New site debuts for mandolins, banjos, and Dobros

Gibson opens the first factory inside shopping mall; The Gibson Bluegrass Showcase debuts today

Today Gibson Musical Instruments made history as it held the grand opening ceremony of The Gibson Bluegrass Showcase -- the first ever working factory inside a shopping mall.

Located in the newly built Opry Mills, the 1.2 million square foot shopping mall built on the former grounds of the Opryland theme park, The Gibson Bluegrass Showcase is the new home for the entire manufacturing facility of Gibsons bluegrass division, which makes what are considered the finest bluegrass mandolins, banjos and Dobros in the world.

Visitors will be able to see the process by witnessing Gibson's highly skilled craftsmen in action as they hand-make instruments that have often been considered works of art. The move is a first for any industry and a dramatic milestone in the vision of Gibson Chairman and CEO, Henry Juszkiewicz, who won the 1999 Ernst and Young, Entrepreneur of the Year Award for Manufacturing.

In addition to the built-in factory, the 30,000 square foot Gibson facility will feature tours, a bluegrass museum, live music, a retail outlet, and a cafe overlooking another legendary venue, the Grand Ole Opry building. Bluegrass master Sam Bush will perform tonight at the new Showcase.

Juszkiewicz said, This is the first time a manufacturer has moved an entire division into a shopping mall location. Not only will visitors be able to witness the finest musical instruments being hand made, but The Gibson Showcase will also focus on entertainment, including great food, a state-of-the-art digital sound system, and all-inclusive prices for dinner and shows. The venue, and mall, stands adjacent to The Grand Ole Opry.

During the grand opening ceremony Juszkiewicz donated 50 Epiphone acoustic guitars to students from two area high schools in support of Nashville schools' "Up with Literacy" campaign as well as to promote music education. "Thanks Gibson and Epiphone," said Carol Crittenden, music coordinator for Nashville Metro Schools. "This is a wonderful gift that will be used for years to come and influence hundreds of children."

Anchoring one end of the massive mall, The Gibson Bluegrass Showcase expects to draw a majority of the malls projected 17 million annual visitors.

"We're also excited that this opening will provide a national home for a true American genre of music, bluegrass," added Juszkiewicz. "Gibson is proud to carry on the tradition of bluegrass founding father Bill Monroe, and we're confident that we can add to the already lofty stature of this instrument division by introducing its craftsmanship, music and products to a wider audience," he added.

The Gibson Bluegrass Showcase is the third of Gibsons Showcases, joining the Gibson Beale Street Showcase in Memphis and the original Gibson Showcase in downtown Nashville. Ten more are planned to open around the world.

Wednesday night a preview party was held at Opry Mills and the Gibson Bluegrass Showcase featuring food, music, and sneak peeks of the mall and Showcase . Legendary Gibson banjo hero Earl Scruggs, Sam Bush, Henry, and other guests and Gibson staff were there for the preview party.

CLICK HERE to view the photo gallery.