Melvin Thweat - Melvin comes to us from a family of musicians, his dad Boyd, was a good fiddler, also his sister Rita, played bass several years ago with him. Now Melvin's son Boyd, and his daughter Rita "Nessie" also are accomplished musicians, playing several instruments between them. They play as the "Thweat Family Band" with Melvin's wife, Debbie, playing bass. The Smyth County Jam is happy for them to come and play for us any time. Melvin plays both fiddle and mandolin. He has played fiddle since 1997. He is an electrical contractor and a plumber also. The Thweats make their home near Marion; just above Hungry Mother State Park, up on the mountain. Melvin says he likes all sorts of music, including classical, but that he likes bluegrass best of all. He plays a fiddle made in Italy during the 1830's, which has an excellent sound.
