We had a local fiddler's convention in Berlin, MD today. Although I've played guitar 40 years, I've only been learning flatpickin style for 3 months.

Most of the pickers had back up musicians, and I went up there only with my D1A. I chunked through Salt Creek and Blackberry Blossom, Tony Rice style, and I must say that I embarrassed myself. But at least I got up and did it. It sounds so much better at home. LOL!

I did much better in the banjo category. But I met some really cool local musicians and that was really my goal.

Good for you, Stan. I wouldn't sweat the crash and burn. I bet it wasn't as bad as you think. Maybe you can find you a rhythm guitarist to back you up next time. Or do something really different and show up with a flutist to back you up. That could be cool.

Thanks, Allen
I got a call later that night that I won second place in the banjo competition! I was so psyched! I've been a die hard banjo player for the past two years and I really felt comfortable playing this year. Maybe next year I'll be as comfortable flatpickin'. But you're right; a backup person would certainly help me feel more at ease.

Must have been really exciting Stan!

Wish I could have been there to watch. And you must have been on fire with that banjo.


Best,

Stuart

Stan,
I'm still going to say CONGRATULATIONS! There's no such thing as blowing it. Your competing alone makes you a winner already and you did it on two different instruments? That's awesome. Playing in front of people is hard enough but competing is another story. There are people out there who would only dream of having the courage you had to do what you did. Good job.
I bet you had fun anyway, didn't you? That's what counts!

Ace
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Congratulations!

There’s also an annual acoustic guitar competition in Hong Kong with a very open format. But most of the contestants play folk type sing along songs only.

I may just enroll next year and play some fingerstyle tunes to surprise everyone.

Thanks for your kind words, Guys!
I will try again next year with some extra musicians.

Ed, definitely go for it in Hong Kong!