MARLINTON, W.Va. (WVDN) – Award-winning musicians Becky Buller, Ned Luberecki and Hunter Berry are among the performers and judges coming to Marlinton for the fifth annual Hammons Family Fiddle & Banjo Contest + World Class Jam, set for Sept. 25-26, 2026.
The weekend brings old-time and bluegrass musicians together for a free Friday square dance, four Saturday contests, seven billed acts and jam sessions led by 34 host musicians around downtown Marlinton.
Saturday’s music lineup includes Becky Buller & Ned Luberecki; the Bing Brothers featuring Jake Krack; the Black Mountain Bluegrass Boys; Tessa McCoy & the State Birds; Mudhole Control; Kanawha Tradition; and the Hunter Berry Band. Gerry Milnes and Kirk Judd will serve as masters of ceremonies.
Buller is an acclaimed fiddler, singer, songwriter and bandleader whose International Bluegrass Music Association honors include Fiddle Player of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year. Luberecki, an IBMA Banjo Player of the Year, is also known to bluegrass listeners as a longtime host on SiriusXM’s Bluegrass Junction. Berry is a respected bluegrass fiddler who has performed and recorded with artists including Rhonda Vincent and the Rage.
The contests include Old-Time Banjo, Bluegrass Banjo, Old-Time Fiddle and Bluegrass Fiddle. First place in each contest receives $500, second place $200 and third place $100. Ribbons will be awarded through fifth place, with youth contestants recognized through third place.
Berry, Buller and West Virginia fiddler Bobby Taylor will judge the fiddle contests. Luberecki, Tim Bing and Todd Sams will judge the banjo contests.
Contestants may register online in advance. Each person must submit a separate form for every contest entered. On Saturday, contestants or their proxies must draw numbers from 11 to 11:45 a.m. at the computer station beside the judges’ tent at Discovery Junction. The contests begin at 1 p.m. at the Pocahontas County Opera House.
The World Class Jam extends the day beyond the stage. Thirty-four host musicians will lead sessions at locations around Marlinton, giving visiting players opportunities to sit down with experienced old-time and bluegrass musicians. This year’s hosts include Trevor Hammons, the great-grandson of Lee Hammons, continuing the family tradition the event honors.
The weekend opens with a free square dance from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, at the Pocahontas County Opera House. Juanita Fireball & the Clifftop Drifters, The State Birds and special guests will provide the music, with Lou Maiuri and Joe Burdock calling the dances.
The Saturday program takes place at the Pocahontas County Opera House, Discovery Junction and other downtown locations. Admission to the contests, performances and jams is free.
Registration and additional event information are available at HammonsFiddleBanjo.com.
