The Charlie Poole Festival is held the second weekend each June, on the beautiful campus of Rockingham Community College in Wentworth, NC. Our event features performances by the top names in Americana music today, and thrilling contests with the top prize – Grand Champion Old Time 3-Finger Banjo, awarding $1,000 in cash. Boondock camping is available, jam sessions abound, food trucks are on site, and fun awaits you!
Check out the performance schedule for the Charlie Poole Festival, a meticulously crafted lineup that celebrates the legacy of Charlie Poole. From sun-up melodies to starlit harmonies, our Rockingham County, NC, festival brings together the best of American music.
Friday, June 14, 2024
- 4:00 pm – New North Carolina Ramblers
- 5:00 pm – Laura Boosinger
- 6:00 pm – The Church Sisters
- 7:00 pm – Jon Charles Dwyer
- 8:00 pm – Hubby Jenkins
- 9:00 pm – Liam Purcell and Cane Mill Road
Saturday, June 15, 2024
- 1:00 pm – Twin Creeks String Band
- 2:00 pm – The Church Sisters
- 3:00 pm – Kamara Thomas
- 4:00 pm – Jon Charles Dwyer
- 5:00 pm – Sabine McCalla
- 6:00 pm – Liam Purcell and Cane Mill Road
- 7:00 pm – Hubby Jenkins
Presentation of the Tony Rice Music Scholarship
- 8:00 pm – Brandon Lee Adams and The Time Keepers
- 9:30 pm – Contest Award Presentations
- 10:00 pm – Riley Baugus with Joe Thrift, Mark Olitsky, and Alex Scala
Showcase Your Talent at the Charlie Poole Festival’s Contests
The Charlie Poole Festival contests are the beating heart of our festival, where tradition meets talent in a celebration of music. Every year, we open the stage to artists from all walks of life, inviting them to share their passion, showcase their skills, and perhaps even write their own chapter in the rich history of American music. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or have never performed outside your living room, the Charlie Poole Festival contests offer a platform to shine.
Registration is onsite – registration for a category is open until that category’s competition begins.
Registration is onsite – registration for a category is open until that category’s competition begins.
Friday, June 14, 2024
The Youth Competition starts at 4:00 pm. Our youth categories cater to those 16 years old and under.
- Youth – Solo Vocal
- Youth – Duet Vocal
- Youth – Open Instrument
- Youth – Guitar
- Youth – Fiddle
- Youth – Banjo
- Youth – Band
Rewards and Recognitions
Cash prizes and ribbons are awarded for the top five places in all categories except Grand Champion Old Time 3-Finger Banjo, which is winner-takes-all – $1,000 cash prize + Grand Champion Ribbon.
Saturday, June 15, 2024
The Adult Competition will start at 10:00 am. People of all ages can join.
- Solo Vocal
- Duet Vocal
- Folk Song
- Charlie Poole Song
- Open Instrument
- Finger Style Guitar
- Flat Pick Guitar
- Bluegrass Fiddle
- Old Time Fiddle
- Bluegrass Banjo
- Clawhammer Banjo
- Bluegrass Band
- Old Time Band
Ramsey Center for Appalachian Studies
