Saturday’s Traditional Music Gathering and Competition will offer activities for all levels of interest in old-time music. The event will take place today in Renaissance Park as part of RiverRocks.
* Competition: Register next to the stage between 10 and 11 a.m. Competitions will take place between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Categories are guitar, mandolin, old-time fiddle, old-time banjo, banjo, old-time band and bluegrass band. Cash prizes for individual instruments are $200 for first place, $100 for second and $50 for third. The top three bands will receive $500, $300 and $150.
* Luthier exhibits: Some of the area’s best luthiers, those who make or repair stringed instruments, will show their work. They include Lynn Dudenbostle from Maryville, Tenn., John Arnold from Newport, Tenn., Ronnie Nichols from Madison, Ala., Tom Morgan from Dayton, Tenn., and Lebron Batey, from Sylvania, Ala. Chattanooga artisans also will be represented with participation from Bobby Burns, Bryan Hamilton, Jim Humble and Donny Purdue.
* Workshops: Free 30-minute workshops will be offered from noon to 4:30 p.m. There will be two sessions on “Family Mountain Dulcimers” taught by Christie Burns from Chattanooga Folk School, “Hand Made Music” by John Arnold, “What Is Old-Time vs. Bluegrass,” by Jim Panky and Blaine Smith Fiddle Tunes” by Matt Downer.
* Information: Call 827-8906 or 265-0771, or visit www.chattanoogafolk.com.