2024 Kennedy Creek Old Time Music Festival
The Kennedy Creek Old-Time Music Festival takes place every autumn at the Kennedy Creek Resort in Suches, GA. Participants are invited to reserve cabins, yurts, or campsites, and food is available at the resort restaurant. Guest artists teach workshops, lead competitions, and present concerts, but the main event is always jamming with friends. Admission is free.
Friday, September 6
Workshop: Life and Tunes of Georgia Fiddler Anita Sorrels-Wheeler
There are no known recordings of fiddler Anita Sorrels-Wheeler, but there are written records of her winning contests in Georgia. She famously almost married Clayton McMichen and they were reputed to make an amazing double fiddle duo, although in the end she chose a quieter life. In this workshop, Sasha Hsuczyk will give a short history of Anita and then teach one of the tunes she liked to play – “Liberty on the Corn Liquor Still”! This workshop is open to all instruments.
Time: 1:00pm
Workshop: Led by Mickey Nelligan
In this workshop we will explore some licks and tricks you can use on the fiddle to enhance your old-time fiddle playing with Georgia style. Looking over a variety of classic tunes from the Georgia repertoire, we will review different bowing techniques and more that can give your fiddling that Georgia sound.
Time: 2:30pm
Finding the Right “Wrong” Note: Led by Dan Gellert
You ever wonder why you (virtually) never see frets on a fiddle? Let’s talk about what it means to play in tune, and ways to get closer to that goal.
Time: 4:00pm
Concert: Mickey Nelligan and Sasha Hsuczyk
Details TBA.
Time: 5:30pm
Saturday, September 7
Introduction to Sacred Harp Singing
Want to participate in the Sacred Harp Singing but know nothing about the tradition? Come early for a brief introduction to the shapes, the book, and the practices.
Time: 9:15am
Sacred Harp Singing
All are welcome to join in! We will be singing out of the 1991 Denson revision of The Sacred Harp, a collection of shape-note hymns first published in Georgia in 1844. Newcomers will be provided with a loaner book and some instructional materials, but the best way to learn is to sit next to an experienced singer and give it a go! We will break for lunch from noon to 1 pm. You may eat in the restaurant or provide your own meal.
Time: 9:30am
Fiddle Contest
Rules and Regulations
- Preliminary: Two divisions including Open (any age), Junior (age 16 and under). Juniors may compete in the open division but may not then also compete in the Junior division.
- Each contestant will play one tune in the Preliminary Round.
- There are no rules disqualifying any styles or tricks but judges will be listening for style and repertoire that represents the region.
- Scores will be tabulated directly after the end of the preliminary round and top 5 finalists will be announced and posted immediately.
- Finals will begin 30 minutes after finalists are announced. It is during this time that finalists will draw for finals order.
- Open Finals will consist of 2 tunes.
- Tied scores may result in additional playoff rounds. Scoring between rounds is not cumulative.
- Winners and awards will be announced directly after finals have finished. All contestants are responsible for their own festival admission fees. The contest is open to all participants, including non-Georgia residents.
Schedule
12:00–1:30pm: Registration
1:30–2:00pm: Order Drawing
2:00–2:45pm: Junior Division
3:00–4:00pm: Open Division
4:00–4:15pm: Junior Awards
4:15–4:30pm: Drawing for Finals
4:30–5:00pm: Open Finals
5:00pm: Open Division Awards
Square Dance: T-Claw Crawford, Caller
Sasha Hsuczyk and Mickey Nelligan will provide the music for an evening of traditional square dancing. Beginners are welcome!
Time: 7:00pm
Sunday, September 8
Gospel Jam: Ann Whitley-Singleton and John Day
Join Ann Whitley-Singleton and John Day for an acoustic Gospel jam before you head out! Bring instruments and songs.
Time: 10:00am
Organized in Partnership With
