The first New York Fiddle Contest held at the Dutchess County Fair has ended and it was a rousing success! We had over 15 contestants, including some from New Jersey and Connecticut. Our three judges (Ambrose Verdibello, Bob Green, and Gene Lowinger) had a difficult time choosing the winners, as the field of fiddler players was outstanding.
One of the categories was called “Trick and Fancy.” That was truly a fun part of the two hour contest. One performer played a song while standing on one foot. Another played while walking in circles. And then there was the one who played “Listen To The Mocking Bird” and imitated different birds on his fiddle. The winner of that category was a team of two players….one bowed the fiddle and the other played the fingerboard. You should have seen (and heard) them!!!!!
Gary Veeder, who was the Chairman for the committee and also the person who had the idea to hold this contest, was an excellent emcee and presenter of awards. The chairs in the Talent Tent were almost filled to capacity and, really, we all had a rousingly good time.
Thanks to Fred Robbins, our photographer-in-residence, for the photos on our Photo Page.
FIDDLE BUDS: (8 Years and under-Demonstration only)
Alice Rosi-Marshall – Millbrook, NY
Noah Boon – Verona, NJ
JUNIOR-JUNIOR (9-12 Years)
First Place: Aiden Cuite – New Hamburg, NY
Second Place: Mathilde Rosi-Marshall – Millbrook, NY
Third Place: David Factor – Germantown, NY
JUNIOR(13-17 YEARS)
First Place: Vincent Giannone – West Millford, NJ
Second Place: Adam Jeffreys – Red Hook, NY
Third Place: Robert Shubert III – Poughkeepsie, NY
OPEN (All ages)
First Place: Amy Beshara – Montclair, NJ
Second Place: Catie Ely – Rhinebeck, NY
TRICK AND FANCY
First Place ………….Texas Twins – Robert Shubert III & Adam Jeffries
Second Place ……..Aidan Cuite — New Hamburg
Third Place ………….Robert Clement —Meridan, CT
The contest was sponsored by the Dutchess County Fair, Hudson Valley Bluegrass Association, Riverside Bank, Mark’s Music Center, LEt’s Jam Music, & Patti & Gary Veeder.
Thanks to Gary Veeder, to the judges, and….most importantly….to the very poised, talented, and gutsy young people who entered the contest!!!