Recapping the Star Fiddlers’ Convention

STAR — Star Fiddlers’ Convention celebrated its 100th annual event on March 7 as pickers and listeners packed into Star Elementary School in the small Montgomery County town for the momentous occasion. 

In addition to the local talent contest that drew competitors from across the state and neighboring ones, the evening of music kicked off with a set by hometown hero Gena Britt and some impressive friends. 

Britt grew up in Star, now resides outside of Nashville, and is banjoist with the award-winning band Sister Sadie.

She was joined by her bandmate and 2024 IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year Jaelee Roberts on guitar and vocals; two members of Red Camel Collective, IBMA’s 2025 New Artist Award winner Johnathan Dillon on mandolin and Curt Love on bass; and Gena’s longtime friend and former Grasstowne band mate, Greg Luck on fiddle. 

It was definitely a family reunion for the powerhouse picker and recording artist.

Gena was also joined by her daughter and nephew for a few numbers. She started taking banjo lessons at age 8 from local banjoist Charles Singleton. The two reunited off stage and picked a tune.

Star Halcyon Women’s Club president Audrey Richardson presented the Jim & Mary Callicutt award during intermission.

“Do you see what a small a group of ladies we have? If you want to get something done, you find somebody that is busy and give them something else to do.

They’d make it happen and we are blessed to have family members help us, too.

“The Star Fiddlers’ Convention started 100 years ago. In 1926, the fiddlers’ convention started as the idea of Mr. CV Richardson and the PTA. The Star Halcyon took over the convention in 1954. 

“For many years, we gave the CV Richardson Award to someone who had helped the fiddlers’ convention. Mr. Richardson has a son, John, who helped us for many years as our emcee of the fiddlers’ convention. He started emceeing in 1972 and took it over from his dad. Three years ago, due to their contributions, we renamed the award the Jim & Mary Callicutt Award. We are thrilled to present it to Mr. John Richardson.”

Other 2026 Star Fiddlers’ Convention 100th anniversary winners were:

YOUTH AWARDS

Best Up and Coming Young Bluegrass Talent — Wyatt Love.

Banjo — 1. Benjamin Ferranti. 

Fiddle — 1. Alexander Ferranti. 

Guitar — 1. Elliot King. 

Mandolin — 1. Wyatt Love. 

Vocal — 1. Chelsea Edenfield.

ADULT AWARDS

Band — 1. Skunk Hollow, 2. Travis Watts & Mountain Blessings, 3. Granite City Grass.

Fiddle — 1. Adam Burrows, 2. Hollace Oaks, 3. Charlie Tolbert.

Banjo — 1. Travis Watts, 2. Ettore Buzzini, 3. Cameron Edenfield.

Guitar — 1. Carson Aldridge. 2. Justin Jones, 3. Truett Wagner.

Mandolin — 1. Allan McMillian, 2. Tim Perry, 3. Elijah Smith.

Bass — 1. Daniel Perry, 2. John Fogleman, 3. Duane Hicks.

Dobro — 1. Johnathan McHone, 2. Hayes Smith, 3. Sandy Hatley.

Vocal — 1. Daniel Perry, 2. Natalie Ingram, 3. Barbara Scott.

Harmony Blend — 1. Mountain Blessings, 2. Franklinville Express, 3. Skunk Hollow.

Special Instrument — 1. Kenny Welch (harmonica).

Dance (19-30) — 1. Travis Watts.

Dance (31-49) — 1. Joey Trogdon, 2. Taylor Lingren, 3. Andy Hunt.