About Melissa

Melissa Southwick (Troberg), a fiddle player originally from Red Bluff, California, was raised in a rich musical environment shaped by a close-knit community and her mother’s passion for Old Time Fiddle, Country Western, Bluegrass, and Texas Swing. She developed a natural ear for fiddle tunes at an early age and began competing on the Western U.S. fiddle contest circuit at just six years old. Within a few short years, she earned multiple regional, California State, and Western State titles, along with national recognition.

Beyond the stage, Melissa has remained deeply committed to community involvement and service. She was crowned Miss Tehama County in 1993, named Miss Cal State Alternate in 1994, and has contributed her time as Rotary Secretary in Red Bluff while participating in numerous local service projects. A graduate of Chico State, she has combined her musical talent with education, teaching private lessons and helping develop music curriculum for elementary schools.

Melissa has performed with a range of bands across genres, including the Sacramento-based bluegrass group One Button Suit, the modern country rock Ariel Jean Band, Missouri’s Country Roads, and the country band Runaway Train. In addition to her collaborative work, she performs as a solo artist and enjoys traveling internationally to share her music.

Now based in Union, Missouri, Melissa is excited to connect with fellow musicians in the Midwest and explore new opportunities to continue sharing her lifelong love of fiddle music.