Blowing Rock Hayes Center presents HayesGrass II
Bluegrass, folk contest open to local musicians

Attention local bluegrass and folk musicians! It’s once again time to tune up the banjos and guitars and display those grassroots vocal stylings for HayesGrass II and the chance to perform as the opening act for the Lonesome River Band.

Eight area bands and musicians based in Ashe, Avery, Caldwell and Watauga counties will be selected to participate in HayesGrass II, a playoff-style contest held April 13-May 15, with the grand prize winner performing as the opening act for the Lonesome River Band, when the popular bluegrass outfit plays the Mariam & Robert Hayes Performing Arts Center in Blowing Rock on May 16. The prize package also includes a percentage of the ticket sales each night the band advances and a future concert booking this year. Last year’s winner was Surefire Bluegrass Band.

Bands will be asked to apply for consideration in the contest by submitting a CD, tape or electronic file of their music, a brief history/biography of the band, a list of past appearances and a schedule of upcoming performances.

The deadline for HayesGrass II applications is Friday, March 27, at 5 p.m. Materials may be submitted by mail to the Hayes Center, PO Box 1009, Blowing Rock, N.C.  28605; by email to info@hayescenter.org; or in person at the Hayes Center, located at 152 Jamie Fort Road in Blowing Rock.

The eight groups will be selected and announced on Thursday, April 2. Last year’s participants are encouraged to apply, except the winner.

The quarterfinal round of HayesGrass II will take place over four evenings consisting of two bands performing a 40-minute set each night. Winners of these evenings will move on to the semifinal round. The final two bands will compete for the grand prize. A change in this year’s contest is the addition of two surprise guest judges each night. Audience members will be the third component in deciding which band advances. Bands are encouraged to bring as many fans as they can for support.

HayesGrass II dates are: Quarterfinal round: April 13, 14, 20 & 21; Semifinal round: May 5 & 6; Final round: May 15; and Lonesome River Band, May 16.

Tickets for the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds are $10, with those for the final round $15, and are available by calling the box office at (828) 295-9627 or online at www.hayescenter.org.

The mission of the Mariam & Robert Hayes Performing Arts Center is to pursue excellence in every way, including programming and superior services for patrons; engage audiences of diverse ages, cultures and economic backgrounds; instill in the children and youth of the community a life-long love and participation in the arts; and be a community gathering place for active exchange about culture and creativity.

The Hayes Performing Arts Center is located at 152 Jamie Fort Road off U.S. 321 in Blowing Rock. For more information, call (828) 295-9627.