The Fairfax Lions Club hosted the regional Lions Bland Music Contest in the City of Fairfax Old Town Hall on Sunday, March 15.  Four instrumental contestants and three vocal contestants participated.  Two instrumental judges and two vocal judges selected top two performers in each category.  First place winners were awarded $100, while 2nd place winners were awarded $75.  Congratulations to all participants for outstanding performances.

Promoting opportunities for musically talented young people, the contest honors the life of James Alan Bland, an African-American musician and songwriter. Bland lived from 1854 to 1911, graduated from Howard University, and wrote more than 700 songs.  His songs include “In The Evening by the Moonlight,” “Oh Them Golden Slippers,” and “Carry Me Back to Old Virginny.”