Kamloops Fiddle Contest – Contestants
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Register
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Rules
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Awards
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Clark Hiles Bursary
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Judges/Accompanist
EARLY REGISTRATION: Those who have registered online by 9:00 PM September 18, 2026 will have their name entered in a draw for a $50 Gift Card from Long & McQuade.
Friday Night Dance 100 Lorne Street!!! 7:30pm
Registration Closes at 9:00 am September 19, 2026
Judges Meeting at 1:15 pm - lower level Heritage House, 100 Lorne Street
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KAMLOOPS OLD TIME FIDDLERS
BRANCH # 12
TWIN FIDDLE RULES
1. Twin Fiddle category is open to contestants of all ages.
2. Contestants may enter this category as well as one other regular category of his/her choice.
3. A maximum time of three (3) minutes will be allowed for the two tunes. This time will begin when the contestants start to play. Judging will only be made on the first three (3) minutes of play. A signal will be made evident to the judges and the contestants to indicate that the time limit has been reached.
4. Contestants must play a waltz, followed by a tune of their choice.
5. No more than two (2) accompanists may be used.
6. Contestants will be judged on harmonizing and ability. Selections should be clear, precise and in tune.
7. In the event of a tie, the contestants will be asked to play a tune of choice, excluding a waltz, but must not repeat tune of choice played in the competition.
8. A contestant may compete in only one (1) partner combination in the Twin Fiddle category.
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KAMLOOPS OLD TIME FIDDLERS BRANCH # 12
CATEGORY - NOVICE (Any Age) - RULES (ONE Round Only Required)
1. This category is for contestants entering their first (1st) Old Time Fiddle contest.
2. Contestants must play a waltz and a tune of their choice.
3. There will be a three (3) minute time limit. Judging will only be made on the first three (3) minutes. A signal will be made evident to the judges and the contestant to indicate that the time limit has been reached.
4. No more than two (2) accompanists may be used. Accompanists must chord only.
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BC Old Time Fiddler Association Contest Rules
CATEGORIES AND AWARDS (CDN FUNDS)
| CATEGORY | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Registration Fees |
| Little Junior: 9 & under (1 round only)*** | $ 30.00 | $ 25.00 | $ 20.00 | $ 15.00 | $ 0.00 |
| Junior: 12 & under (1 round only) *** | $ 70.00 | $ 60.00 | $ 50.00 | $ 40.00 | $ 0.00 |
| Youth: 17 & under**,*** | $100.00 | $ 80.00 | $ 60.00 | $ 40.00 | $ 5.00 |
| Senior: 65 & over ** | $200.00 | $150.00 | $ 100.00 | $ 50.00 | $ 10.00 |
| Intermediate: 18 to 64 inclusive ** | $150.00 | $125.00 | $ 100.00 | $ 50.00 | $15.00 |
| Open: Any age ** | $350.00 | $250.00 | $150.00 | $125.00 | $20.00 |
| Championship: Any age *, ** | $750.00 | $500.00 | $300.00 | $200.00 | $25.00 |
| Twin Fiddle: Any age** | $45.00 ea. | $35.00 ea. | $25.00 ea. | $15.00 ea. | $ 5.00/TEAM |
| Novice: Any Age (1 round only) | $ 15.00 | $ 0.00 | |||
| *Championship category - top five competitors will be required to play 4 tunes in the final round, with the 4th tune being a “Tune of Choice”
**Top five competitors of all categories will be required to 2 rounds |
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| *** Clark Hiles Bursary for 17 and under Deadline September 9, 2025**
To Apply: Details on Clark Hiles Bursary |
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| ALL ACCOMPANISTS MUST REGISTER - - No Fee
One free guest ribbon per contestant will be issued only to contestants in the Little Junior: 9 & under, Junior: 12 & under, Youth: 17 & under as well as anyone 17 & under who registers for the Novice category. B.C. Old Time Fiddlers’ Association contest rules (Rev. Jan 2026) will apply and must be strictly adhered to. Please provide Chord Charts for the accompanist/s. Remember; winners are expected to share a percentage of their winnings with their accompanist/s. JUDGES/COMPETITORS MEETING: 9:30A.M. "Everyone must attend" COMPETITION: Starts at 10:00 am (contest committee reserves the right to make changes and adjustments). |
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Deadline - September 9, 2026
Email to kamloopsoldtimefiddlers@gmail.com or call 250-376-2330 for more information
Kamloops Fiddlers introduce our Judges
Judge
Mark Sullivan
3x Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Champion
3x Canadian Open Fiddle Champion
A Fiddle Powerhouse Shaping Canadian Tradition
A highly sought-after instructor, performer, and collaborator, Mark’s influence extends across the traditional music world. Grammy-winning Irish fiddler Liz Carroll calls him “a force in the world”, and Roots Music Canada praises his compositions as "destined to become beloved standards at fiddle sessions" worldwide.
