Fiddlers’ Finesse Fills Park
with Sounds of Celebration
Music Tradition
Kept Alive
By Tarryl Jackson, Staff
tjackson@newsleader.com
 |
Dorene Fisher of Staunton plays the fiddle
Saturday as she jams with other bluegrass musicians
gathered in Buena Vista at the Maury River Fiddlers’ Convention.
– Mike Tripp/The News Leader |
BUENA VISTA —More than 8,000 people, young
and old,
celebrated bluegrass and old-time music at the 12th
annual
Maury River Fiddlers’ Convention at Glen Maury
Park this weekend.
Spectators sat on the grassy hills and camped near
their RVs as they listened to musicians leisurely
but skillfully play their instruments.
People sang, square-danced and tapped their feet
Saturday as
the energy of the music flowed from the stage.
“Just look at all the talent here,” said
director of parks and
recreation Ronnie Coffey. “It’s just a good feeling.”
Twenty-seven bands and about 180 instrumentalists
participated in the convention’s competitions.
Eagle Rock resident Kim Vanness competed with her
musical group, Allen Branch, and has been coming
to the convention for several years.
“It keeps the music tradition going and brings
everyone together,” Vanness said.
Fishersville resident Karin Magno said the convention
helps to pass on the music and keep it alive.
Magno has been playing bluegrass and old-time music
since she was 10 years old.
“I grew up in Roanoke, and it was everywhere,” Magno
said. “It was just a part of growing up.”
Playing music is a family tradition for Pleasant
View resident Joe Daniano.
“Music is in my soul,” Daniano said.
“If you look around, you see people of all
ages,” said Lexington resident Tara Daystar. “It
(bluegrass and old-time music) is becoming popular
among young people.”
Dabneys resident Don Giecek wanted to do more than
just listen to music and started playing acoustic
guitar about 10 years ago.
“I decided to be a participant and not just
a spectator,” Giecek said.
The convention brings in about $8,000 to $10,000
every year for the park.
Stage manager Roger Groot said the event caters
to the musicians, the public, and the park.
“It is a three-way deal,” Groot said.
“I like the music,” said Roanoke resident
Rick Cecil. “I’ve been around it all
my life.”
Originally published June 19, 2005
|
