Musicians Steve Earle and Ray Benson Kick Off Exclusive Media Sneak Peak at Unveiling of the “Austin City Limits” Guitars at Gibson Guitar Showroom Reception Wednesday, February 2, 2005

Media Invited to see Gibson Chairman and CEO Henry Juszkiewicz. Terry Lickoma, Jim Courier,  and Others Launch Exclusive Guitar

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE…Austin, Texas, January 28, 2005… Musicians Ray Benson and Steve Earle will join Gibson Guitar Chairman and CEO, Henry Juszkiewicz for an exclusive media party to be held at the Gibson Guitar Showroom in Austin on Wednesday, February 2, 2005 from 6:30pm – 9pm. The party will give media a sneak peak at the official “Austin City Limits” Gibson Guitars which has been crafted by hand by Gibson artisans using cedar wood from the original Austin City Limits stage. It’s a first chance view to see the incredible piece of art in celebration of one of the most revered stages in Texas, if not the world. Austin City Limits producer Terry Lickoma will be on hand to help with the honors. The event will also serve as a kick-off to the Gibson Grand Slam Jam event which will occur throughout the weekend. The Gibson Guitar Showroom is located at 3601 S. Congress , Suite G 400.  

The “Austin City Limits” Gibson guitar is a tribute to a legendary stage with an enormous entertainment history and foundation.

Ray Benson has become a Texas institution.  He is the nine-time Grammy-winning leader of Asleep at the Wheel, a band that has enjoyed a legendary run in the music business over the past four decades.  This success has allowed Benson to work with some of most recognized and respected musicians in the business, including Bob Dylan, George Strait and the Dixie Chicks. 

Country rocker Steve Earle’s recent success with his latest release “The Revolution” continues to highlight his contributions in merging the progressive country music to the wider rock audience . His impact on the music industry has been huge.

Media can RSVP to the contacts below via email or by calling the phone numbers posted. Cocktails and food will be served. Interviews available on site.

Gibson is known worldwide for producing classic models in every major style of fretted instrument, including acoustic and electric guitars, mandolins and banjos. Gibson’s digital guitar represents the biggest advance in electric guitar design in over 70 years. Founded in 1894 in Kalamazoo, MI, and headquartered in Nashville since 1984, Gibson Guitar Corp.’s family of brands now includes Epiphone, Dobro, Kramer, Steinberger, Tobias, Slingerland, Maestro, Baldwin and Wurlitzer. Visit Gibson’s website at www.gibson.com

CONTACT:

Don Pitts                  GIBSON Austin  (512) 692-4191 or don.pitts@gibson.com

Caroline Galloway   GIBSON  caroline.galloway@gibson.com (440) 338-3469

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