We are expecting another outstanding group of musicians to compete again this year. The music and the arts and crafts make this one of the biggest events held annually in North Alabama.

The whole concept of having the convention was to rekindle the love for old-time music. Both young and old alike have found a bond in playing together at the convention.

If you're going to bring the city back, you got to bring it back with the musicians. If it wasn't for this place, I'd be out.

It is music developing on its own terms. It's the 'music now' concept - what are musicians doing now as opposed to a string quartet playing Brahms. It's music that's delicate and justifies presentation in a special format. That's why we wanted a creative space to justify it.

Since music has never had a Rembrandt, we have remained nothing more than musicians.

If musicians don't do any music, then there isn't any music. Musicians are very tricky and can be quite elusive.