Russell Donnellon. I recently met him at an art fair where I was attempting to sell my pottery. He travels the art show circuit hawking his CD's. He stands out in the hot sun all day long playing his ass off on mostly classical guitar. Self-taught,he has the licks of someone who has studied with a master. Truly an amazing musician. Unfortunately, the turnout for the art show stunk and he lost money on the show so he won't be back next year.

Richard Gilewitz. A Kottke/Fahey disciple who used to live sorta nearby and played a lot of local shows. Has had some national exposure,but still relatively unknown. Definitely in Leo's league.

Allen Shadd. I've known Allen since he was a pre-teen flatpicking prodigy. He placed in the top ten at Winfield when he was 12 or 13. Gave flatpicking up to play in a rock band at 16. Got married and gave music up altogether for years. Got divorced and got back into flatpicking and took the contest scene by storm a few years ago. Scored a grand slam in 1997 by taking first place at Merlefest, Steve Kaufman's and Winfield all in the same year. A picker.