LESTER AND JAKE - Big Fiddlin' Winners This Summer

(08/12/2003)
Calhoun fiddlers Lester McCumbers (left) and Jake Krack have been big winners this summer.

Jake traveled to DC this summer to participate in an international music festival sponsored by the Smithsonian, which also focused on old-time Appalachian music.

For the second year in a row, Lester won the senior division fiddle contest at the Appalachian Stringband Festival held in Clifftop, WV.

Besides being the favorite of the judges, Lester was again a favorite of the crowd. Lester recorded a CD last year called Old Timey which is available for purchase through Reed Krack at 304-655-7504.

Jake is a second time winner at the 68th annual Galax Fiddler's Convention held in Galax, VA.

After Jake and his mother, Dara Krack, won the Old-time Stringband contest last year, Jake returned to Galax this year to capture first place (out of 163 registered contestants) in the Old-time Fiddle contest.

Jake Krack with his late mentor Melvin Wine

Photo courtesy of www.jakekrack.com

He also received the Best All Around Performer Award for achieving the highest score of all individual competitions. Jake is the youngest contestant to receive this award.

Jake will be entering Berea College in Kentucky this fall.