SAFFORD — It was a good weekend for Jess Barry.
The veteran fiddle player took home three individual first-place finishes and one team first place at Matheson Music Foundation’s 45th annual Fiddle Contest and Music Festival at Graham County Fairgrounds.
“You just never know when you’re going to make a bobble, but I think it went pretty well,” Barry said.
Barry captured first in the Open Division, Trick and Fancy and Show Your Stuff; and he shared top honors in Twin Fiddle with Heather Perrazo.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
The event focused on helping more people understand and become involved with music through a series of workshops all four days. That’s what attracted Nashville recording artist Phoebe Hunt to participate.
“I’m just so glad that there’s an event here in Safford, Ariz., that is promoting education and fiddle music, and keeping the fiddle tradition alive,” Hunt said.
The contests were open to everyone, from those barely old enough to hold a fiddle and bow, to those in their 90s. Meanwhile the music festival featured performances by Hunt, the Edgar Loudermilk Band, Three Angstrom Flat, a Sweetheart Valentine’s Dance on Saturday and a Gospel breakfast on Sunday.
Matheson Music Foundation’s Brianna Morris said the event went well, despite the cold, wet weather forcing the cancellation of some planned activities outside.
“It’s been a display of pure talent, once again, and bravery vulnerability in getting up there,” Morris said.
Fiddle Contest Results
Show Your Stuff
Jess Barry, 285
Henry T. Fiddler, 278
Heather Perrazo, 260
Trick and Fancy
1. Jess Barry, 285
2. Henry T. Fiddler, 282
3. Janene Ferius, 264
4. Heather Perrazo, 262
Little Britches
1. Emily Fletcher, 530
2. Alexa Barnes, 493
Twin Fiddle
1. Jess Barry/Heather Perrazo, 542
2. Danni Carter, Elie Barry, 539
Open
1. Jess Barry, 850
2. Henry T. Fiddler, 826
3. Kevin DeRusha, 796
Vocals
1. Cade Lamb
2. Elie Barry
3. Dani Carter
Runners-Up Finals
1. Lila Mallar, 500
Accompanist
1. Ben Barry, 565
2. Clay Barry, 544
Adult
1. Corrine Gary, 801
2. Janene Ferius, 793
Young Adult
1. Heather Perrazo, 752
Junior
1. Ellie Barry, 799
2. Dani Carter, 794
3. Clay Barry, 777
4. Lila Millar, 773
Young at Heart
1. Glenda Anderson, 740
2. Darwin Long, 734
3. Arlene Peterson, 720
Junior
1. Emily Fletcher, 808
2. Alexa Barnes, 713
3. Rylan Hughes, 704
Half Pint
1. Leah Johnson, 240
Grand Master
1. Dani Carter, 280
2. Elie Barry, 272
3. Clay Barry, 258
