Payson is proud to host Arizona’s State Fiddling Championship for the 54th year. Come one, come all and enjoy the musical offerings of Arizona’s most talented fiddlers. From the youngest (small fry) to the eldest (senior), we’re sure that you will be delighted by their talent. Bring the family and lawn chairs and join us at Green Valley Park for a truly enjoyable weekend full of music and amazing food trucks. Divisions will go in order, times not guaranteed.

Live Performances:

Friday, September 20, 2024

6pm-8pm - Desert King Band

Doug Deatherage, also known as “The fiddler” won the Arizona Country Music Associations National Instrumentalist of the Year in 1993 and 1994. Under the leadership of Doug Deatherage , the Desert Knights band won Arizona country music associations vocal group of the year 1993/94 and 1st place in the Payson country music festival in 1989. Doug Deatherage has opened up for country greats such as Toby Keith, Doug Stone, Tracy Lawrence, Jerry Reed, Waylon Jennings, The Dixie Chicks and has worked with country music’s hall of fame Hank Thompson and David Frizzell.

Saturday, September 21,2024

Mamma Coal feat. Twin Fiddlers Nick Coventy and Joe Lessard

Evening Performance *time based on how contest proceeds
Tucson country artist Mamma Coal’s band will feature twin fiddlers Nick Coventry (of The Tucsonics and Black Market Trust) and Joe Lessard (of Head for the Hills), along with Alvin Blaine on guitar, dobro and banjo, Arthur Vint on drums and Ed Friedland on bass. Their first set will feature many songs to showcase the twin fiddle sound including covers of Patsy Cline and Bob Wills.  Mamma Coal’s original album Dance Hall Crush climbed into the top 50 on the national Americana chart and she will share several of those tunes as well (which also feature fiddle!)  The band will play two additional sets of great country music for two-stepping, waltzing and line dancing. Mamma Coal has opened for Dwight Yoakam, Lainey Wilson and Josh Turner.  She is thrilled to be part of this historic Arizona event.

Fiddle Contest

Saturday, September 21, 2024

Fiddle Festival
Join us at Green Valley Park for a free, fun family day full of fiddlin’ music. Food Truck vendors will be on site.

J.W. and Vertielee Floyd Memorial – Arizona State Championship

Contest begins at 9:00am

Come one, come all and enjoy the musical offerings of Arizona’s most talented fiddlers. From the youngest (small fry) to the eldest (senior), we’re sure that you will be delighted by their talent. Bring the family and some chairs and join us at Green Valley Park for a truly enjoyable afternoon full of music and sunshine. Divisions will go in order, times not guaranteed.

9:00am - Introductions and National Anthem

Contest Divisions:
Small Fry Division (ages 8 and under)
Junior Junior Division (ages 9-12)
Junior Division (ages 13-17)

10-Minute Break

Young Adult Division (ages 18-39)
Senior Division (ages 65+)
Adult Division (ages 40-64)

10-Minute Break

2:00 pm - Twin Competition

3:00 pm - Trick Competition

4:00pm - Band Competition

Awards Annnouncement/Tie Breaker for Young Adult, Senior, and Adult Division
Above events are free for spectators. Fiddle Contest participants can register at the below button.

Sunday, September 22, 2024

Fiddle Festival
Join us at Green Valley Park for a free, fun family day full of fiddlin’ music. Food Truck vendors will be on site.

J.W. and Vertielee Floyd Memorial – Arizona State Championship

Contest begins at 10:00am

10:00 am - Introductions to Grand Champion Division – Round 1

Open Talent Competition

11:00 am - Grand Champion Division Round 2

Awards Announcement and Pictures

Date: September 20-22, 2024

Time:
September 20th at 6pm
September 21st at 9am
September 22nd at 9am

Location: Green Valley Park 1000 W Country Club Dr, Payson, AZ 85541

Click here to register

Click here for more inforamtion