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Bob Wills Fiddle Festival & Contest
November 3, 2023 - November 4, 2023
It’s “Playing, Singing & Western Swinging” time in Downtown Greenville, Texas again. The City of Greenville, Greenville Board of Development, The Kenneth Threadgill Concert Series, Greenville Chamber of Commerce and the Bob Wills Heritage Foundation present the 9th Annual Bob Wills Fiddle Festival & Contest Friday, and Saturday, November 3rd and 4th. The two-day live Western Swing festival honors the late Bob Wills, the King of Western Swing. It will bring you an “Aw Haww” toe-tapping good time and leave you yearning for your Rose of San Antone.
Friday Evening:
The Festival kicks off on Friday night, November 3rd, with the “Big Ball in G-town” Dinner & Dance at the Fletcher Warren Civic Center, 5501 Business Hwy 69 S. Music is by Bob Wills’ Texas Playboys under the direction of Jason Roberts, and Katie Shore & the Good Buds. Come and swing the night away! Enjoy a catered barbecue dinner, cash bar and all the dancing you can handle. Ticketed reservations ($50 each) can only be purchased from the Greenville Chamber of Commerce.
Saturday Daytime:
Beginning early on Saturday, November 4th, make your way to the Texan Theater & Coffee Shop in Downtown Greenville to enjoy the Bob Wills Fiddle Contest. Produced by Sherry & Joey McKenzie, this annual competition has levels from youth to experienced adults. It draws talented fiddlers from all over the nation to vie for the prizes.
You can also choose to grab your lawn chairs and head to the Greenville Farmers Market, 2500 Bois d’ Arc St. The Farmers Market opens at 9 am with locally-grown produce and other delicious items. For the festival, there will also be a special market of locally-sourced vendors and craftspeople. Beginning at noon, the stage will feature live music including The Western Flyers with Redd Volkaert (long-time former bandmate of Merle Haggard), Katie Shore & the Good Buds with Emily Gimble, and Western Swing legend, Jody Nix & the Texas Cowboys. Cuisine and beverages will be available from Fatto A Mano Pizzeria, Greenville Chamber Beverage Tent and Food Trucks.
Saturday Evening:
Fan favorite and Western Swing ambassador, Grammy winner Ray Benson will headline the evening concert at the Greenville Municipal Auditorium. Along with Benson, The Bob Wills Texas Playboys will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the “For The Last Time” album. Jody Nix, Floyd Domino and Benson (all three were at the recording session) will join the Texas Playboys for special performances from the album. Opening the show will be Nashville and CMT favorite Teea Goans. Tickets ($25-$55) for the 7:30 pm show can be purchased at ShowtimeattheGMA.com.
