This is my buddy, John. We met in a music forum, and met in person at Experience a number of years ago - now it feels like it wouldn't be Experience without him! This was a somewhat sad meeting this year. Another friend of ours from the board, and someone John spent a lot of time with in real life, fell and injured his knees a few weeks before, so he and his brother had to cancel. John and I talked about him a fair bit before John headed home. A week later, we were all stunned to find out he had suddenly passed away in the rehab center he was in.

PRS Guitars' own Shawn. I can't say enough about the dude - I wish I had a dollar for every good turn I've seen this guy do. A visit to Stevensville wouldn't be the same if I didn't get to talk to him. And he's the world's biggest closeted Kiss fan!!!! (Just kidding - but I told him I'd wear the Kiss shirt because of his 'love' of the band!)