2025 CAAS Performers
Shane Adkins: Shane is a talented musician from Alabama. He loves music and it shows in his guitar playing and songwriting. Shane is influenced by Mose Rager, Merle Travis, and Chet, all great musicians. He won contest at Winfield in 2005 and won the Home of the Legends in 2003. shaneadkins.com
Robert Anderson: Robert is a performer and teacher from Maryville, TN. He won the Home of the Legends thumbpicking contest in Muhlenberg County KY, in 2000, and 2010. He has also won several contests in Georgia and Alabama.
Bunny Barnes: Bunny is a seasoned guitarist hailing from Pennsylvania. Her impressive skills have earned her the coveted Recording of the Year award in 2022 from the esteemed National Thumbpicker's Hall of Fame.
Loren Barrigar: Loren started playing guitar when he was only four years old, and by the time he was six, played the Chet Atkins hit “Yackety Axe” in front of thousands of country music fans at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. He went on to study with Jimmy Atkins (Chet’s brother) which led to a touring career with his family band from Nashville to Las Vegas. Since settling down in Central New York, he has been in constant demand as a studio musician. lorenbarrigar.com
LJ Barrigar: LJ was influenced at an early age by his father Loren, as well as the music of Tommy Emmanuel. He now regularly performs with his father in various venues and settings around New York.
Pat Bergeson: Pat Bergeson is an in-demand guitarist, harmonica player, and occasional songwriter. Based in Nashville, he is best known for his live and session work with Chet Atkins, Lyle Lovett, Suzy Bogguss, and Les Brers, and most recently has been on tour with Peter Frampton. patbergeson.com
Isaac Biver: Isaac Biver is a young guitarist from Illinois that has been featured on Woodsongs and won Junior and Traditional champion at the International Home of the Legends thumbpicking contest in 2023. Isaac currently attends Lipscomb University.
Blake Bricker: Blake is a young, energetic guitar enthusiast from Oklahoma. He is frequently found performing alongside Edgar Cruz. Blake also released his first solo recording project last year. blakebrickermusic.com
Clive Caroll: Clive Carroll is a British virtuoso guitarist celebrated for his genre-blending fingerstyle technique. A graduate of Trinity College of Music, he has toured with legends like John Renbourn and Tommy Emmanuel, earning praise for his breathtaking compositions. His albums, including Sixth Sense and The Red Guitar, showcase his mastery of acoustic storytelling. Carroll continues to push musical boundaries, composing for film and collaborating with top artists worldwide.
Zac Childs: Zac Childs is a Nashville-based guitarist, journalist, and gear expert known for his deep knowledge of vintage guitars and country music history. He has played alongside artists like Vince Gill, Alison Krauss, and Brad Paisley, while also working as a guitar tech for Paisley. Childs is a longtime contributor to Vintage Guitar Magazine and hosts Ask Zac, where he shares insights on guitar tone, technique, and legendary players. His passion for storytelling and gear has made him a respected voice in the guitar community. askzac.com
Hot Club Of Nashville : Formed by Richard Smith, The Hot Club of Nashville features a diverse group of musicians, including, guitarist/harmonica virtuoso Pat Bergeson, and other talented artists. Whether performing as an instrumental ensemble or accompanying Annie Sellick, their music is always lively and upbeat. The lineup is constantly changing, so every one of their shows is a unique experience.
Jason Coleman: Jason is the grandson of Floyd Cramer, who was Chet's top session pianist, and a country music icon. Jason has become a star in his own right. He now records and tours with Megan Taylor, carrying on the family tradition. jasoncolemanmusic.com
Caleb Coots: Caleb Coots is a young and talented thumb picker hailing Kentucky. He was the 2022 Champion at the International Home of the Legends thumbpicking contest. Caleb draws inspiration from the rich musical heritage of Muhlenberg County and his grandfather, Eddie Pennington.
Michael Coppola: Michael is a highly skilled 9-string guitar player. He initially concentrated on classical guitar and fingerstyle jazz, but since his debut convention performance in 2004, he has seamlessly integrated the playing styles of Chet, Jerry, and Albert Lee into his repertoire.
Edgar Cruz: Edgar's extraordinary talent as an entertainer has taken him to stages across America, Europe, Mexico, and South America. He has been a headline performer at CAAS since 1995 and has released 19 CDs, an instructional DVD, and his own TABS. With versatility across various genres, he has played hundreds of songs and has inspired numerous guitarists worldwide. edgarcruz.com.
