A music fest that won’t play second fiddle

If you’re having a hootenanny, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better setting for it than the rustic western town of the Paramount Movie Ranch.

The Agoura Hills ranch, which has been the setting for numerous movies and TV shows – from Gun Smoke to Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman – hosts the 51^st Annual Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest & Folk Festival this Sunday, May 15.

The festival began in Topanga Canyon with a few dozen fiddlers, banjo pickers, and about 500 fans. It was an instant hit, and moved to various locations around the area before settling at the Paramount Movie Ranch in 1990. This year over 160 contestants and between 4,000 to 5,000 visitors are expected.

The competition is open to beginners and professionals alike, who are judged alongside others of their skill level. Past contestants have ranged from age 4 to 98, and have hailed from towns and cities across the U.S. and world. Musicians compete for bragging rights and modest prizes, from $200 to a good meal at a local pub.

All attendees are invited to bring their own acoustic instruments and engage in impromptu jam sessions with the other musicians. Past contributors to the festival include singer Jackson Browne, Grammy-winning blues artist Taj Mahal, and blugrassin’ comedian Steve Martin.

Three stages of musicians will perform folk, blues, bluegrass, and more. Vendors will be on hand to sell food, or you can bring your own picnic. There will be arts and crafts for children, dancing, folk art and environmental booths.

The nonprofit contest and festival is co-sponsored by the Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest & Folk Festival, Inc. and the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.  Advance tickets can be purchased online and are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and kids aged 10-17, and free for children under 10. Prices rise to $15 for adults, $10 for teens on the day of the festival. Parking is free, and directions to the ranch are available on the website.

Posted 5/12/11