And speaking of Merlefest…
The winners have been announced for this year’s banjo and guitar contests. First place in the Doc Watson Guitar Championship, held on Thursday (4/28) went to Eric Hardin of Warrensville, NC, who received Boucher Alencia Goose guitar ($4,500 value), plus gift certificates from Jackson’s Music and John Pearse Strings.
For Eric, the eighth time was the charm, though he says he will miss competing now that he will be graduated to a judge.
“I’m ecstatic about winning. I’ve been doing this contest for eight years, and I have finally won. I do hate, though, that I won’t get to play in it next year.”
Weston Stewart of Anderson, AL won the MerleFest Banjo Contest on Friday, which earned him a Deering Eagle banjo, and gift certificates from Jackson’s Music and John Pearse Strings.
Second place went to Tanner Norris of Monroe, N.C., and third to Alex Edwards of Salisbury, NC. Tanner won a hard shell case from Frontier Energy and they both get gift certificates from Jackson’s Music and John Pearse Strings.
Weston was perfectly politic in accepting his prize…
“I wasn’t expecting to win. I just want to say this is a wonderfully organized event, and there were so many great pickers taking part.”
Congratulations to all the winners!
