ATHENS – A California man wasn’t fiddling around Saturday night when he came away with the title of Tennessee Valley Fiddle champion.

But, then again, he was.

Tristan Clarridge of Mount Shasta, Calif., also was named Alabama State Fiddle Champion at the 57th annual Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention at Athens State University.

As the top fiddler, Clarridge won the Convention’s top prize of $2,000. Jessie Mau of Asheville, N.C., was runner-up.

Local winners were Tom Fant of Arab on harmonica; Jan Hammond of Athens on dulcimer; and Stephen Ewood of Madison for beginner mandolin.

For the list of winners, click here.

The convention contributes to Athens State by funding student scholarships and University projects. This project was made possible in part by a grant from the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area with support from the Alabama Tourism Department.

The 58th annual Fiddlers Convention is Oct.1-4, 2025.