The Most Amazing Musical Event You've Probably Never Heard Of
I thought I was going to hear some really good guitar players. I had no idea what I was walking into.
The first time I attended the Indiana State Fingerstyle Guitar Festival, I went mostly out of curiosity. My friends Kara Barnard and Chuck Wills produce the event, and I had heard good things about it. Beyond that, I wasn't entirely sure what fingerstyle guitar even was.
Then the music started.
Within minutes, my jaw was on the floor.
What I was hearing didn't seem possible.
One musician would somehow be playing a bass line, rhythm accompaniment, melody, percussion, and harmony all at the same time on a single acoustic guitar. At moments it sounded like three or four musicians performing together. Then I'd look at the stage and realize it was just one person and one instrument.
It was astonishing.
Even today, after attending several years, I still find myself watching these performers and wondering, "How in the world are they doing that?"
What makes the Indiana State Fingerstyle Guitar Festival especially fascinating is the incredible diversity of styles represented. While the term "fingerstyle guitar" may sound like a narrow category, it actually encompasses a wide range of musical traditions and approaches. You'll hear influences from folk, blues, jazz, Celtic music, contemporary acoustic styles, original compositions, and occasionally things that defy easy description altogether.
The festival begins Friday evening with a showcase reception at the Brown County Inn.
The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. Competitors perform throughout the evening while audience members mingle, visit, and enjoy hearing some of the finest acoustic guitar players anywhere. It's a chance to appreciate the musicians not just as competitors, but as artists and people.
Then Saturday arrives, and the tone changes.
The competition moves to the historic Brown County Playhouse, where some of the country's most accomplished fingerstyle guitarists compete before a panel of judges.
To ensure fairness, judging is conducted blind. The judges cannot see who is performing, and audience members are asked to refrain from cheering or reacting until performances are complete. The atmosphere feels almost Wimbledon-like in its focus and respect for the competitors.
The result is a competition built entirely around the music.
At the center of it all are Kara Barnard and Chuck Wills, who have spent years building the festival into one of Brown County's most unique and respected musical traditions.
Kara, a gifted multi-instrumentalist and performer, is a past winner of the prestigious National Mountain Dulcimer Championship at the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas. Alongside Chuck, she serves as host, organizer, musician, and ambassador for the event. Together they bring warmth, humor, professionalism, and a genuine love for the music that makes everyone feel welcome, whether they're seasoned musicians or first-time attendees.
By Saturday evening, the scores have been tallied, the winners announced, and the top finishers return to the stage for a showcase concert. Often, one or more of the guest judges will perform as well, making for a memorable conclusion to an extraordinary weekend of music.
What amazes me most is that an event of this caliber happens right here in Brown County.
People travel significant distances to compete and attend. Yet many local residents have never experienced it.
If you've never been, this might be the year.
Trust me.
I walked in expecting a guitar concert.
I walked out with a completely new appreciation for what six strings and two hands can accomplish.
15th Annual Indiana State Fingerstyle Guitar Festival
Friday, July 24
Showcase Reception
Brown County Inn
Saturday, July 25
Competition & Evening Winners Showcase
Brown County Playhouse
Whether you're a guitarist, a music lover, or simply someone who appreciates extraordinary talent, it's one of the most remarkable weekends of music you'll find anywhere.