Tim Sparks is a renowned Minnesota-based acoustic fingerstyle guitarist and composer known for his virtuosic, genre-bending technique that blends jazz, folk, country blues, and world music. A former National Fingerpicking Champion (1993), he is a staples of the Twin Cities music scene, known for intricate arrangements and diverse recordings, including Lost and Found (2024).

Background: Born in North Carolina in 1954, Sparks studied under classical guitarist Jesus Silva before making Minnesota his home base, according to this Premier Guitar interview.

Musical Style: He is celebrated for his ability to play complex melodies, bass lines, and chords simultaneously, drawing comparisons to guitarists like Leo Kottke, Doc Watson, and Lenny Breau.

Key Works: He won the 1993 National Fingerpicking Championship with an arrangement of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite. Other notable projects include Balkan Dreams Suite and his 2024 album Lost and Found.

Collaborations: He was part of the noted Twin Cities band Rio Nido and has performed in various ethnic and jazz ensembles.