Ray Cummins: Ray Cummins is an American guitarist known for his intricate fingerpicking style and deep connection to Chet Atkins' legacy. A seasoned performer, he has played on over 500 recordings, appeared on the Grand Ole Opry, and collaborated with legends like Les Paul and Roy Clark. Cummins continues to share his music through live performances, symphony collaborations, and instructional materials.
Emma Dean: Emma Dean is a talented guitarist and vocalist who now calls Austin home. She is a recent graduate from the Berklee College of Music. Emma won her full tuition scholarship as a finalist in Lee Ritenour's Six String Theory Competition.
Tanner Duckworth: Tanner was crowned the grand champion of the 2017 Home of the Legends International Thumbpicking Competition and was inducted into the Thumbpicker’s Hall of Fame in 2018. Tanner can now be found on tour with Jeff and Sheri Easter. He always wishes to honor God and to bring joy to others everywhere he goes and every time he picks up his guitar!
Doyle Dykes: Doyle Dykes is a well-traveled evangelist who shares his musical talents across the globe through singing and playing. He is acclaimed as a guitar virtuoso, with expertise in guitar design and clinician work. He began his journey touring with Grandpa Jones. As an author, composer, and musician, he has established himself as a stellar artist and has appeared multiple times on the Grand Old Opry. doyledykes.com
Tommy Emmanuel CGP: A recent Grammy award winner, Tommy has been a frequent player at the convention for more than 25 years. His love for touring is never-ending, as he strives to become the Johnny Appleseed of the guitar world. Tommy constantly searches for talented musicians from distant places and brings them to Nashville. Thanks to his efforts, there are now many exceptional new players from across the globe who are present with us today. tommyemmanuel.com
Eddie Estes: Eddie Estes is a long-time guitar enthusiast and CAAS convention attendee. He is a 2019 winner of the traditional category at the Home of the Legends contest and was a close friend of Paul Yandell.
The French Family: The French Family Band is a Nashville-based country group originally from Australia, known for their rich harmonies and Western swing influences. Led by guitarist/vocalist Stuie French, his wife Camille, and their son Sonny, the family has performed on the Grand Ole Opry and built a global fanbase through online concerts. They won multiple Australian Golden Guitar Awards and continue to create authentic country music with echoes of Chet Atkins and Merle Haggard
Bruce Forman: Bruce Forman is an American jazz guitarist known for his dynamic bebop style and deep immersion in American musical traditions. A prolific performer and educator, he has recorded over twenty albums as a leader and collaborated with legends like Ray Brown and Bobby Hutcherson. His work spans film soundtracks, including Million Dollar Baby, and innovative projects like Cow Bop, blending jazz with Western swing. Forman continues to push musical boundaries while mentoring the next generation of jazz musicians at USC.
Katie Graves: Katie is now an Austin-based artist and a recent graduate of Berklee. She is most often found playing with Emma Dean and is a very competent Chet-style player.
Ben Hall: A former winner of the National Thumbpicking Contest in Mt. View Arkansas in 2005, Ben is a multifaceted entertainer and story teller who toured with Charlie Louvin and became the house guitar player on Larry's Country Diner. Ben is currently Vice President of Development at the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Caleb Hardin: An up-and-coming player from Bowling Green Kentucky, Caleb has been a familiar face around the convention for several years. When he's not playing guitar, you might find him driving his Model A car.
Roger Hardin: Roger Hardin is a skilled fingerstyle guitarist known for his performances at the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas. He placed second in the International Fingerstyle Guitar Championship in 2013, and also a won the Home of the Legends 2002 in both traditional and contemporary categories. Roger has arranged and performed pieces like Sleigh Ride, demonstrating his ability to blend intricate melodies with dynamic phrasing. He continues to be recognized within the fingerstyle guitar community for his contributions to the craft.
Parker Hastings: Parker Hastings is a Kentucky-born guitarist, singer, and songwriter known for his mastery of thumbpicking and Americana music. Influenced by Chet Atkins and Steve Wariner, he has won multiple national guitar competitions and was named the 2023 Artist in Residence at the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame. Hastings has performed across the country, including with Dailey & Vincent, T. Grahm Brown, and most recently Gaelic Storm. Parker continues to carry on the tradition of Kentucky thumbpicking while developing his own unique sound. parkerhastingsmusic.com
Tony Hooper: Tony Hooper is a Mississippi-born guitarist deeply rooted in Southern gospel and fingerstyle traditions. Influenced by Chet Atkins, he developed a distinctive style blending blues, country, and Christian rock. Over the years, he has recorded with artists like Michael W. Smith and performed at major festivals and faith-based events. Hooper continues to mentor young musicians while sharing his passion for thumbpicking and soulful guitar playing
Joe Hudson: Joe Hudson, from Muhlenberg County, KY, is a talented musician who has played with various bands and performed at the Grand Ole Opry with John Schneider. He has been exploring Thumbstyle since 2008, learning from renowned Thumbpicker Steve Rector. Joe is also the Executive Director of the National Thumbpickers Hall of Fame.
