The 2021 Daleville-Fincastle Lions Club Bland Music Contest was held at The Glebe Retirement Community on Saturday, May 1. The music contest is named for James A. Bland, the African American writer of American folk songs who composed over 700 songs. His most famous song is “Carry Me Back to Ole Virginny,” the Virginia state song from1940 to 1997. The annual Bland Music Scholarship Program was established in 1948 by Lions of Virginia to recognize James Bland and to assist and promote cultural and educational opportunities for the musically talented youth of Virginia. Over $25,000 is awarded annually in state, regional, district and local clubs.
The first place vocalist at the local contest was Emery Maxson, who sang “Talk to the Animals,” and the first place instrumentalist was Preston Pauley, who performed “October” on the piano. Both will advance to the semi-district competition on Sunday, May 16 at Community Church in Salem.
Other contestants in this contest were: Sullins Johnston, Beau Lee, Maverick Johnston, Kaeli Berry, and Eliza Johnston.
