Photo by Martin Tucker

Fiddler extraordinaire and National Public Radio personality Paul Brown is set to host a fiddle workshop during this year’s Surry Old-Time Fiddler’s Convention.

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DOBSON — Music, dancing and appearances by a national radio personality are on the agenda for this year’s Surry Old-Time Fiddler’s Convention, according to officials with the Surry County Tourism Development Authority.

The fourth annual convention is set for March 22-23 at Surry Community College.

This year, noted fiddler and National Public Radio personality Paul Brown will host a fiddle workshop during the convention, said Craig Distl of the Authority.

As in the past, the weekend of music is open to the public, and is designed to celebrate Surry County’s stature as the epicenter of the old-time music genre.

Convention highlights include a Friday night dance featuring three bands, a Saturday full of jam sessions and fiddling competitions as well as multiple workshops led by renowned experts in old-time music.

“This will be our fourth year, and all have been successful and well-received,” said convention committee member Buck Buckner. “To have so many folks show up is heartwarming, because it shows that the tradition is still alive.”

Buckner said he is especially fond of Friday evening’s dance because “it replicates the atmosphere of those many evenings across the region when folks gather for music, dancing and fellowship.”

This year’s dance features music by Zephyr Lightning Bolts, the Slate Mountain Ramblers and the Mountain Park Old-Time Band.

On Saturday, four workshops highlight a day full of events.

In addition to Brown’s fiddle workshop, Adam Hurt will host a workshop on the banjo. Hurt has been deemed a “banjo virtuoso” by The Washington Post.

Guitarist Beth Hartness of Greensboro will host a guitar workshop as well on Saturday, and dance instructor Samantha Wilhelmi will present a workshop on traditional dance.

In addition, Saturday’s agenda includes a youth dance competition, luthier displays and music competitions for both individuals and bands.

According to Distl, last year’s band competition attracted two dozen entries.

Admission is $5 daily, with children 12 and under admitted free. Contestants in Saturday’s competition also are admitted free.

For more information, contact organizers at (877) 999-8390 or visit www.surryoldtime.com.

Information on lodging can be found at www.VerySurry.com