The “Gathering in the Gap” Music Festival offers an opportunity for area musicians to test their skills in a variety of musical competitions. Performers can compete in old-time and bluegrass divisions and on multiple instruments. Competition categories include mandolin, guitar, bluegrass banjo, old time banjo, bluegrass fiddle and old-time fiddle. There is also a category for a band competition, for which there must at least be three members and at least two different types of instruments. For each of the categories, participants will be divided into age groups, 17 and under and 18 and up, except for the band competition. Cash prizes and certificates will be presented to the top three participants in each individual category (first place - $100, second place - $50 and third place $25) and to the top participant in the band competition category ($500).
The Instrument Competition begins at 12 p.m. the day of the festival. Each contestant must fill out a registration form upon arrival. Registration fee is $10 for the first instrument and $5 for the second. Bands pay a $15 registration fee. Payment is taken at the registration booth. For more details and rules/criteria for any of the competitions, call the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park at 276-523-1322 or email swvamuseum@dcr.virginia.gov.
The 16th annual Gathering in the Gap Music Festival is held May 25, beginning at 12 p.m.. Festival admission for adults ages 13 and over is $15 early bird rate (available through March 31), or $18 advanced sale rate (if purchased after March 31) and $20 if purchased the day of the event. Children 12 and under are free with paid adult admission.
