We are more than pleased to welcome these three fabulous musicians back to the Festival this year.
Richard Smith
Richard Smith (born December 12, 1971) is a British -Born Nashville based fingerstyle guitarist known for his incredible technical precision, range, and early acclaim as a child prodigy. Influenced by Chet Atkins and Merle Travis, he began playing at age 5 and famously played on stage with Atkins at age 11. He is a renowned virtuoso playing country, jazz, and pop, often performing solo or with in this case with the transatlantic guitar trio. 

Joscho Stephan
Joscho Stephan shapes modern gypsy swing with his playing like no other: With his authentic tone, with harmonic refinement and rhythmic flair, but above all with breathtaking solo technique, Stephan has established himself in the international guitar scene earned an outstanding reputation. He knows like no other how to stand out from the multitude of current gypsy swing adaptations by combining gypsy swing with Latin, classic and pop in addition to the many interpretations of the well-known classics of the genre. This is where Stephan’s strength as a creative visionary shows. And that inspires young and old concert audiences alike.

Rory Hoffman
Rory Hoffman is a Nashville based multi-instrumentalist. Raised on a small ranch in North Dakota, Rory grew up recording and touring with the family Gospel band. He started teaching himself to play guitar and piano at age 3. By age 5 he was the drummer in the family band. He currently plays over a dozen stringed, keyboard and wind instruments.Br