Competition Details
Solo Prizes
Solo prizes will be awarded as follows for Fiddle, Banjo, Guitar, Mandolin, Dobro and Bass. Prizes include a ribbon and the following:
Adult
- 1st Prize: $50
- 2nd Prize: $35
- 3rd Prize: $20
Youth
- 1st Prize: $30
- 2nd Prize: $20
- 3rd Prize: $10
Band Prizes
Band Prizes will include a ribbon and will be awarded as follows:
Adult
- 1st Prize: $300
- 2nd Prize: $200
- 3rd Prize: $100
Youth
- 1st Prize: $75
- 2nd Prize: $60
- 3rd Prize: $45
Competition Rules
Please read the following carefully. Rules apply to adult and youth contestants.
Keep in mind that this is our FIRST EVER Bluegrass Convention and we may need to make minor adjustments before the event. We’ll keep all registered participants updated via email!
- All bands and solo individuals, youth and adult, must register between June 15 and August 15 (extended to August 19). Register on this website or print the registration form, complete it, and mail it to Grace United Methodist Church, 4905 E. Yale Ave., Denver, CO 80222. See Registration Form for further details.
- Individuals who are members of a band and wish to be considered in Solo Competition on their instrument must indicate such on the Band Registration Form and they will be judged while playing with their band.
- Youth and Adult Individuals who are not members of a band and wish to be considered in Solo Competition must complete the Registration Form (due between June 15 and August 15, extended to August 19) and may play alone or will be permitted to have one musical accompaniment. Backup instrument cannot be the same as contestant instrument.
- Youth contestants are 15 and under, and all Youth band members must be 15 or younger. Solo Youth may be accompanied by an adult or youth in individual competition.
- No Old Time Banjo style picking this year (maybe next year if we include Old Time bands).
- Maximum of 7 members in a band. All acoustic instruments – no electric. Bands must include at least 3 different stringed instruments. Individuals may play in only one band.
- Warm-up/tune up and jam areas will be in the grass area between the church and Yale Avenue. Once entering the performance area, please refrain from picking while others are performing on the stage.
- Bands and solo individuals must play music from the public domain; no copyrighted music.
- Songs should be limited to 3 minutes. Bands will be allowed two songs. Individuals will perform only one song.
- If a contestant breaks a string while performing or the sound system malfunctions, he/she has the option to stop immediately. Contestant will be allowed to replace the broken string and/or repeat the performance without penalty.
- All prizes will be awarded after the last competition (approximate time will be posted on the website after August 25th).
- Judges’ decisions are final.
- Absolutely no drugs or alcohol on church property.
Contestants will be judged on the following criteria:
- Rhythmic Timing
- Stage Presence
- Music Performance
- Creativity/Expression
- Difficulty