Gibson brings spotlight to Bluegrass genre with major announcement

Gibson Musical Instruments announced that it will relocate its venerable bluegrass division, OAI, to Opry Mills, the 1.2 million square foot shopping and entertainment complex set to open in May of 2000 on the former grounds of Opryland USA theme park in Nashville, Tennessee. Henry Juszkiewicz speaking at the press conference

Henry Juszkiewicz speaking at the press conference

The Gibson Bluegrass Showcase will be a 30,000 square foot facility and mark an emphasis that Gibson hopes to give to Bluegrass music. "Were putting our factory in the mall," said Henry Juszkiewicz, Gibson CEO and Chairman. "Bluegrass music has never had this type of showcase. Were confident that we can add to the already lofty stature of this division by introducing its craftsmanship, music and products to a new audience," he added. Anchoring one end of the massive mall, The Gibson Bluegrass Showcase expects to draw a majority of the malls anticipated 17 million annual visitors.

A bluegrass museum, featuring rare and notable instruments, will add an educational and interesting addition to the already planned visitor-friendly factory tour, where one can watch Gibsons legendary luthiers hand-craft the mandolins, resonator guitars and banjos that are legendary amongst players and collectors alike. Once shoppers have seen the history and actual building of an instrument they can step into the live music section of the Showcase where they will be able to hear Bluegrass performed live by some of the genres hottest talents. From there theyll be invited to eat at the Showcases Southern Fare restaurant and finally shop for bluegrass and Gibson souvenirs at the Showcase gift shop.

"There are a lot Bluegrass fans out there but there has been no point of connection to the genre," added Juszkiewicz. "This will give fans and music-lovers a gateway to Bluegrass."

Currently based in Nashville, Tennessee, Gibson Guitars began in Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1894 when Orville Gibson hand-crafted mandolins based on techniques used in the creation of Stradivarius violins. In the 104 years since then, Gibson Corp. still makes mandolins the "Orville way" and has become a worldwide music industry titan, boasting 10 divisions and offering diverse musical products such as electric guitars, acoustic guitars, banjos, mandolins, Dobros, drums, keyboards and music software.

Adam Dread, Terry London, CEO of Gaylord Entertainment, and Larry Seigel, CEO of The Mills Corp, pull a Dobro from the crate of products to be featured at Opry Mills.

Jerry Douglas, Henry Juszkiewicz, and the legendary Earl Scruggs

Earl Scruggs being interviewed by local television stations

Master Luthier, Charlie Derrington demonstrates the hand-carving of an F-5 mandolin.

Henry explains his vision of the Gibson Bluegrass Showcase to the news crew.