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.

Congratulations to this year’s winners:

Youth Fiddle I

• 1st Place: Ella Ledford (10), Sylva

• 2nd Place: Sayumi DeSilva (10), Sylva

Youth Fiddle II:

• 1st Place: Mihin DeSilva (7), Sylva

• 2nd Place: Tucker Sparks (8), Whittier

Youth Guitar:

• 1st Place: Evan Lampkin (9), Franklin

Youth Mandolin:

• 1st Place: Sayumi DeSilva (10), Sylva 

Youth Vocal (younger):

• 1st Place: Mihin DeSilva (7), Sylva

Youth Vocal (age 10+):

• 1st Place: Ella Ledford (10), Sylva

Group-Youth: 

• 1st Place: Carly & Avery Hester (11/9), Sylva

Teen Vocal:

• 1st Place: Grayson Riddle (12), Burnsville

• 2nd Place: Emily Franklin (13), Bryson City

Teen Mandolin:

• 1st Place: Booth Bassett (12), Robbinsville

Teen Guitar:

• 1st Place: Grayson Riddle (12), Burnsville

Teen Cello:

• 1st Place: Booth Bassett (12), Robbinsville

Teen Banjo:

• 1st Place: Jonah Riddle (16), Burnsville

Group-Teen:

• 1st Place: Jonah & Grayson Riddle (16/12), Burnsville

• 2nd Place: Booth & Elijah Riddle (16/12), Robbinsville

Judges Choice Award:

• Mihin DeSilva (7)

Best of Show:

• 1st Place: Ella Ledford (10), Sylva

• 2nd Place: Jonah & Grayson Riddle (16/12), Burnsville

• 3rd Place: Emily Franklin (13), Bryson City

The first place Best of Show winner will get the chance to perform on stage Sept. 24 at the Mountain Heritage Day held at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee.