GALAX, Va. — Ellie Massey, 13, stands inside a giant, yellow tent with dozens of other contestants and practices singing the gospel tune, "I'll Fly Away." Her grandfather, Jim Coleman, and uncle, ...

Each year for the past 89, Galax, Va., has hosted what it proclaims is the world's oldest and largest fiddler's convention. People come from all around to keep alive a rich American musical tradition.