Culpeper Mid-Day Lions hosted their annual Bland contest on Sunday, February 17th at Culpeper Baptist Church. This event was arranged by Culpeper Mid-Day members Dr. Robert McCall and Mr. Justin McFarland. This event celebrates the life of Mr. James Alan Bland, an African American musician and song writer. Mr. Bland was born to a free family in Flushing, New York. He began performing at the age of 14 and graduated from Howard University. Mr. Bland wrote more than 700 songs including “In the evening by the Moonlight,” “Oh them Golden Slippers”‘ and “Carry me back to Old Virginny”. He was often referred to as the Worlds Greatest Minstrel man.

The local winners were Juliana Marie Cardine, vocal, and Allison Y. Oh, Instrumental. First runner-up was Laura Perez,Instrumental.  No were no other Vocal entries in the competition.  First Prize winners received a check for $100.00 while first runners up received a check for $75.00. After the regional winners are selected they continue on to state competition. Final competition will result in the award of a $2,500 music scholarship to both vocal and instrumental winners. All local residents, especially music teachers in the local system are invited to attend the regional contest and cheer our candidates on.

A Huge thank you to Justin McFarland for all of his efforts to coordinate the event.  Thanks, Justin!

The winners are pictured in the lower left picture.

Left to right: Laura Perez, Juliana Marie Cardine and Allison Y. Oh

All participants are pictured in the lower right photo.

Left to right: Marie-Claire Matricardi, Lindsay J. Sanders, Laura A. Perez, Juliana M. Cardine, Vaden R. Sanders and Allison Y. Oh.