For Immediate Release                                 Media Contacts: Jason Padgitt/310-854-8140

                                                                                             Caroline Galloway/440-338-3469

COUNTRY MUSIC’S HOTTEST DUO

BIG & RICH

TO HOST GUITARTOWN AUCTION GALA EVENT

ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2006 IN NASHVILLE

Along With: Vince Gill, Michael McDonald, Bill Anderson, Jamie O’Neal, Little Texas, Jace Everett, Brenda Lee, Steve Cropper, Muzik Mafia, Lee Roy Parnell and many more

Special Pre-Auction performance by Moraine Records artist Keni Thomas

at Star-Studded Charity Event

NASHVILLE, TN-January 30, 2006- Nashville’s GuitarTown announced that country music duo Big & Rich will host the GuitarTown Auction Gala Event on Thursday, February 23, 2006 at BMI in Nashville, TN. The much anticipated event is the culmination of the popular Guitartown project which has exhibited 10 foot tall Gibson Guitar sculptures and other painted guitar art throughout Nashville for the past year. Other celebrities include: Vince Gill, Bill Anderson, Michael McDonald, Jamie O’Neal, Little Texas, Jace Everett, Brenda Lee, Steve Cropper, Muzik Mafia and Lee Roy Parnell. More celebrities will be announced over the next few weeks.  In addition, rising country star Keni Thomas will perform at this star-studded charity event.  Other artists and celebrities will continue to be added and announced.

The GuitarTown Auction Gala is a chance to bid on the 10 foot guitar sculptures and the showcase guitars which have become famous throughout the world. From Wynonna’s guitar to Kenny Chesney’s to George Jones and others, the event is a chance to own a piece of art from a project which has gained worldwide recognition. Tickets to the event are in limited quantity and on sale now. To reserve tickets to the event go to www.nashvilleguitartown.com.

All proceeds from the auction gala will benefit four local charities: The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum; The DISTRICT; Cystic Fibrosis Foundation; and The United Way of Nashville.  It’s a chance to bid on the guitar sculptures and showcase guitars live on-site at the event.  Bidders can also bid live via on line bidding on eBay or live via television broadcast. To register to bid and/or for more auction information, please visit www.juliensauctions.com.

The tickets include entrance to the VIP reception and auction; including food and libations; a VIP gift bag filled with sponsor gifts, hob-knobbing with the stars and your chance to walk the red carpet and be on a one hour television program taping at the event.  For more ticket information, please call 615.871.4500 ext. 2908 or go to www.nashvilleguitartown.com.

Nashville’s GuitarTown is presented by Gibson Guitar, the world’s premiere musical instrument manufacturer.

Red Carpet Arrival Press Placements available. Call contacts noted above

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