Robert Shafer

Robert Shafer has played guitar has played guitar professionally since graduating high school in 1981. He is a two-time winner of the National Flatpicking Championship, held annually at the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas.  Robert has also held state guitar championships in Kentucky (3 times), Tennessee (twice), Ohio (twice) and Alabama.  Robert has appeared on the Grand Ole Opry, Mountain Stage, BBC and has worked with many well known artists including Mark O'Connor, Mike Snider, Kenny Baker, Josh Graves and many others.  In addition to being a first rate flatpicker, Robert is also an amazing electric guitarist.  His 1997 release, "Hillbilly Fever" on the Upstart/Rounder label received rave reviews from Guitar Player magazine, The Washington Post, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Vintage Guitar magazine and many other prominent publications.  Robert's influences range from flatpicking pioneer Doc Watson to the legendary rockabilly guitarist, Danny Gatton.  Robert currently resides near Charleston, WV.