Lunsford Festival: Lunsford Award - Mars Hill University

Lunsford Award

The Bascom Lamar Lunsford Award has been given out since 1980 to individuals who have made significant contributions to the folk, musical, and/or dance traditions of the

Dr. David W. Robinson (L) and John Roten (R)

southern mountain region.

The 2023 Lunsford Awards go to Dr. David W. Robinson + John Roten.
Dr. David Robinson (1967-2022) was as an alum of Mars Hill University and was a lifelong resident of Mars Hill. He played at the Lunsford Festival for many, many years. He held a doctorate in education, was the principal of Madison High School, and was an avid singer, fiddler, and guitar player. We are honored to be able to present this award to such a deeply-beloved member of the community.

John Roten has been the Master of Ceremonies for the daytime festival for many years. In addition to his work with the festival, Roten has also worn many hats with iHeartMedia but most often can be seen around the region in one of his trademark cowboy hats. John was the host of the very popular Kiss Country Classics program in Asheville and Sunday morning’s WESC Country Classics in Greenville, South Carolina. Roten grew up in Western North Carolina and knows the region and the people that live in these wonderful mountains. We are grateful to him for his help in keeping the festival running smoothly.

Past Winners

2022: Bobby Hicks

2021: David Holt

2020: Festival was held virtually, due to the pandemic, so no award was given
2019 Loretta Freeman

2018 Brian Hunter

2017 Jeff Atkins

2016 Carol Rifkin

2015 Peter Gott

2014 Nick Hallman

2013 George Banks

2012 Boyd Black / Kathryn Parham (Lunsford Youth Award)

2011 Paul Crouch