Silver Dollar City band contests

D.A. CallawayAt SPBGMA over the weekend, we spoke several times with D.A. Callaway, Talent Coordinator at Silver Dollar City, and the reigning 2013 SPBGMA Promoter of Year for his work on Silver Dollar’s Bluegrass & BBQ festival, held in May at the park.

The event runs for three entire weeks, with top bluegrass acts rotating in and out every few days. Callaway is a big bluegrass fan, and has been including our music there for many years, both on the main stages and through band competitions. He noted that a number of newly prominent young bands, and several up-and-comers, had attracted early attention through Silver Dollar City band contests.

For the 2013 competitions, the deadline to enter is March 15, for both their 6th Annual National Single Microphone Championship on May 18, and the 12th Annual Youth In Bluegrass Band Contest on May 25. The contests are held at Silver Dollar City during the Bluegrass & BBQ festival. There is no entry fee, and admission to the park is complementary for contestants. Prize money is substantial, with first place bands receiving as much as $2,000.

You can find full details about the competitions online, along with the festival schedule and ticket information.

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About the Author

John Lawless

John had served as primary author and editor for The Bluegrass Blog from its launch in 2006 until being folded into Bluegrass Today in September of 2011. He continues in that capacity here, managing a strong team of columnists and correspondents.