Kirby Jane: Kirby Jane is an artistic musician and transcriber from Charleston, SC. She specializes in solo fingerstyle guitar and incorporates piano techniques into her playing. She's worked with Grammy-winning guitarist John Knowles and transcribed music for renowned artists like Jerry Douglas and Tommy Emmanuel. kirbyjane.net.
Jacob Johnson: Jacob Johnson is an energetic acoustic guitarist known for his dynamic fingerstyle technique and engaging performances. Influenced by artists like Phil Keaggy and Michael Hedges, he blends intricate melodies with percussive elements. Johnson has shared the stage with legends like Tommy Emmanuel and Victor Wooten, earning recognition for his songwriting and live shows. He continues to tour and teach, inspiring audiences with his unique approach to acoustic guitar.
Don Jones: Don is a fingerpicker strongly influenced by Chet and Merle, who is left-handed but plays a regular guitar "upside down and backwards". Don won the 1997 Home of the Legends contest, and the 2000 National Thumbpicking competition, in Mountain View Arkansas.
JiHoon Kim: HOOON is an acclaimed acoustic guitarist and singer-songwriter from South Korea, recognized as the Grand Prize Winner of the Korean National Acoustic Guitar Competition in 2022. A former Seoul "Youth Mic" artist and Official Seoul Citizen Hall performer, he has captivated audiences with his sold-out solo concert, HOOON To The Moon, and his debut single album, Friends. His artistry extends beyond the stage, with heartfelt performances for charitable causes, including the Itaewon Let There Be Love campaign. Featured on KBS and MBC, HOOON continues to shape the acoustic music scene with his distinctive sound and heartfelt storytelling.
Richard Kiser: Richard, a talented gospel musician from Roanoke, VA, has dedicated his life to creating uplifting music. He has been recognized for his exceptional skills as an instrumentalist, having been awarded "Instrumentalist of the Decade" by the International Country Gospel Music Association. Richard will be hosting a gospel guitar showcase, and he will also be performing alongside Country Music Hall of Fame member Charlie McCoy. Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy some truly inspiring music! rkisermusic.com.
John Knowles, CGP: John Knowles, CGP has a longstanding association with Chet. He is an accomplished teacher, songwriter, mentor, and a vocal proponent of fingerstyle playing. His anecdotes about working with Chet and other recording artists are truly captivating. He frequently collaborates with Tommy Emmanuel and extends his knowledge to aspiring guitarists through his online TrueFire guitar courses and Fingerstyle Quarterly lessons. johnknowles.com.
Alberto Lombardi: Alberto Lombardi is a celebrated guitarist and singer-songwriter with a global reputation. He has toured with renowned musicians, produced instructional videos, and released three critically acclaimed acoustic guitar albums. He was named one of the "8 Guitarists to Watch" by Vintage Guitar Magazine and one of the "10 Best New Acoustic Guitarists in the World" by Guitar Masters Poland. albertolombardi.com
Mike McAdoo: Mike is from Branson, MO where he has played in musical theaters for years as a performer and an accompanist to the stars.
John McClellan: John McClellan is a highly skilled musician and guitar instructor with a classical background. His remarkable contributions to Chet Atkins' music are truly noteworthy. John co-authored three volumes of "Chet Atkins in Three Dimensions" and "Solo Sessions". He will be joined on stage by Doug Back and French guitarist Oliver Chassain.
Charlie McCoy: Charlie is an esteemed harmonica session player in Nashville with a record-breaking number of recordings under his belt. He is a distinguished member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and was inducted as a Grand Old Opry member. Charlie's unmatched talent has earned him appearances on numerous major artist releases. Notably, he was one of Chet's cherished sidemen in the studio.
Keith Miller: Keith Miller is an accomplished acoustic guitarist from Summerville, South Carolina, known for his expressive fingerstyle playing and deep musical roots. His collaborations include recordings with Kentucky Thunder’s Andy Leftwich and legendary bassist Dave Pomeroy, as well as a project with Phil Keaggy for autism awareness. Influenced by icons like Chet Atkins, Doyle Dykes, and Tommy Emmanuel, Miller continues to inspire audiences with his heartfelt performances and dedication to music.
