Bryant Radio’s long-running and sometimes controversial bass competition found new energy—and a bigger audience—after relocating to the Smith River Sports Complex. The 53rd anniversary event drew a record crowd and featured competitors from multiple states.
“This is our first venue here at the Smith River Sports Complex. It looks like we got an excellent crowd,” said store owner and Henry County Supervisor Joe Bryant. “We’ve been doing it since 1988.”
The event traces its origins back to a challenge from the Sony Corporation.
“The only time we ever stopped was the three years from the COVID years. But in the last several years we have been getting bigger, and then the contests are getting louder,” Bryant said.
Bryant said the change was driven by a desire to accommodate the event’s growing popularity and respond to concerns from nearby residents. Moving the contest to a dedicated outdoor venue gave participants more space—and volume—without interfering with neighborhood peace.
“I said, why not? You know, so we built the car up and took it to the show, and since then we’ve been rolling,” Bryant said. The store, now in its 53rd year, still brings a specially equipped Honda with a custom sound system to the competition.
This year’s expanded event drew competitors from across Virginia and surrounding states, including Tennessee, Georgia, and Maryland. Kaulana Lederer, who traveled from the Norfolk area, said the four-hour drive was well worth it.
“Yeah, it’s kind of a hike. I mean, it was like four hours or so for me to get out here. It wasn’t too bad though,” Lederer said. He praised the venue and showed off his system: six 15-inch subwoofers and two Ruthless KS amplifiers.
Local competitor Edward Martinez, a regular for more than 15 years, said the new venue only improved the experience.
“I’ve been doing this for a long time. I don’t know how many years now, over 15 years, right, over 15 years — and I love it more and more,” he said. “This party is the best because we can play our music loud, and we don’t have to worry about the police.”
Because the event is held outside town limits, it is not subject to local sound ordinances.
Looking ahead, Bryant said he hopes to bring the competition finals to Henry County and is hoping that the new location will help fulfill his goal.
“As we grow along, it will get bigger as (the) name gets out,” he said. “We’re going to try to have the finals down here. You know, I don’t know if we’ll get it this year.”
