Of the thousands of guitars, local musician Matthew Davidson was one of the students who received his first acoustic guitar at age 9 from the James Burton Foundation.

Davidson, now 16, said he enjoyed meeting Burton. “After the contest, we talked, and I got his autograph and a picture made with him. The whole experience encouraged me to keep playing the guitar and to keep improving,” Davidson said.

The James Burton Festival was Davidson’s first public performance. “It was great to have that experience while I was young. It gave me more confidence, and it also showed me how much fun that performing could be,” Davidson said.

Burton said Davidson has grown up and has a lot of talent. “I think he is going to continue to grow and be a huge artist one day. The main thing is to keep your head straight and thank God everyday for your blessings,” Burton said.

Davidson will play at the James Burton Birthday Bash at 6:15 p.m. Aug. 22 on the Riverside Stage in the Red River District.

Davidson’s second EP “Cross My Heart” is now available on iTunes or it can be ordered from the website at www.matthewdavidson.net.

For the entire schedule of events, visit www.theforumnews.com.