Contest Information & Registration

9:30 am - Contestant check-in

10:00 am - 1:30 pm -  Preliminary Old-Time Music Contest (Adult & Youth)

2:00 - 3:15 pm - Finals Old-Time Music Contest (Adult only)

4:15 pm - Awards

Note: This contest takes place during Kentucky History Day. Family-friendly activities will be happening across the campus from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Click here for the full schedule of activities.

All registered contestants must check in at 9:30 a.m. on June 1, 2024, to identify themselves and draw their number. When their number is called, contestants must be backstage and ready to perform. If not present, they will be disqualified.

Youth 

• Youth contestants must be 15 and under.
• Youth contestants will play one tune in the preliminary stage. First through third place winners shall be selected. There will not be youth finals. Youth contestants will receive feedback sheets from the judges.

Ties

Contestants must be present to play another song, or they will be given the lower place.

Prizes

String Band

1st place - $800

2nd place - $500

3rd place - $300

Adult Fiddle 

1st place - $300

2nd place - $200

3rd place - $100

Youth Fiddle 

1st place - $100

2nd place - $75

3rd place - $50

Adult Banjo

1st place - $300

2nd place - $200

3rd place - $100

Youth Banjo

1st place - $100

2nd place - $75

3rd place - $50

Rules and regulations are subject to change.

• The judges’ decisions are final.
• Contestants may enter both individual categories in their age group. 
• Contestants are not allowed to play in more than one string band.
• Fiddle and banjo contestants may be accompanied by one other musician. Accompaniment instruments cannot be the same as the instrument being judged.
• String band & adult contestants should prepare one tune in the preliminary round and two additional pieces for the finals. Medleys will not be judged in the preliminary round.
• Youth contestants should prepare one tune. Medleys will not be judged.
• Electric and DI instruments are not permitted.
• Singers must keep lyrics appropriate for fans, young and old.
• Playing time must be a minimum of 90 seconds and a maximum of three minutes in the preliminary round. Playing time must be a minimum of three minutes and a maximum of six minutes in the finals. There will be a time keeper with the judges. Points will be deducted for going over or under your time.

Rhythm and timing (20%): Judges will listen for consistent tempo and evenness of timing.

Tonal qualities (20%): Judges will listen for pleasing tone, quality of tuning, and intonation (on fiddle and fretless banjo).

Expression and soul (20%): Judges will consider the degree to which the performance has life, as opposed to sounding flat and mechanical.

Execution (20%): Judges will assess how well the player executes whatever it is that the player is attempting to do. For instance, a simpler tune or rendition played very cleanly with solid timing will receive a higher score than a more complex tune or rendition played less cleanly or with more erratic timing.

Old-time style (20%): Highest scores will be given to traditional old-time tunes played in traditional old-time styles. Banjo players: overhand (a.k.a. “clawhammer”) and old-time fingerstyle are welcome!