Meet the Artists!
We’re proud to present a lineup of exceptional talent that embodies the spirit and richness of West Virginia’s musical heritage. Each artist in our roster brings a unique flair and remarkable skill to the stage, capturing the essence of our region’s vibrant soundscape. Dive into the stories behind these extraordinary musicians and discover the passion, dedication, and artistry that make them stand out. Our artists are here to make your event unforgettable. Explore their bios to learn more about the talent that’s making waves in our region.
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LEGENDS OF WV BLUEGRASS
Buddy Mason Griffin is a notable West Virginia banjo and fiddle player who has demonstrated his talents on stages extending from Wheeling’s Jamboree USA (WWVA) to Branson, Missouri, and the Grand Ole Opry.
He was born on September 22, 1948, in Richwood, Nicholas County, and grew up in a family devoted to the songs of the original Carter Family and traditional bluegrass music, with Griffin quickly learning to play several instruments and becoming a part of the family group. Actually a multi-instrumentalist, the five string banjo was his instrument of choice, although he has become best known for his fiddle work.
The family band, working part-time, had radio programs in towns ranging from Oak Hill, Sutton, Richwood, and Weston, WV. Also, they appeared as guests on regional TV shows, such as Red Smiley’s on WOAY-TV and then from June 1964 they became semi-regular performers on The Buddy Starcher Show, on WCHS-TV in Charleston. A year later they did a guest spot on the Top O’ The Morning Show at WDBJ-TV in Roanoke, Virginia, then starring Red Smiley & the Bluegrass Cutups.
Other venues where Griffin has appeared include the Kennedy Center, NPR’s Rider’s Radio Theater at the Emery Theater in Cincinnati, Ohio, A Prairie Home Companion, and At Home In The County (the Ozark Folk Center, Mountain View, Arkansas).
In over 50 years there is very little that Griffin has not done for bluegrass and old-time music. He has performed on many stages, touring as a sideman with top names; as a session musician he has played on more than 150 recordings, helped with studio production, appeared on many radio and television stations, devised, implemented and oversaw a curriculum for a degree course for bluegrass musicians, and mentored many others.
Induction into the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame is clearly a very well-deserved accolade, perhaps even overdue.
In 2011 Griffin’s career was celebrated with the Vandalia Award presented by the West Virginia Division of Culture and History, and in 2019, he received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from Glenville State College.
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MASTERS OF THE SIX STRINGS
Robert Shafer, from Charleston, WV, has played guitar professionally since 1981. He is a two-time winner of the National Flatpicking Championship. Robert has also held state guitar championships in Kentucky (3 times) Tennessee (2 times) Ohio (2 times) and Alabama.
Robert has appeared at the Grand Ole Opry, Mountain Stage Radio Show, BBC and has worked with many well known artists including Mark O'Connor, Mike Snider, Kenny Baker, Josh Graves and many others. In addition to being a first rate flatpicker, he is also an amazing electric guitarist.
His 1997 release, "Hillbilly Fever" received rave reviews from Guitar Player magazine, The Washington Post, The PhiladelphiaInquirer, Vintage Guitar magazine and many other publications.
Legends of WV Bluegrass
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LEGENDS OF WV BLUEGRASS
David O’Dell began playing banjo at age 14, learning clawhammer style banjo for traditional music under the influence of Frank George. He soon became a familiar face at West Virginia’s music festivals such as the Vandalia Gathering and the West Virginia State Folk Festival, where he won the old-time banjo contests numerous times. After high school he continued to focus on traditional music, but also began branching out into other instruments such as fiddle, dulcimer, guitar, and bass, as well as other musical styles such as bluegrass.
After a number of years in Kentucky and Tennessee, David moved back to West Virginia in 1996 and became involved in the music scene more than ever. He was invited to be on the Board of Directors of the West Virginia State Folk Festival, and he also became more involved in recording and producing recordings of West Virginia musicians.
David’s versatility as a musician landed him several gigs as a substitute band member when regular members weren’t available for certain gigs. He often sat in with The Samples Brothers playing fiddle, banjo, or bass depending upon what was needed at the time. He also filled in as a bass player for Retro and Smiling, a Reno and Smiley tribute band featuring Buddy Griffin and Ashley Messenger. He now regularly plays banjo in the Mack Samples Band, as well as in the duo The MacAbre Brothers with Pete Kosky.
