Date: Third Saturday in
June, 2pm until. Stage music usually starts in the evening.
Type: Pickin on the Front Porch,
a combination fiddler’s convention and music show, is a regional
showcase of award winning bluegrass and old-time stringband music on
the “front porch” of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Opportunities for Participation: The
majority of the attendees at this event are musicians. Jam sessions
are videotaped and later sold.
Location: Lowgap
Community Center (9070 Pine St. Lowgap, NC 27024) The center is on
Highway 89, 8.5 miles west of Interstate 77 and half way between
Mount Airy, NC, and Galax, VA.
Click here for a map..
Cost: $8; this includes a coupon from
Pizza Hut, the event sponsor. There are also door prizes.
Parking: Free
Special Needs Access: Handicap
Accessible.
Signage: Outside the building on the day
of the event.
Sponsor: Pizza Hut
Contact: Mickey Galyean
Phone: 336-352-4135
Description of Event: Local
musicians are featured, mostly from Surry County, North Carolina,
and Carroll and Grayson counties in Virginia. Instead of featuring
bands, Pickin on the Front Porch tries to bring together reunion
groups and mix and match individual players. The event brings
together 30-40 performers. Kevin and Trish Fore host the old-time
events, and Cullen and Micker Galyean host the bluegrass. Max Snow,
Cullen Galyean, Clive Johnson, Johnny
Vipperman, Richard Bowman, Kurt
Sutphin, Roni Stoneman, H.R. Jenkins Jr., and the late Ralph
Epperson have attended in the past.
History of Site/Event:
Brent Carrick, a local radio host on historic WPAQ Radio, started
the event in 2005. (Brent Carrick also organized the Heritage Family
Jubilee Festival; see November events.) Carrick often interviews
local musical event organizers on his radio show. He wanted to set
up an exciting event that would draw a significant crowd, while
paying homage to the area’s distinguished musical heritage and
recording it for future generations. Both years have gotten rave
reviews from attendees. Low Gap followed Galax, VA, in setting up a
Fiddler’s Convention. That event died out, and now this one is
reviving the tradition.
Description of Site/Facility:
The Low Gap Community Center was formerly the Low Gap School. The
event takes place in the old gymnasium. Chairs are provided.
Significance of Site/Event to the Community:
This event pays tribute to the area’s outstanding local musicians,
while recording the event for future generations. Organizers of
this new event are excited about encouraging a sense of civic pride
about Low Gap’s fiddling history.
