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Gibson Gives Donates $30,000 to National Museum of African American Music

by Rich and Laura Lynch

For 128 years, Gibson, the iconic American instrument brand has shaped sound across generations, genres, and genders, and has emerged the most relevant, played, and loved guitar brand around the world. Last week, top music artists, Nashville luminaries and the Gibson team, gathered to kick off an epic celebration for the one-year anniversary of the Gibson Garage -- the ultimate guitar experience and music destination in the heart of downtown Nashville, Music City USA.


Gibson, President and CEO James "JC" Curleigh opens the proceedings in Nashville.

Music fans lined up all week long for Gibson Garage Fest to enjoy live music from a diverse range of top artists, CMA performers, special events, and daily giveaways at the Garage which has become Nashville's best, must-see music attraction. On Thursday, June 9, 2022 -- Les Paul's birthday and the official one-year mark of the opening of the Gibson Garage -- Darius Rucker visited the Gibson Garage stage for a special donation event with Gibson Gives -- the philanthropic arm of Gibson. Gibson Gives donated $30,000 to the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) and its fund for music education while the country superstar thrilled the packed crowd with an intimate acoustic performance of his hit songs.

"I couldn't think of a better place to have an African American music museum than Nashville," says Darius Rucker - a National Chair for the prestigious organization that itself were also celebrating their one year of operation in Music City. "Everybody in the world, should go see NMAAM, it's such an important place. For as long as I can remember I've been playing Gibson's, and what they're doing with Gibson Gives is a great thing and now they're partnered with the NMAAM, it's a perfect fit. I'm so proud to be a part of all of it."


Executives from the National Museum of African American Music visit the Garage.

Gibson Garage Fest attendees enjoyed artist panels, one-of-a-kind giveaways and experiences, and participated in guitar-playing lessons with Matt Heafy -- frontman and guitarist of Trivium and renowned expert Marty Schwartz and enjoyed live music from a wide range of generations and genres spanning country, Americana, rock, blues, and pop including Darius Rucker, Marcus King, Ernest, Charles Esten, Orianthi, Matt Heafy, Kirk Fletcher, Eric Paslay, Hannah Dasher, Tiera, Meghan Linsey, Phangs, Ashley Cooke, Callista Clark, Honey County, Temecula Road, Elvie Shane, Danielle Bradbery, Filmore, Cooper Alan, Stephanie Quayle, Brandy Zdan, Laci Kaye Booth, Sean Stemaly, Alana Springsteen, Love and Theft, Gibson Generation Group G3's, and the Rex Brown Experience supergroup featuring Rex Brown, Snake Sabo, Jared James Nichols, Dennis Holm and Cesar Gueikian (Gibson).

"One year ago, we couldn't have imagined the impact the Gibson Garage would have on guitar fans in music city and around the world," says James "JC" Curleigh, President and CEO of Gibson Brands. "It's the best compliment to hear artists say that the Garage has set a new benchmark and is yet another massive step in the right direction for Gibson."

One year after opening its doors, the all-new Gibson Garage is the place to explore Gibson's past, present, and future. People from around the world visit the Gibson Garage where fans can experience live music, play more than 400 guitars, plug-in and play all things Gibson, Epiphone, Kramer, MESA/Boogie, Maestro, and KRK. Inside the Garage, catch an icon on the stage, try the full line of electric and acoustic guitars, design a dream custom guitar, and watch a taping of the award-winning Gibson TV series. The Garage is the place to explore Gibson's rich, 128-year music history with captivating, interactive storytelling and memorabilia displays. At the Gibson Garage, fans can take a piece of history home with one-of-a-kind, in-store offers on limited-edition guitars, instruments, gear, accessories, and exclusive Gibson apparel. Whether a seasoned professional musician, a casual guitar player, a beginner, or simply a music fan, the Gibson Garage is open to all.


Hootie and the two CEOs at the Gibson Garage.

Related Links: For more information on GIBSON GIVES and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - Gibson Gives: Gibson Foundation | National Museum of African American Music


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