Dean has earned both local and national recognition for his guitar playing, winning the National Thumbpicking Guitar Contest at the Ozark Folk Center in Mountain View, Ark., and being named thumbpick guitar champion at the Indiana Picking and Fiddling Championship.
Dean’s live performances have been well received in a variety of venues. He is equally at home playing in cafes, restaurants, concert venues, churches, private parties, and business gatherings. He is astute at recognizing what is required and tailoring his performance to fit the setting.
Dean has appeared as the featured artist on Red Barn Radio, including the 2016 Appalachian Christmas special. Before returning to Kentucky this year, he performed at Denver area venues like the Oriental Theater and Swallow Hill.