Thompson Northwest Flatpick Camp

Flatpicker Tim May has been working in the Nashville area for over 20 years as a sideman, session player, band member and performer. Higher profile projects have included touring with Patty Loveless and John Cowan, and working as a regular on the Grand Ole Opry with Mike Snider. Tim was the solo guitarist on Charlie Daniels’ recording of I’ll Fly Away, which was nominated for the Best Country Instrumental Performance Grammy in 2005, the same year he was session leader on the critically acclaimed Moody Bluegrass album (he later played on Moody Bluegrass II as well). The Nashville Scene selected Tim in the Best Instrumentalist category in their 2012 Reader’s Choice Poll.   PK Thompson Guitars, Collings Mandolins,  Shubb Capos,  Elixir Strings, Hoffee Cases, Benedetto Guitars , L.R. Baggs Pickups and Pre-amps and Breedlove Guitars all have presented professional endorsements to Tim, a serious nod to his talents.  And in 2017, Tim performed on the stage of the legendary Carnegie Hall in New York.

Tim is co-author of the eight volume course ‘Flatpicking Essentials’, The Guitar Player’s Practical Guide to Scales and Arpeggios, The Mandolin Player’s Practical Guide to Scales and Arpeggios, The Flatpicker’s Guide to Old Time Music, and the Flatpicker’s Guide to Irish Music. He has taught regularly at Camp Bluegrass, Kaufman Kamp, Colorado Roots Music Camp, Nashcamp, and the Swannanoa Gathering. He and his wife Gretchen are owners of the Musical Heritage Center of Middle Tennessee.

Dillon Hodges, known professionally as firekid, is a skilled guitarist and musician with a diverse career. Growing up in Florence, Alabama, Dillon’s passion for guitar began at the age of 11 when he learned the basics on a $10 guitar gifted by his uncle. His dedication to bluegrass led him to numerous guitar contests across the Southeast, culminating in his victory as the 2007 National Flatpicking Champion, making him the second youngest person ever to win this title. Dillon co-founded the band firekid, signed to Atlantic Records. The band’s music blends Appalachian and alternative music, showcasing Dillon’s unique approach to traditional sounds. Beyond performing, Dillon is a guitar instructor at Count’s Brothers Music in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, where he shares his expertise with aspiring musicians. He also serves as the music producer for the PBS show “Reconnecting Roots.” His work was recently recognized with a 2024 Emmy nomination for Best Original Song for “We’re Home.”

We can’t wait for him to join us for one of our NW Flatpick Camps!