Photography by Karma Shuford Photography
"The Winfield Three"
Bryan McDowell, Eric Hardin, and Brandon Davis
National and Regional Champion Multi-Instrumentalists
***Now Booking for 2012***
In 2008, a band came together in the mountains of North Carolina and Virginia. Eventually calling themselves "Second Circle," the group was an unusual powerhouse of highly talented acoustic musicians. This fact was fully brought to light when in 2009, friends and bandmates Bryan McDowell, Brandon Davis, and Eric Hardin journeyed to the National Flatpicking Championships in Winfield, Kansas. They made history by placing first, second, and third, respectively, in Winfield's flatpick guitar category. Bryan also swept the mandolin and fiddle competitions, a feat unparalleled in the festival's storied 40 year running.
Though these three individuals are widely recognized for their skills in handling a guitar, each is equally versed on any of a number of instruments. Eric is likely better known for his banjo playing in bands across the southeast, and as such, earned the National title at Winfield in '04. As previously mentioned, Bryan is a multi-instrumentalist who developed his innovative style on the fiddle before moving to mandolin and later guitar. Bryan and Brandon also provide vocals for the group.
The members of this trio hold numerous other titles across the nation at nearly every major acoustic competition. Wins that began with Brandon were soon followed up by Eric and Bryan. All three are Merlefest guitar champions (as well as champions in their other respective categories) and winners of the prestigious Wayne C. Henderson guitar competition.
Bryan, Brandon, and Eric for obvious reasons, have come to be known as "The Winfield Three." Though each one of them has made a name for himself in the contest circuit, their greatest strength is playing as a unit. These gifted individuals showcase a versatility and expertise that is the trademark of their sound, beautifully spanning styles from smooth jazz to bluegrass and old time and everything between.
