Performance of Songs and Music in the Style of Ola Belle Reed Competition Ola Belle Reed Festival in Lansing, NC on August 19, 2023

On the day of the festival there will be two contest periods. The first period will include youth individual and youth band performances. The second period will include adult individual and adult band performances. Awards will be presented to the best in four categories:

• Youth Individual
• Youth Band
• Adult Individual
• Adult Band

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM - Youth Registration
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM - Youth Competition
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Adult Registration
2:30 PM - 4:30 PM - Adult Competition

Competition Rules

1. Contestants shall perform an Ola Belle Reed song or an original song written in the spirit of Ola Belle Reed. Performances of Ola Belle’s best-known songs, such as “High on A Mountain” and “I’ve Endured”, are discouraged. Ola Belle’s lesser-known songs are highly encouraged.
2. Registration can be completed online beginning on July 15, 2023 or backstage on the day of the festival. All contestants must be registered before the posted cutoff time for the categories in which they wish to participate.
3. A band shall consist of not less than three basic string instruments. One instrument
shall be a fiddle and the second instrument shall be an old time style banjo. In addition, harmonicas will be allowed. No more than seven musicians shall perform with a band.
4. Contestants may compete with one band only.
5. Contestants may also compete individually. Individual and band judging is separate and distinct. Contestants performing with a band shall not be judged individually while performing with the band.
6. Youth Individuals must be 17 years of age and under. Youth Individuals may compete in the Adult categories but Adult individuals may not compete in Youth Individual categories.
7. Youth Individual and Adult Individual contestants may be accompanied during their
performances by a back-up rhythm instrument. The backup player may be either a
Youth or Adult performer.
8. Youth Bands must have three or more youth 17 years old and under. They may have one Adult playing rhythm.
9. Individual contestants may perform only once per event in a given category. However, Youth contestants may compete in both Youth and Adult categories. Contestants may compete in no more than 3 individual events.
10. Individual and band performances are limited to not more than five (5) minutes.
11. Performances will be judged based on: a. Tuning; b. Timing; c. Teamwork; and d.
Balance. And most importantly, adherence to the style of Ola Belle Reed.
12. Small cash prizes will be awarded based on participation.