L-R Roy Curry (3rd), Dillon Hodges (1st) and Carl Miner(3rd)

Dillon Hodges of Florence, AL, this years first place winner, had entered this contest four times but had never placed in the top five. A 17-year old high school senior, Dillon, has been playing the guitar for the past six years and also plays the mandolin. He got his first guitar from his uncle because he wanted to learn to play an instrument. He has a CD, “Stormy Weather,” produced by Nashville flat picker, Tim May. It was fun watching Dillon choose his first place guitar. You see, Dillon plays left-handed and all the prize guitars were for right-handed players. Trying to finger backwards and to strum up instead of down was a feat that Dillon did quite well. For his efforts Dillon won $2,000, the 1st place trophy and he choose the Collings Winfield Model Mahogany/Adirondack Spruce Guitar by Collings Guitars Inc. of Austin, TX.

Second place went to an individual who also placed second in 1998 and first in 1999. This was the sixth time Carl Miner of Austin, TX has entered this contest. He also enters the mandolin, and finger style guitar contests here at the Festival. He’s been playing the guitar for the past 17 years. His first guitar was given to him by his step-dad who also taught him the basics. His efforts netted him a Martin D-18 Golden Era Guitar by C.F. Martin and Company/the Martin Guitar Company of Nazareth, PA and also the 2nd place trophy.

A former champion, Roy Curry of Chattanooga, TN, placed third in this competition. Roy was the champion in 1980 and 1991 and placed second in 1999 and third in 2004. He has entered this contest ten times and says he has played the guitar “40 long years.” Roy teaches some and also plays the banjo. Will he be back, “Yep,” he says. He also enjoys playing in the band called “Lone Mountain Band (www.lonemountainband.net) which he has done for the last 6 or 7 years. The 3rd place trophy and a Taylor GS Guitar by Taylor Guitars of El Cajon, CA were the results of his efforts.