Nathan Miller: Nathan Gabriel Miller is a multifaceted ukulele virtuoso, known for his dynamic playing style that blends strumming, picking, tapping, and harmonics. Selected as one of Charleston City Paper’s nominees for Best Musician in Charleston, he has captivated audiences at events like the Blackwater Ukulele Festival. His expressive performances showcase the evolving artistry of the ukulele, making it speak in ways that inspire and delight.
Paul Moseley: Paul is an exceptionally skilled thumbpicker renowned for his pure and authentic approach to the art. He claimed victory in the very first International Home of the Legends Thumbpicking Contest and has since delighted audiences for many years with his talent and humor.
Bryce Mullins: Bryce Mullins is a fingerstyle guitarist and songwriter from Batesville, Indiana. He was raised on classic rock, has a master’s degree in classical guitar, and now writes his own instrumental songs for solo guitar. He has two solo albums of original music titled “First Sip” and “Cask Strength.” He also has an album of fingerstyle Christmas music titled “Evergreen.” Bryce has finished in the top 3 at the Indiana Fingerstyle Guitar Competition three years in a row. brycemullinsguitar.com
Brian Murray: Brian is from Long Island and a Berklee College of Music graduate. His music exudes a unique blend of influence from Jerry Reed, Chet Atkins, Bobby Weir, The Shadows, and John Harford, making his playing and songwriting versatile and captivating.
Jim Nichols: Jim is an exceptional jazz and thumbstyle musician who takes pleasure in accompanying and complementing other players. He demonstrates the importance of being a remarkable accompanist while also showcasing his virtuosic solo and lead performances.
Gareth Pearson: Gareth Pearson, aka "The Welsh Tornado," has a unique style that blends genres such as country, folk, and jazz. Influenced by guitar legends like Chet Atkins and Tommy Emmanuel, he has opened for the latter and is now based in Nashville. Gareth is highly regarded as a performer, teacher, and entertainer. garethpearson.com
Eddie Pennington: Eddie Pennington is a renowned thumb-style guitarist from Western Kentucky, known for his impressive ability to create a traditional Travis sound using only his guitar, thumb, and index finger. He learned his technique from Mose Rager, the same teacher as Merle Travis. He has received numerous awards for his contributions to music, including a National Heritage Fellowship and an honorary PhD from Western Kentucky University.
Alonzo Pennington: Alonzo couldn’t help but be an award-winning guitarist due to the early influence of his father, Eddie. However, he has developed his own unique sound and stage presence. He is a multiple-year winner of the International Home of the Legends contest and can regularly be found performing in Western Kentucky and various stages in Nashville.
The Endless Road Strings: The Endless Road Strings are Tina Simpson, violin, Joanna Binford, viola, Rebecca Kiekenapp, cello; and David Johnson, violin. Performing styles from classical to bluegrass, they've appeared with Tommy Emmanuel, John Knowles, Pat Kirtley, and others during the convention. This makes their 16th convention, and they have become an integral part of the CAAS musical team. Their CAAS appearances inspired their recording project in 2016, entitled "Almost Home."
Taylor Roberts: Taylor Roberts is a Jacksonville-based jazz guitarist known for his soulful playing and mastery of the seven-string guitar. Influenced by rhythm and blues, classic rock, and jazz, he has performed at major events like the Jacksonville Jazz Festival and private shows for the Rolling Stones. A graduate of the University of North Florida, Roberts has studied under renowned musicians and built a reputation for his expressive interpretations2. He continues to perform and teach, sharing his passion for music across the Southeast.
Brooks Robertson: Brooks Robertson is Boston based guitarist known for his masterful technique, blending bass, rhythm, and melody seamlessly. Mentored by Buster B. Jones, he developed a style influenced by Merle Travis, Jerry Reed, and Chet Atkins. A winner of Lee Ritenour’s Six String Theory competition, he later graduated summa cum laude from Berklee College of Music. Robertson has performed at major events like the Montreal Jazz Festival and CAAS Convention, he teaches in the guitar department at Berklee, as well as online courses and workshops to keep the fingerstyle tradition alive. brooksrobertson.com
Walter Rodrigues Jr.: Walter Rodrigues Jr. is a Brazilian-born guitarist, arranger, and composer known for his expressive fingerstyle jazz interpretations. Influenced by Joe Pass, he developed a unique approach to arranging familiar songs, earning a global following through his performances and online presence. A graduate of Florida International University’s Jazz Performance program, he has collaborated with artists like Arturo Sandoval and contributed to film soundtracks. Rodrigues continues to inspire audiences through his music and teaching, sharing his passion for jazz and faith. walterrodriguesjr.com
Richard Severson: Rich Severson is a renowned jazz guitarist, educator, recording artist, and author with over 50 years of experience. He founded Guitar College in 1987, which has evolved into GuitarcollegeLibrary.com, offering over 600 video lessons. Rich has a vast YouTube following for his lessons, gear reviews, and performances and hosts a weekly live stream.
