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, Jacob, accompany her on guitar and mandolin.

Massey, who has the number 22 pinned to her shirt, is among 120 people waiting to go on stage for the Folk Song competition here at the Old Fiddler's Convention . Her family has driven more than 300 miles from East Central Ohio to support her.

Allison Isley / for NPR / for NPR

"I love singing. I love dancing. I just love Bluegrass," says Massey, who adds that most of her friends back home prefer pop and rock. Some make fun of her musical tastes.

"I don't get mad or anything," Massey says matter-of-factly.

Allison Isley / for NPR / f

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