Gibson Guitar Unveils the Valley Arts Ray Benson Signature Model at Special “South By Southwest Event”

The Post Modern King of Western Swing Celebrates His Birthday at La Zona Rosa

MEDIA ALERT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE…Austin, Texas…March 10, 2005….Gibson Guitar announced the official launch of the Ray Benson Valley Arts Signature Model guitar to take place on Tuesday, March 15^th, 2005 at La Zona Rosa, 612 West 4^th Street at 7pm.  The Benson signature model features a Texas shaped pick-guard and special colors offered. “Whether you’re a Longhorn fan or an Aggie Fan, this guitar will strike a chord with everyone,” said Benson on his recent visit to the Gibson Guitar Showroom in Austin.

The unveiling will be part of the Ray Benson Birthday Bash, now in its second year. The birthday event helps raise funds for the Austin Music Foundation, an organization that helps local bands and musicians and which Benson has remained an active supporter.

Benson’s “Asleep At The Wheel” offers straight-shooting advice about the famous tunes, techniques and special qualities of the exciting western swing hybrid of country, jazz and blues styled music.  The artist’s good-humored attention to detail and his inspiring performances as he trades licks with the great Johnny Gimble allow the listener to experience the authentic western swing sound.

Gibson Guitar is known worldwide for producing classic models in every major style of fretted instrument. Founded in 1894 in Kalamazoo, Michigan and headquartered in Nashville since 1984, Gibson Guitar Corporation’s family of brands include Valley Arts, Epiphone, Dobro, Kramer, Steinberger, Tobias, Slingerland, Maestro, Baldwin and Wurlitzer. Gibson’s new digital guitar

Represents the biggest technological advance for the electric guitar since the instrument was introduced 70 years ago. Visit Gibson’s website at www.gibson.com. For more information on the Valley Arts model guitars visit www.gibson.com/press.

Press may reserve interviews or cover by calling contacts listed below or send press RSVP to caroline.galloway@gibson.com

CONTACTS:
Caroline Galloway        GIBSON   440-338-3469   caroline.galloway@gibson.como

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