R. WESLEY CARR

“A recent winner of the prestigious National Mandolin Championships in Winfield, Kansas, he’s demonstrated a talent that’s beyond reproach.” Bluegrass Today​ ​ R. Wesley Carr is a multi-instrumentalist specializing in bluegrass, folk, and old-time music. He has earned a spot as one of the nation’s top elite bluegrass performers. In 2019, he won the national mandolin championships. He followed that win by being chosen as a winner in the 2020 NewSong songwriting showcase. Wes has earned a degree in Bluegrass, Country, and Old-Time music from East Tennessee State University. While at ETSU, he studied with 5 time Grammy winner, Adam Steffey. Prior to attending ETSU, he studied guitar at Northern Illinois University with classical and jazz virtuoso, Fareed Haque. Growing up in the Chicago region has helped Wes gain a wide variety of influences including jazz, classical, Irish, and more. All of these genres have combined to give R. Wesley Carr a unique, virtuosic sound.