Jesse Smith: Jesse is an experienced guitar player who has been picking for over 60 years. At the age of 61, he began participating in music contests and has since won the Wayne Henderson contest in 2019 and the Winfield Fingerstyle contest in 2021. Jesse enjoys spreading his love for music by offering lessons, workshops, and jam sessions for others to join in and enjoy.
Bobby Stanton: Robert “Bobby” Stanton is an accomplished guitarist and educator known for his diverse musical career. A Berklee College of Music graduate, he has performed with legends like James Taylor, Bo Diddley, and Charlie Daniels. His work spans jazz, country, and rock, with appearances on A Prairie Home Companion and collaborations with the Minnesota Orchestra. Stanton continues to inspire musicians through teaching and composing
Josh Taylor: Josh Taylor is a guitarist and singer from Huntsville Alabama. He is a 2022 graduate of Belmont in guitar performance. An afficionado of Chet Atkins, Taylor’s influence is deeply rooted in the styles of guitarists such as Atkins, Merle Travis, and Tommy Emmanuel. In addition, Josh has been teaching professionally at The Fret Shop in Huntsville since 2022 and happily teaches all ages of any skill level. joshtaylorguitar.com
Meagan Taylor Anderson: Meagan has inherited some of her great-uncle Chet Atkins' guitar skills. She frequently performs and has collaborated with Jason Coleman, who is the grandson of the renowned piano stylist Floyd Cramer. Recently, Meagan has been exploring her unique sound by incorporating her 3 kiddos, Whitney, Ben, and Natalie’s harmonies into her music.
Scott Taylor: Scott is a gifted guitarist who began playing rock and pop music during his teenage years. Over the years, Scott has received several accolades for his outstanding contributions to the thumbpicking community. In 2021, he was honored with the prestigious "Living Thumbpicker of the Year" award at the National Thumbpicking Hall of Fame. Scott's music is a fusion of thumbpicking and classic pop/rock tunes, showcasing his captivating arrangements.
Bob Thompson: Bob Thompson is a seasoned guitarist and educator deeply involved in Maine’s music scene. With a career spanning over four decades, he has worked as a performer, session musician, and instructor, collaborating with top studios and universities. He studied with jazz guitar master Lenny Breau and became a sought-after studio guitarist in Portland, contributing to numerous recordings. Thompson continues to shape the region’s musical landscape through teaching and creative projects
Tim Thompson: Tim Thompson is a Nashville-based fingerstyle guitarist, composer, and session musician known for his dynamic technique and versatility. A two-time winner at Winfield, Tim has performed at major festivals like the Montreal Jazz Festival and the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society Convention. Thompson has collaborated with artists such as Tommy Emmanuel and Crystal Gayle, and his original music has been featured on NPR and various film projects. He continues to inspire audiences with his intricate playing and innovative compositions.
Myles Thompson: Myles Thompson is a versatile mandolin player, violinist, and singer-songwriter known for his dynamic performances alongside his father, guitarist Tim Thompson. He began playing violin at age five and quickly developed a deep understanding of music theory and improvisation. Thompson has toured with artists like Robben Ford and Crystal Gayle, showcasing his skill across genres from jazz to country.
Jack Triebold: Jack is another young up-and-comer multi-instrumentalist and vocalist from Charleston, SC. His influences include Chet Atkins to Prince. He can frequently be found performing at various venues and events around the Lowcountry. jacktriebold.com
Guy Van Duser: Chet achieved numerous milestones in his career, but one that remains particularly memorable is his recording of Guy's arrangement of the Stars and Stripes Forever. Guy is a highly skilled musician whose performances we thoroughly enjoy. He is not only an arranger and entertainer but also a professor at the prestigious Berklee College of Music.
Sean Weaver: Sean has attended the convention since he was a young teen. He has won the traditional and open contest at the Home of the Legends and is well-versed in playing the blues. He is a session player and artist accompanist in Nashville and gives guitar lessons online and in person.
Josh Woods: Josh is a guitarist based in eastern Kentucky and is the 2010 Home of the Legends grand champion. Rooted in tradition and faith, he brings a unique blend of skill and soul to his playing. Josh is an active member of his church’s praise band in Flatwoods, KY, where he continues to share his gift of music. All glory to God.
Audie Wykle: Audie is a skilled musician who has honed his craft as a road musician and studio player. His expertise lies in the music of Jerry Reed and Chet, and he is equally adept as a side man or solo performer.