Recordings of performances from the Walnut Valley Festivals of 1981 and 1982. The annual Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, KS features competitions and live performances of the world's foremost string instrumentalists and folk/bluegrass performers.
Creators:
Skinner, Dan and KHCC-Radio Kansas
Dates:
1981/1982
Repository/Collector:
Radio Kansas
Repository/Collector Type:
Broadcasting station
City:
Hutchinson
State:
Kansas
Country:
United States
Extent:
26 reels
Content types:
Performed music
Formats:
Polyester open reel tape
Languages:
English
Genres:
Folk and Bluegrass
Access statement:
Collection is housed at the station of KHCC-Radio Kansas in Hutchinson, KS. Any access must be approved by KHCC-Radio Kansas
Inventory description:
Metadata individually listed on each reel
Historical relevance:
The Walnut Valley Association was formed in 1972, with its sole purpose to produce the Walnut Valley National Guitar Flat-Picking Championships Festival. Evolving from 2 days in 1972 to its current 5 days, held the 3rd weekend of September annually, it endeavors to produce: “family fare” entertainment on 4 stages simultaneously; a large, quality, juried arts and crafts fair; workshops; and acoustic instrument contests. What began with 10 acts and 2 contests now boasts over 30 acts and 8 contests, including two international contests, 5 national contests and 1 Walnut Valley contest. The contests are a major part of the festival. Along with the National Flat Pick Championships and the International Finger Style Championships, the Walnut Valley Festival hosts the International Autoharp, National Mandolin, National Mountain Dulcimer, National Hammered Dulcimer, National Bluegrass Banjo, and Walnut Valley Old Time Fiddle Championships. Over the course of years, the contests at Winfield have attracted more than 3,000 contestants from all 50 states as well as many foreign countries including Australia, Canada, Denmark, Sweden, England, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Caledonia, Switzerland, and Wales.