On Saturday, September 8 the sounds of Bluegrass, Dixieland, old time mountain picking, and the strains of ethnic dance tunes from all over the world flowed from Boarding House Park in Lowell, Massachusetts, during the 28th Annual Banjo and Fiddle Contests.

Banjo and fiddle players of all ages, experts and beginners alike, competed for cash prizes and trophies in this annual competition. Participants ranged in age from 4 to 75, many traveling from as far away as North Carolina and Quebec.

We are pleased to announce that two of our students walked away with honors from this contest. We are so proud of our students, and they should be proud of themselves, for a job well done!!

Congratulations go to:

Gabe Hirshfeld - 1st Place

Gabe - you’re Currently The Best Bluegrass Banjo Player in New England! Recording contracts should be on their way!!

Jake Comeau - 3rd Place

Jake - you are decades younger than your competitors, and YOU ARE THIRD BEST IN NEW ENGLAND!!

NOW IS THE TIME TO CUT A CD!!!!!!!

We are also proud of all of the contestants who have traveled world over, got up their Moxie to compete before thousands in Lowell, Massachusetts! Well done!

Thank you to all the volunteers who helped to make this wonderful event possible, to the National Park Service, and to the City of Lowell! Kudos to Coordinator of this event, Alex Demas!!! THANK YOU! … and see you next year!