JUNCTION CITY (KSNT) – The reigning Kansas State Flatpicking Champion is discussing his big win last year and reflecting on his musical career.
Last August, Chris Biggs of Junction City took home a first place finish at the Kansas State Flatpicking Championship in Lawrence. Biggs performed his original interpretations of the tunes “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and “Blackberry Blossom” on an acoustic guitar in front of hundreds of people from across the Sunflower State. Judges awarded him a 1st place finish over several other competitors.
Biggs is best known as the 30th Secretary of State of Kansas serving under then-Governor Mark Parkinson, being only the second Democrat to ever serve in this position. But beyond politics, Biggs is an accomplished bluegrass musician.
Biggs said began his musical journey at a young age. Influenced by people like Norman Blake, Doc Watson and Dan Crary, he learned guitar from his brothers, as well as by listening to iconic records like “Will The Circle Be Unbroken” by “The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band,” and catching shows whenever he could.
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By the late 70s, Biggs was in school and entering flatpicking guitar competitions on the side. He even took third place three years in a row at the National Flatpicking Competition at Walnut Valley in 1978, 1979, and 1980, only losing out to legends like Steve Kaufman and David Grier.
Biggs told 27 News that contests are a part of the bluegrass tradition. He said that hearing how musicians can innovate over traditional melodies not only shows what individuals can do, but it keeps bluegrass music growing. Competing in these kinds of events gives musicians new ideas and keeps the bluegrass tradition alive.
Although Biggs is not eligible for this year’s competition, he is considering entering this year’s National Flatpicking Competition at Walnut Valley Festival. Other than competitions, you can see Biggs live every Wednesday at the Little Grill in Manhattan.
The 2025 Kansas State Fiddle & Picking Championship will be Aug. 25 from noon to 5 p.m. at South Park in Lawrence, Kansas.
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