The Son Also Fiddles as Music Contest Nears

Gabe Witcher remembers his fifth birthday well. It was the year he had a party at a Chuck E. Cheese’s pizza restaurant and the year he was hoping for a set of drums. When it came time to open the presents, however, Gabe got a fiddle from his dad.

Despite the young boy’s initial letdown, he soon expressed a deep interest in playing the fiddle. And today, at age 12, Gabe astonishes audiences with his mastery of the instrument.

On Sunday, music enthusiasts will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of bluegrass sounds when Gabe and about 100 other musicians compete in the 31st Topanga Banjo/Fiddle Contest at the Paramount Ranch in Agoura.

The popular event, which is expected to attract 3,000 to 5,000 spectators, will feature three stages for the musical competition, folk-dance demonstrations and cowboy poetry and storytelling. In addition, the day’s entertainment will include six string bands (the Acousticats, Tom Sauber & Ed Lowe, the Upstairs String Band, Clay County Bluegrass, the Durant Family Band and Crossroads), as well as continuous jam sessions throughout the park.

Thirty folk-art booths will offer for sale the arts and crafts of weavers, woodcarvers, needle craftsmen, potters and other artisans.

“It’s the music, the idea of the traditional aspect of it, that keeps people coming back to this event year after year,” says Dennis Witcher, 44, Gabe’s father. “It’s steeped in tradition that continues on and on. And it’s a terrific family event.”

Like many other bluegrass die-hards, Dennis Witcher, who lives in Granada Hills with his family, has been attending the Topanga Banjo/Fiddle Contest for years. The fact that the contest has been held at a variety of sites, including UC Santa Barbara, UCLA, Santa Monica College and El Camino College, doesn’t affect his interest and enthusiasm. This will be the fourth consecutive year that he will serve as the contest’s emcee. The elder Witcher will also be playing backup on mandolin when his son competes in the advanced fiddle category.

Unlike his son, Dennis Witcher began playing music as an adult, 20 years ago. At the time, he was attending college in Louisiana and became involved in a rock ‘n’ roll band. It wasn’t until Gabe was born that Dennis Witcher purchased a mandolin and began taking lessons at the Blue Ridge Pickin’ Parlor in Canoga Park.

Once young Gabe learned to play music, father and son became a team. “My interest was finding things we could do together and enjoy,” Dennis Witcher recalls. These days, the duo plays together in a band called The Witcher Brothers, which performs at clubs, such as The Palomino, as well as church and civic events and festivals. “It’s a real special thing we get to do,” Dennis Witcher said.

In addition to his various public appearances, Gabe has also performed for television audiences on “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour” and “Star Search.” Nevertheless, come Sunday, he said, he’ll probably experience some stage fright. After taking first place last year in the advanced fiddle category at the Topanga Banjo/Fiddle Contest, Gabe said he’s pretty confident he’ll do well again.

Coming from a musical family--his mother, Reva, plays piano, and his four brothers all play instruments--Gabe seems to take his talent in stride. He also plays mandolin, guitar, harmonica and piano. When he’s not practicing, taking music lessons or performing, Gabe said he’s like any other 12-year-old, busy with homework, playing sports and watching television.

But his dad knows Gabe possesses that undeniable something that sets him apart. “I love to watch audiences respond to Gabe. It’s very special when he’s playing,” Dennis Witcher said.

And Mary Wordin, a member of the executive board of the Topanga Banjo/Fiddle Contest and Folk Festival Inc., the nonprofit corporation that sponsors the event, couldn’t agree more. “Gabe Witcher is extraordinary. I’m a great admirer of his,” she said. “He is a fine, fine musician who competes with adults--and beats them.”

The 31st Topanga Banjo/Fiddle Contest runs Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Paramount Ranch, Cornell Road between Kanan Road and Mulholland Highway, Agoura. Admission is $6 general, $2 for seniors and youngsters 12-17, free for children under 12 if accompanied by an adult. Information: (818) 594-1742.