Linda and Lester McCumbers

On Monday, Judy and I had the honor of visiting old time musicians Linda and Lester McCumbers in Nicut, Calhoun County. We went to their home to inform them that the 2007 West Virginia State Folk Festival is dedicating this year's festival to them. Lester is a Vandalia Award winner - the state's highest heritage award. He has won the over 50 fiddle contest for many years (including 2006) at the WV State Folk Festival.

Both Lester and Linda are 85 years old and have been married since they were 16. They are among the last of the old-time musicians. I have know them since 1963 when they appeared every Saturday morning on the radio station WSPZ in Spencer. I was a disc jockey at that time and enjoyed working with the musicians during Saturday's performance. Linda's rendition of the song "Ruby" was a remarkable sound to behold.

























Lester has made around seven handmade fiddles which he displays on the bed in the guest room. He uses local woods including spruce and sassafras.

























What a great visit! We can not wait until June to see Lester in action on his fiddle!