This contest provides an opportunity to discover, develop, and encourage talent in the youth of Western North Carolina and to provide an opportunity for local youth to perform on stage before an audience. In hopes of encouraging a continuing "sense of place" for our young musical mountain youth, Jackson County 4-H and Catch the Spirit of Appalachia (CSA) co-produce this contest that was held on the Signature Brew sponsored stage.  

This year’s winners include: 

Youth: Mandolin

1st: Caleb Turpin, Robbinsville (10)

2nd: Emma Budden, Cullowhee (12)

Youth: Fiddle

1st: Haven Bryant, Sylva (9)

2nd: Sayumi DeSilva, Sylva (9)

3rd: Abby Sparks, Whittier (9)

4th: Aspen Budden, Cullowhee (10)

Youth: Guitar

1st: Caleb Turpin, Robbinsville (10)

Youth (age 5-9): Vocal

1st: Ella Ledford, Sylva (9)

2nd: Kadence Simpson, Easley, South Carolina (7)

Youth (age 10+): Vocal

1st: Lindley Wyatt, Whittier (10)

2nd: Emily Franklin, Bryson City (12)

3rd: Caleb Turpin, Robbinsville (10)

Teen: Vocal

1st: Iris Deyman, Pisgah Forest (14)

Teen: Banjo

1st: Sean Crowe, Cleveland, South Carolina (13)

Teen: Mandolin

1st: Cole Rogers, Central, South Carolina (13)

2nd: Trey Pate, Cullowhee (14)

Teen: Fiddle

1st: Jenna Eyler, Sylva (14)

Teen: Group

1st: “Saluda Flavor,” Sean Crowe (13) 

        & Cole Rogers (13)

Best of Show:

1st: Ella Ledford (9)

2nd: “Saluda Flavor,” Sean Crowe (13) 

        & Cole Rogers (13)

3rd: Caleb Turpin (10)

As the “Best of Show” winner, Ledford will get the chance to perform onstage at Mountain Heritage Day held at Western Carolina University on Sept. 26 in Cullowhee.