2015 - A 21-year old musician by the name of Myles Thompson placed 2nd in this competition. Myles hails from Hendersonville, TN. This was his first time to enter the competition although he did once some time ago enter the fiddle contest. Interesting enough he has only played the mandolin for about four years. If you recognize the face or name, Myles is one half of the entertainer duo of Tim and Myles Thompson. You see his partner (or boss) is his father Tim. Together the Thompsons have recorded numerous CDs the most recent being “Crossing the Mojave.” When

2015 - Lance Allen of Smyrna, TN was awarded third place by the judges. He considers himself a musician and teacher, teaching at his own lesson studio in Smyran, TN. Lance has entered this contest five times and has placed in the top five twice. The guitar has been his love for the past 20+ years. In addition to the guitar he plays the mandolin, ukulele, bass and banjo. He has four CDs out: “Sometimes in Life” – “Naturally” – “Us Together” and “Melody Maker” When his picture was taken, Lance took a piece of paper out of his pocket showing a picture he drew of

2016 - First place went to musician and guitar instructor named Jack Wilson of Elk Grove Village, IL. This marks the 12th time for Jack to enter this contest. He made the cut to five in 08, 13 and 14 and in 2015 he placed second. Jack has been playing the guitar since 1979 and he also plays the bass. He has a CD out entitled “Fidgity Digits” and that is because one of his hobbies is electronics. His other hobby is wood working.