Shane Adkins (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – A technique guitarist and a young songster who caught the attention of Music Row in Nashville will be in concert at the Madison Gazebo on July 25.

Guitarist Shane Adkins performed with Mike Snider and Jim and Inge Wood on the Ryman Auditorium stage for the Grand Ole Opry in 2002. This performance led to Adkins’ CD, “Stomping Ground.”

In 2003, Adkins won the “Home of the Legends” Thumbpicking Contest in Muhlenberg County, Ky. With ‘thumbpicking’ technique, guitarists play with their thumb. Also in 2003, he was the top fingerstyle picker at the Old Time Fiddler’s Convention in Athens.

However, his major accomplishment occurred in 2005 when he won the International Fingerstyle Guitar Championship in Winfield, Kan.

Adkins now performs in concert and other venues across the Southeast. He and wife Lisa have one son, Jim. “I’m blessed to have a loving family that strongly supports my musical career,” Adkins said. For more information, shaneadkins.com.

Elle Maze (CONTRIBUTED)

Also on the July 25 bill, Elle Maze impressed music publisher Russ Zavitson’s attention in Nashville and inked a deal with him. She has written lyrics with some of the most accomplished songwriters in the Music City.

Maze starting winning kudos as a high school senior as a YoungArts winner in the popular vocal category in 2007. She won an Effigy Award winner for “Best Power Pop” song with “If It Kills Me” in FameGames, a radio program created by Simon Cowell’s brother Tony. Cowell referred to Maze as “the next Kelly Clarkson.”

A blend of pop, rock and jazz, Maze’s music is comparable to hits by Clarkson, Sara Barellis, Paramore and Carrie Underwood. For more information about Maze, visit youngarts.org.

Madison Arts Council sponsors the Madison Gazebo Concerts. For more information, visit artsmadison.org.