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The first "Acoustic Heritage Band Competition", a band contest for kids 18 and younger, will take place in Newport city park at the Newport Music Festival on Saturday, September 11th at 2:00 pm. Bands from around the Inland Northwest, comprised entirely of young people, will compete for cash prizes and trophies in the contest. The bands are limited to acoustic instruments, such as guitar, mandolin, banjo, dobro, and upright bass, and may use hand-held percussion instruments such as the Irish drum (Bohdran), or tambourine. The music styles presented are bluegrass, old-time appalachian, celtic and irish, or other roots americana styles. Drums and electronic instruments are prohibited, as are music stands, sheet music, or written notes. These talented young players are a delight to watch...many of them are as capable on their instruments as people 30 years older. The winning band will also perform at 8:00 as part of the main evening concert.

The contest is organized and directed by the non-profit Northwest Acoustic Music Association (NAMA), which is dedicated to preserving the heritage of american acoustic music, and to passing on this style of playing to the younger generation. Richard Eich, teacher and musician, of Republic, Washington, is this years contest coordinator, and is the current president of NAMA.

The Newport Music Festival is now in its fourth year, and is in its second year at the Newport City Park. This years admission price has been lowered to $5 a day, so that all can enjoy a fun day in the park, listening to great bands, watching the impromptu jam sessions in the campground, and enjoying the food and companionship that the festival is renowned for. The full schedule of festival events is available online at www.pvbluegrass.com/.