Fiddlers gather for concert in BG

A Dec. 20, 2001--From left, Alex, Zach, Wallace and Jason DePue at their parent's Bowling Green home.

Alex DePue has big plans for the first ever DePue Brothers' International Fiddle Competition.

The purpose of the event this weekend is "to help perpetuate the fiddling culture and history in America, to develop audience appreciation, understanding and participation, to nurture and develop the existing fiddler community, and to acknowledge the present-day fiddlers who are helping to preserve these traditional expressions," he said in a news release.

The event includes $13,000 in cash prizes to competitors, and DePue -- an internationally acclaimed violinist from Bowling Green -- also hopes the event and related concerts raises money for Bowling Green High school music programs.

DePue said in a phone interview that competitors are expected from around the country as they face off playing both traditional and modern fiddle music, ranging from hoedowns to swing tunes.

He has solicited the help of some heavy-hitters in the progressive music world as judges -- Aurun Carter, Dale Morris, Jr., Wallace DePue, Jr., Kenny Sidle, and Christian Howes -- and the weekend's activities at Bowling Green High School will feature live performances by Alex DePue and guitarist Miguel De Hoyos tomorrow night and the DePue Brothers Band on Saturday.

Tickets are available at Grounds for Thought and at the Copy Shop, both Bowling Green businesses. Credit card orders will be taken over the phone at 419-352-4068. Tickets are $26.50 for general admission and $21.50 for students. There is a preliminary round that costs $15 at 1 p.m. tomorrow with the more formal competition and concert tomorrow night at 7.

Saturday's competition and concert also start at 7 p.m. All of the activities are at the Bowling Green Performing Arts Center at Bowling Green High School, 530 West Poe Rd.

Information: thefiddlerllc.com.