In addition to playing music, David has also taught a number of workshops on banjo, fiddle, and mountain dulcimer at places such as the Augusta Heritage Center, Allegheny Echoes, and the Cedar Lakes Craft Center. He has hosted a weekly radio show on WOTR in Weston, West Virginia, and played venues as far away as Ireland and Australia.
He now plays music mostly whenever it’s convenient, leaving time for his day job as Professor of Chemistry and Chair of the Science and Mathematics Department at Glenville State University as well as for spending time with his family. He manages to squeeze in some banjo building occasionally as well.
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LEGENDS OF WV BLUEGRASS
Roger was born in Braxton County, Sutton, WV. At a young age Roger‘s family moved to the Wheeling, WV area. Currently, he resides in St Clairsville, OH where he manages a music store along with performing regularly throughout the area.
He was instrumental in helping many talented musicians in WV get their start professionally.
Roger is one of the most recognizable and respected talents on guitar anywhere, and was one of Dan Jones’ early mentors in music. In addition, he has helped train some of the Ohio Valley’s greatest musicians including the one and only Brad Paisley.
Hoard has been associated with Jamboree USA, Jamboree in the Hills, and directed some of the Ohio Valley’s greatest bands such as Country Roads, The Other Brothers, 11/70, and The Fabulous Bender Boys.
Roger is a true Legend of WV Bluegrass as well as many other genres of music.
masters of the six strings
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MASTERS OF THE SIX STRINGS
Robin Kessinger resides in Saint Albans, WV and is a true WV Master Musician.
To say that Robin Kessinger is one of the country's leading flatpick guitarists would be quite an understatement. He won the National Flatpicking Championship in Winfield, Kansas several years ago. He finished in the top five of that competition 10 times, more than any other competitor in history. He also holds championship titles in state competitions in OH, KY, GA and WV.
Robin is one of the most decorated musicians in American folk music.
"Of all the plaques, ribbons and trophies he has received, Kessinger is most proud of his “Sammy.” The award is given by the Pinch Reunion to Good Samaritans who have made the world a better place." -Inside Appalachia Folkways Reporting Project.
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MASTERS OF THE SIX STRINGS
Roger was born in Braxton County, Sutton, WV. At a young age Roger‘s family moved to the Wheeling, WV area. Currently, he resides in St Clairsville, OH where he manages a music store along with performing regularly throughout the area.
He was instrumental in helping many talented musicians in WV get their start professionally.
Roger is one of the most recognizable and respected talents on guitar anywhere, and was one of Dan Jones’ early mentors in music. In addition, he has helped train some of the Ohio Valley’s greatest musicians including the one and only Brad Paisley.
Hoard has been associated with Jamboree USA, Jamboree in the Hills, and directed some of the Ohio Valley’s greatest bands such as Country Roads, The Other Brothers, 11/70, and The Fabulous Bender Boys.
Roger is a true Legend of WV Bluegrass AND Master of the Six Strings.
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LEGENDS OF WV BLUEGRASS
Growing up in Meadow Bridge, WV, Jackie Kincaid was born into a musical family. His father had a bluegrass band and Jackie learned to play the Mandolin at an early age. His talent soon became recognized and he was offered jobs playing for other bluegrass bands. His skill on the mandolin and clear tenor voice has led him to perform professionally at the Wheeling Jamboree, The Grand Ole Opry, Bill Gaither’s Videos, RFD-TV, the Worlds Fair and many other venues across the United States.
Jackie has been a sought after vocalist and musician and has performed with the Larry Sparks band for many years. He has also performed with Bobby Osborne, Jesse McReynolds, Curley Seckler, Alison Krauss, Judy Marshall, Dave Evans, Uncle Josh Graves and many of the top bluegrass artist. He continues to write songs and perform in and around the Nashville, TN area.
Jackie states, “I have accomplished more than I could ever thought possible in Bluegrass music and it all began in the mountains of WV. While I live in Nashville now, WV will always be my home."
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MASTERS OF THE SIX STRINGS
Seth Maynard is a very well known musician all around WV and the surrounding states. He performs in a variety of venues all across the region from Music Mondays of 304 Today to performances with several bands including Queen City Funk & Soul, Elk River Ramblers, Manchester Craftsmen Guild Jazz, First United Melodist Praise Band.
Seth is a sought after instructor. He is an Adjuunct Music Instructor at Davis and Elkins College as well as West Virginia Wesleyen College. Additionally, Seth provides lessons to local studens.
Seth has released four albums; Osmosis in 2010, Make the Season Bright in 2012, Christmas Time Is Here in 2016 and Due Primo in 2016.