Old Time Fiddler's Festival October 1, 2008
It seems the one constant about the Fiddler's Fest is the often changing venue for this event. That hasn't stopped its many patrons from finding it and having a good time though. This year the event was held on Amity's Acres off W.Main/S.McLane. The event was set up in a five acre field with several large tents for the audience, many vendors, food, fiddle repair and some of the best fiddle music this side of the Rim.
Young Fiddler
Blaine Cone finger picked his way through a tune as he waited for his fiddle player to be called on stage during the judging portion of the Fiddle Fest, Saturday, Sept. 27.
Brandie Schaan looked up suddenly from her intense concentration as she waited for her number to be called during the judging portion of the Fiddler's festival, Saturday, Sept. 27.
Bill Breen announces the fiddle players by number and tells the audience and judges what tunes they will be playing. Each contestant played three songs, two mandatory and one of their choice. The Fiddle Fest moved this year to a five acre site behind the Payson Humane Society just of McClane and Main Street. The Festival was held on Saturday, and Sunday, Sept. 27-28.
Dennis Russell, left, had a winner's grin as he played his fiddler's choice song and Norm Long played guitar accompaniment during the Fiddler's Festival Saturday, Sept. 27.
Chris Farrar holds a playful Isabelle during the Fiddle Fest Saturday, Sept. 27 in a five acre field just of off McClane and Main Street.
Clarke Wallace looks up from his intense practice session when he is distracted by a loud bang, which just happened to be a car backfiring. Wallace was a finalist in his age bracket at the Fiddle Fest, Saturday, Sept. 27. Kathleen Wallace listens intently as Clarke plays.
Peter Rolland, a self described musical ne'er do well, has traveled the world playing his brand of music. In spite of himself, he has been a college math teacher, a freelance musician, a family man and just all around good guy. He made an appearance at the Fiddler's Fest in Payson and let it be known that his next adventure would take him back to Germany, Austria and Sweden next summer.
Ani Waxman gazed wistfully at a horse in a nearby field next to the Fiddle Fest Saturday, Sept. 27. The audience size dropped this year from 600 to 500 but no doubt gas prices and the economy in general played a role in that song.
"The hot dog I want is over there," Marcus Rose seems to be saying as he and his sister Ashley wait for their lunch at the concession stand during the Fiddle Fest.
Mark Helmes worked on carving a new violin body and chatted with patrons as he tried to avoid any new nicks to his fingers Saturday, Sept. 27.
Robert Calhoan patiently waits for his number to be called late Saturday morning, at the Fiddler's Festival.
Heather Johnson found a shady spot behind the main stage to hone her skill a little more before being called to perform, Saturday, Sept. 27 at the Fiddler's Festival. The fest was held just off of Main Street this year on five acres behind the Ox Box Saloon.
Brandie Schaan looked up slightly startled as the audience roared its approval at the close of the competition between her and Clarke Wallace, Saturday, Sept. 27 at the Fiddle Fest.
