Modesto native Eli Lester was raised by musician parents and began playing professionally with his father’s bluegrass band at the age of 13. Eli has won six Modesto Area Music Awards (MAMA’s) and recorded an album with Sony’s Artist group. In addition, he has toured extensively throughout the US and UK and shared the stage with such artists as Robben Ford, Tommy Castro, B.B. King, Charlie Musselwhite, Eric Gales, Matt Schofield, Huey Lewis and the News, Robert Cray & Chris Cain. Eli Currently plays guitar in Big Earl and the Cryin’ Shame & has been teaching guitar since 1999.