Matt Thomas of Virginia Beach, VA was awarded third place by the judges. He considers himself a guitar performer. This was Matt’s first time to Winfield and the Festival. He has attended other festivals like Merle fest and the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society as well as the Harp Guitar Gatherings. As mentioned before, he also plays the harp guitar. One of his favorite things to do is compose music. Matt takes back to VA the Larrivee LV10E Deluxe Guitar by Jean Larrivee Guitars of Oxnard, CA as his prize and that was in addition to the 3rd Place Trophy.

Travis Bowman of Alexander, AR placed second in this competition. He says this is his second time to enter this competition. Last year he made the cut to five. He attends other festivals in the greater AR area and loves the competition. Friends urged him to come the first time and when he tasted the competition he just had to come back. Travis plays the piano and an instrument called the Chinese violin. Of the Festival Travis said he has wanted to come to Winfield and the Festival since he was a kid.

First place went to one who classifies herself as a guitarist, composer, singer/songwriter and touring musician. Christie Lenee hails from Nashville, TN. This was Christie’s first visit to Winfield and the Festival. Her manager, Gina Mendello told her she was going to enter into the competition here in Winfield and Christie said “OK.” She plays numerous other instruments and considers her specialty the 12-string guitar.