A three-time Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Champion, Mark Sullivan is one of Canada’s finest fiddlers, captivating audiences with his masterful technique and deep-rooted connection to tradition. Raised in Bowmanville, Ontario, he grew up immersed in the old-time sounds of Don Messer and Graham Townsend, quickly becoming a dominant force on the Canadian contest scene - a 3x Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Champion, 3x Canadian Open Champion, and 3x winner of the prestigious Pembroke Fiddle Competition.
In 2022, Mark released "Promenade Home," a collection of original tunes inspired by his early years playing country dances with local legends. Now based in British Columbia, he serves as President of the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Association, leading efforts to preserve and promote Canada’s rich fiddling heritage. Whether on stage or behind the scenes, Mark Sullivan continues to push the boundaries of tradition while honouring its roots. Visit www.marksullivan.cafor more information.
Judge
Michael Burnyeat is a skilled and versatile musician based in Vancouver, specializing in Celtic, Folk, and Country genres. With a strong reputation as both a fiddler and multi-instrumentalist, he is in high demand among bands and singer-songwriters for his tasteful accompaniment skills.
Michael's fiddle education has been guided by esteemed mentors such as Mark Sullivan, a three-time Canadian Grandmasters fiddle champion, fiddle legends Calvin Vollrath and Liz Carroll, and respected Vancouver music community organizers Michael Pratt and Lynn McGown.
His talent has earned him recognition, with notable achievements such as being a two-time BC fiddle Champion (2017, 2018), and two-time Traditional Champion at the Grand North American Fiddle Championships (2023, 2024). Additionally, he has been a top 10 finalist at the National level Canadian Grandmasters Fiddling Championship on seven consecutive occasions (a record for a BC fiddler), cementing his position as a respected and accomplished fiddler in the Canadian contest circuit. He has also served as a judge for the BC Fiddle Championships on several occasions, and an adjudicator for the Victoria Performing Arts Festival among others.
Judge
Kai Gronberg is a champion fiddle player based in Vancouver, BC. With a longstanding presence in the Canadian Old Time fiddling scene, Kai has spent decades performing and teaching at fiddle camps, music schools, retreats, and workshops across the country, and has also served as a guest adjudicator at contests and festivals.
Kai is a three-time finalist at the Canadian Grand Masters and a three-time BC Provincial Champion. Regarded as a leader in the community, Kai is committed to building meaningful, lasting relationships with students and peers through both teaching and performance.
As a performer, Kai hopes to share authentic and creatively fulfilling representation of traditional fiddle music. As an instructor, Kai creates a welcoming, community-oriented environment that inspires students of all levels and ages.
Kai is also a co-founder of the Open Door Fiddlers, a youth performance group and organizer of fiddle events.
Kai grew up in Abbotsford, BC, beginning formal violin studies at age 4 at the Central Fraser Valley Academy of Music. At age 7, he joined the Central Fraser Valley Fiddlers, where he immersed himself in Canadian fiddle music. Through monthly dances and weekly practices, he learned numerous old-time Canadian tunes and honed his skills for many years.
Kai expanded his musical education by studying privately with great fiddle players such as Keith Wilson and Mike Sanyshyn, and attending fiddle camps. These experiences not only fostered his musical growth but also forged lasting friendships with fiddlers across Canada. Over a decade, camps like Camp Calvin, Kenosee Lake Kitchen Party, and the John Arcand Fiddle Fest provided opportunities to learn from esteemed fiddlers such as Calvin Vollrath, Mark Sullivan, Patti Kusturok, and Shane Cook.
In his youth, Kai performed with his sister Lia in their band, Fiddlin’ Frenzy. He has showcased his talents at various festivals and events, including the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, Seattle’s Northwest Folklife Festival, Nanaimo’s Maple Sugar Festival, the Envision Coffee Series, Surrey Canada Day main stage, and even the Great Wall of China.
House Accompanist
Cary Grigg
Cary is a champion fiddler who has won first place awards in BC Old Time and Western Canadian Fiddle competitions. Originally from Kamloops BC, Cary trained in Suzuki violin as a child and played with the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra from 1988-1996. He has over forty three years playing experience and is way beyond his "10,000 hours" of practice!
He also plays accordion, sax, melodian, guitar, piano and other instruments. Cary's fiddling style is very unique, blending Irish, Scottish, Métis, East Coast, Swing and his own fiery brand of playing. For several years, he was the featured fiddler in "The Streels," a Vancouver-based band who played Celtic/Newfoundland music. Cary plays with various professional Vancouver Celtic musicians when called upon to lending his fiddle magic.