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Ten years ago, the String Band Contest was first held at the Farmers’ Market with great success. We’re proud that many years later, a prize of a sack of Farmers’ Market tokens still brings out the finest musicians to show what they can do. Come check out the 2012 talent this Saturday, September 15th from 11 am to 3 pm. Admission and participation in the contest are both free. Most of the bands will be fiddle-banjo combos, but there are always some that push the old-time envelope: jug band, Greek band (complete with undulating belly dancer), ragtime mandolins, Irish stepdancers, Italian tarantellas — anything goes as long as it’s unplugged. There will also be open jamming around Civic Center Park hosted by the Black Crown String Band. This event is part of the the five day Berkeley Old Time Music Convention. For more details about the whole Convention, click here. In the meantime, enjoy this teaser footage of the Squirrelly Stringband with Larry Hanks at the String Band Contest in 2007.