Gibson Showcase to offer Memphis community a musical institution

When the Gibson Memphis Showcase fully opens later this year, Gibson Chairman and CEO Henry Juszkiewicz expects his new flagship facility to become a cultural institution within the Memphis community.

The huge Showcase, located 1 block from historic Beale Street, is the latest addition to the 104 year-old Gibson Guitar tradition. In one building, visitors will be able to see luthiers hand-making Gibsons famous instruments, experience the Gibson Cafes classy cuisine and state of the art performance space, shop for musical merchandise at the Gibson Store, try out legendary musical instruments in the interactive Music Salon, and learn about the rich cultural impact of Memphis music at the Smithsonian Rock 'n' Soul exhibit. Says Juszkiewicz, "On a basic level, well be bringing in new jobs and contributing to the revitalization of downtown Memphis. However, through live performances and a number of educational programs, we hope the Gibson Showcase will become a place where music becomes part of the fabric of the community."

Adds Juszkiewicz, "One thing that we plan to incorporate into the Showcase is a daytime education program for all music fans," he says. "Since live music performances will take place at night, well have a first class facility available to us all day. We want to offer the community a music education program including music clinics and masterclasses with notable artists."

Gibson Guitar, the 104 year-old American icon, has the distinction of being present at the crossroads of each of the major 20th century American music genres. From the 1890's, when former shoe clerk Orville H. Gibson began crafting world-class instruments in his Kalamazoo, Michigan, workshop to the early 1900's when Gibson mandolins powered the popular orchestras of the day, to the early jazz foundations of Charlie Christian and Les Paul, then on to bluegrass pioneers Bill Monroe and Earl Scruggs, to country icons Hank Williams and Chet Atkins to Blues royalty BB King, rock and roll's early mavericks Elvis Presley and Scotty Moore over to the British invasion of the '60s with Beatles' George Harrison and John Lennon, renowned players like Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Pete Townsend, on to hard rock trailblazer Jimmy Page of Led Zepplin. The list reads like a who's who of music legends.

Gibson, now based in Nashville, Tennessee, still carries on the same tradition of excellence and innovation established by Orville Gibson over a century ago.

The Smithsonian exhibit, Rock 'n' Soul: Social Crossroads, will open to the public Saturday morning, April 29 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Gibson Showcase housing the museum is located just off Beale Street at 145 Lt. George W. Lee Avenue. You may call 901-543-0800 or email info@memphisrocknsoul.org for more information about the Smithsonian exhibit.
Copyright: AP/John L. Focht .
Artists Chris Winterstein, left, and Anne Solis prepare a display for the Rock 'n' Soul Museum in Memphis, TN. The museum is scheduled to open at the Gibson Showcase facitlity Saturday, April 29. Pictured in the display is blues pioneer and legend Robert Johnson with an original 1920's Gibson L-00