Fiddle Fest and Southeastern Fiddle Championship Announce 2025 Award Winners

March 6, 2025 – Fiddle Fest and the Southeastern Fiddle Championship returned to Shelton State Community College on Saturday, February 22 on the College’s Martin Campus. The one-day festival was a family-friendly event celebrating the rich sounds of bluegrass and fiddle music and its talented musicians.  Guests enjoyed arts, crafts, food vendors, and family activities.

More than $10,000 in prize money was awarded. The competitors listed took home top awards in the indicated categories with Justin Branum claiming the Southeast Fiddle Champion title for a second year in a row.

Small Fry Fiddle                                           Carlee Watkins                                            Millport, AL

Youth Fiddle                                                  Lily Coleman                                                 Birmingham, AL

Beginner Musician                                      Alaina Knight                                              Sulligent, AL

Mandolin                                                         Justin Branum                                              Murfreesboro, TN

Junior Fiddle                                                  Noah Goebel                                        Elkton, KY

Guitar                                                               Henry Hillard                                               Starkville, MS

Senior Fiddle                                                Tony Duck                                            Griffin, GA

Buck Dancing                                               Lily Goebel                                       Elkton, KY

Banjo                                                                Joey Gipson                                                  Manchester, TN

Band                                                                  Stateline Strings                                         Tupelo, MS

Southeast Fiddle Champion                   Justin Branum                                              Murfreesboro, TN

“The 2025 Fiddle Fest was our best one to date,” shared Glenn Taylor, President/CEO of the Community Foundation of West Alabama.  “We had contestants from nine states and the level of competition was extremely high.  One contestant that placed sixth in a national contest came in fourth place at our competition.  The future of the Fiddle Fest looks bright!”

This year’s event was made possible by financial donations from the Community Foundation of West Alabama, Visit Tuscaloosa, and the Alabama State Council on the Arts with generous support from Shelton State Community College and additional community sponsorship contributions.

Photos from the 2025 Fiddle Fest and Southeast Fiddle Championship will be available at Fiddle Fest. The 2026 Fiddle Fest and Southeast Fiddle Championship will be held on Shelton State’s Martin Campus on Saturday, February 28, 2026. Patrons and contestants are encouraged to follow @alabamafiddle on Facebook and @thefiddlefest on Instagram for up-to-date information and announcements.

For additional information about fine arts opportunities at Shelton State, visit sheltonstate.edu.