The fourth FiddleFest strummed to an end on Saturday, and at this point in its existence the annual Roanoke Valley music celebration is intimate if nothing else.

It's so intimate that you might bump into Rhonda Vincent, six-time International Bluegrass Music Association female vocalist of the year, who needs directions to the Hollins University tennis courts. You can then ask her anything that comes to mind, including what she thinks of the event.

"It's not your typical festival," she said, adding that its personal format laid out on a college campus is hard to compare to any other bluegrass-type offering. On Friday and Saturday at Hollins, in fact, musicians carrying instrument cases replaced students toting book bags.

This year's FiddleFest was the first attended by Vincent and her band, the Rage. She was one of a number of stars in her business to play over the weekend. Others included Paul Williams & Victory Trio, Wildfire, Tim Graves & Cherokee, as well as Herschel Sizemore and Sandy Ridge -- a band that includes Mike Conner, FiddleFest's founder.

During one jam session Saturday afternoon, several members of the various groups gathered together in Hollins' Babcock Auditorium, and about 75 people got to hear some of the best in traditional string music in a setting not much different than if it were happening in their living rooms.

In addition to playing shows, the professional musicians also teach workshops. For $50, fans and pickers can see all the shows and go to any workshops they so choose over the two days.

This year, Conner estimated FiddleFest -- competing against several other major music draws in the region including FloydFest -- attracted about 2,500 people. Conner said he's happy with where FiddleFest is right now, and added that the intimate one-on-one type of setting is the festival's signature.

Vincent said that before arriving at the festival she had no idea just how personal it is, and she agreed that's what really makes it unique. Vincent, who was part of a workshop on the mandolin, said she actually taught one woman a unique riff Vincent plays on her hit song "One Step Ahead of the Blues."

Also participating in the session were Paul Williams and Herschel Sizemore.

Those soaking in what they were doing included Will Gray, 17, of Lynchburg.

Will just started playing the mandolin several years ago after a decade of taking violin lessons. During the two-hour workshop Saturday, Will said he'd already learned a number of techniques from the masters, particularly that it's key not to grip the instrument too tightly.

"I consider this a privilege," he said.

Williams, a Wythe County native, said he was glad to oblige.

"I'm leaving with a good feeling that I've helped somebody," he said, adding that he, like Vincent, has been impressed with FiddleFest's concentration on personal interplay between the professional musicians and the paying customers.

The intimacy wouldn't exist, of course, if FiddleFest hits the big time and 30,000 people start showing up. For now, though, it is what it is.

Conner said one gleeful attendee told him Saturday that she had never been to any music event like it.

"I hope she tells all of her family and 68 of her closest friends," he said.