2018 - In his fourth contest, Colin Beasley, Mobile, AL, took home the first-place trophy and a Master Works 16/15 CBWXR7 Bantam Weight Chromatic Extended Range Hammer Dulcimer presented by Russell Cook with Master Works, Inc. of Bennington, OK. Colin discovered the hurdy-gurdy, which led to his discovery of the hammer dulcimer. He’s been playing for almost five years, and has made the finals each time he competed in the contest.
2016 - Third place this year was awarded to a young lady who is making her debut at the Festival. Kitty Amaral is a 14-year old High School Freshman who says English is her favorite subject. She recently took first place in the youth competition at the Galax Youth Bluegrass Fiddle Contest in Galax, VA. She has been playing the fiddle for the past 10 years starting at the tender age of four. Already she has a CD out entitled “Fiddle Gems.” Kitty says she didn’t expect placing 3rd in this contest but it was a wonderful surprise. She enjoys reading and of course practicing the fiddle.
2017 - On his fourth trip to Winfield and the Festival Tyler Andal of Nashville, TN took first place in this contest. He placed 2nd in last year’s competition and also made the cut to five in the 2016 mandolin competition. By trade, Tyler considers himself a violin luthier and specializes in bow construction and repair. He has attended other festivals like the Tennessee Valley Fiddler’s Convention. Tyler says “I play anything with strings,” and that list includes mandolin, old time banjo, guitar, bass ….
2017 - An 18-year old mandolin player from Waller, TX placed 3rd in this competition. Holten Doucette is a home schooled student who has entered this competition three times. In addition to this competition he also enters the Flatpick Guitar competition. With two other brothers and a sister they form a Bluegrass Gospel band called “The Doucettes.” Church events and sports are his favorite things to do when not studying or playing the mandolin. Holten will take back to TX the 3rd Place Trophy and a Clark F5 Mandolin by Clark Mandolins of Boise, ID.
