Competing at the 36th Uncle Dave Macon Days Festival

As mentioned earlier, the 36^th annual Uncle Dave Macon Days Festival was held in Murfreesboro TN.  One reason to attend a festival is to jam with like minded players.  

The buildings, exhibits, people, booths and main stage were interesting and filled several hours of our time; however, most of the jammers were bluegrass style where my style of banjo, clawhammer and 2-finger, are a poor fit.  Noticing there was a Acoustic and Blues Singing competition with only a few participants I signed up.  

Competing Friday

Two tunes were needed for the Acoustic and Blues Singing and I had two, “Going to German” from Gus Cannon and “Bear Creek Blues” from Blind Lemon Johnson by way of  Lesley Riddle and AP Carter.  Both fit the pre-1930s rules and using the banjo would be authentic even if I don’t have the popular blues sound.  

By the 7:30 PM start there were 16 participants, probably 10 excellent blues players and singers, luckily I was #3.  Restricted to one tune I selected “German” and used a 2-finger style, quite authentic.  Billy skillfully accompanied me on guitar.  It was a good performance: there were no errors; I was relaxed as I played and sang.  We were at top from as we looked down on an audience of 500.  As we finished the crowd applauded approvingly.  

Glad I went early as there were many great performers who followed me.

Competing Saturday

A new day a new experience at Uncle Dave Macon DaysFestival.  Having scoped out the area on Friday we came prepared and expecting to find old-time jammers.  The folks from the Nashville jam were there but practicing for their performance.  It was the same story for the other Old-Time groups.  Thus I decided to take the stage again in the Old-Time Banjo contest.  Now I am not national level but have become a fair banjo player.  Selecting my best tunes and re-tuning the banjo to “A” I stood behind the stage waiting my turn #5 this time.  Contestant #3 played my tune which was unfortunate because I can nail that tune and have more life than he did.  OK, re-tune the banjo to “G” and go with tune #2 which is not a flashy.  

Again, the stage felt comfortable the audience of 800+ did not scare me, we sat down, I announced the tune “Shoes and Stockings”, played it without error in nice rhythm at a dance-able pace.  The audience gave me a robust applause and I felt good. 

Was I going to win a contest? 

No way but it was a personal best and I won simply because both performances were flawless, I was never nervous, and it was a trip to sit in front of 800+ people knowing there may be several thousand within speaker range.  

My wish is everyone could have that sense of accomplishment.