The following statement was sent to us today from the Harrietville Organising Committee.
After careful consideration, the volunteer committee responsible for organising the Harrietville National Bluegrass & Traditional Country Music Convention has decided to ‘call it a day’. There will be no 2013 Harrietville National Bluegrass & Traditional Country Music Convention and it will not be held again.
Of course, many people will be as disappointed and saddened by this as we are, but rest assured the decision was not taken lightly.
When the Convention started 24 years ago, our vision was to inspire people to play acoustic bluegrass, old-time and traditional country music. Last year’s Convention was outstanding in terms of the quality of the music. This included three superb USA guest acts and nearly forty outstanding local bands.
We feel justifiably proud of what we have achieved together with the bluegrass and old-time music community across Australia. It is good to finish on a high note.
Sincere thanks to all those who have supported this well-loved event over the years. We particularly acknowledge our overseas guests and the many musicians across Australia, who have all donated their time and musicianship to the convention program, providing inspiration to so many.
We look forward to a continuing relationship with the many friends made at the Convention and remain actively involved within the bluegrass and old-‐time music community.
Our thoughts are with the Harrietville community as they continue to deal with events around the bushfire near their township – Nick & Janet Dear, Rod & Judy Jones
The Harrietville Bluegrass & Traditional Country Music Convention Inc. email: ha**********@bl*******.au or www.harrietvillebluegrass.com.au.
Having been to all but 2 Harrietvilles this is sad news indeed. Rod, Judy, Janet, Lauchlan and Nick are to be congratulated for having the faith, energy and love of the music to have presented it for almost a quater of a century! Thank you for the great times and wonderful music that you all provided us over the years.
This is very sad news indeed! the organisers have worked tirelessly on the convention for many years and put up with the naysayers and all the trials, tribulations and road blocks. I for one wish to thank them all for the huge effort they put in to make this the best festival.
Dear Nick, Janet, Rod and Judy,
My sincere thanks to you all for some wonderful years and memories that will last a lifetime. Your work and generosity to everyone involved is a mark of who you are.
I look forward to seeing you around sometime so I can thank you in person.
Warm regards,
Leonard Cohen