dance, singing, and crafts - and fellowship of friendly people.




A group of teen play and sing Bluegrass at the Old Time Fiddlers Convention.
Young Talent Performing

Bluegrass music and Old Time Appalachian music are the key points of interest during the three-day event. Americana is on display at the Fiddler's Convention.


Young men playing bluegrass music at the Old Time Fiddlers Convention.
Picking that banjo

Fiddlers and those skilled in various instruments flock to north Alabama from all over the country every October for this annual event.




Besides music the event features competitions in Buck Dancing plus a large arts and crafts show.


Seniors, young adults, and a teen sing at the Old Time Fiddlers Convention.
Everybody Singing

Adults and children and in-betweens take part in the festivities.

A man playing bluegrass on a bass fiddle
Slapping that Bass Fiddle

The majority of the music is played in informal jam sessions.


A man plays the bluegrass banjo at the Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddler's Convention
Picking that Banjo

Fiddles, banjos, guitars, mandolins, dulcimers, dobro, and bass fiddles are seen all over.


A young woman plays the bluegrass fiddle at the Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddler's Convention
Fiddling that Bluegrass

The musicians come in every age group.


The washboard was often played as part of old time Appalachian Music
Playing that Washboard

The winner of many of the competitions are recognized as the Alabama State Champion for that musical category.


A dulcimer, and banjo, and a guitar under a tree
Instruments Resting

But many, probably most, people come for the friendly comradery and just hanging out with fellow Bluegrass and Old Time Music enthusiasts.


The Story of One Old Time Singer Tells a Lot About Old Time Music


Once again this year the winner of the Old Time Singing was Allan Daniel from Woodland, Alabama. By virtue of winning that competition, Allan is now the Alabama State Champion of Old Tine Singing.


Allan is a regular visitor to the Fiddler's Convention. He first visited in 2015 and first entered the Old Time Singing competition in 2018. He won 4th place that year. Since then he has placed second twice and first place twice.


Mr. Alan Daniel sings at the Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddler's Convention
Mr. Allan Daniel singing

This year Allan won first after he sang "That Old Ship of Zion". It is a great old time song.


Mr. Allan Daniel sings "That Old Ship of Zion"
Mr. Allan Daniel

If you watch Allan compete and if you talk to him about singing, you will discover that singing is important to him.


Allan was born in the 1960's in Woodland, Alabama. From childhood he has been a member of the Church of Christ, a conservative church that does not use instruments in their regular singing, They sing A Cappella. That is an Italian term for singing multipart music by unaccompanied voices. The Italian meaning is "in the manner of the chapel".



I talked to Allan about Old Time Singing and how he came to be the Alabama State Champion.


Allan said that Old Time Music is based on a society much different than the world of 21st century America. Back in the old days in the Appalachian area, life was a struggle. If you couldn't make it you didn't have it and if you couldn't grow it you couldn't eat it. That struggle led most people to being more in touch with he spiritual side of life, and that spiritual side is reflected in their Old Time music.


Allan learned old time music not just in church, but also at the M & M Music Barn in Randolph County. Murphy Wilson and his wife Martha held a big music event once a month at their place. The event was popular in the community.


Allan told me that he is not anti-instruments for Old Time Singing. He really appreciates many performances that use instruments. But for him, a cappella is the best way for him to put his heart into the song. And the singer's heart connecting to the song is THE key factor for Allan. He says that the connection shows up when the singer sings and the judges can see that.


Months before his performance, he looks at a group of old time songs and picks one that he can "connect to" with his heart. Allan cites that as a key factor to his success. And Allan does practice that song many times before the October competition.


Allan Daniel playing the bluegrass banjo
Allan Daniel also Plays Banjo

Allan also plays bluegrass banjo.


Allan made a point to say that one of the main reasons he likes the Fiddler's Convention is the camaraderie and the friendly crowd. That was not news to me. The event is a gathering of thousands of friendly people, all smiling and having fun.


In Closing:


The 2024 Fiddler's Convention was again a strong show of Americana.


Americana is defined as "an item that reflects American culture or American history".


Both American history and American culture are displayed in the music and dance and crafts at the Fiddler's Convention. Plus the friendly crowd and the beautiful campus at Athens State University make it a wonderful event to visit.


Every reader of Picture Americana would enjoy a visit to the next Fiddler's Convention.


Comments are welcomed here in the box at the bottom of this page. I really like reading those comments. You can ask questions there as well. I will try hard to give you a good answer.


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7 Comments


Guest
Oct 24

Interesting😀. Cedrik

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rockydbaker
Oct 24
Replying to

Thanks Cedrik!


Rocky

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Guest
Oct 24

Nice Pics. What is your camera equipment?

Camera, lens, lighting

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rockydbaker
Oct 24
Replying to

For these photos I used a Nikon D810 and a Nikon 24-85mm zoom. No additional flash.


Thanks for the comment!


Rocky

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Guest
Oct 24

Rocky, fantastic article. Having lived in New England for about 20 years, had a lot of exposure to bluegrass, and folk music. Remember it fondly.

@hreedwork/chess.com

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rockydbaker
Oct 24
Replying to

Thanks Harvey!

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