Here’s a rundown of the Gibson experience in Austin during SXSW music week. Gibson Brands, the world’s most iconic guitar brand, has shaped the sounds of generations of musicians and music lovers across genres for more than 100 years. Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Nashville, TN, Gibson Brands has a legacy of world-class craftsmanship, legendary music partnerships and progressive product evolution that is unrivaled among musical instrument companies.
Tuesday, March 12
HAIL, HAIL ROCK N’ ROLL: A TRIBUTE TO CHUCK BERRY
Gibson Austin Showroom 3601 S Congress Ave Suite G-400;
Austin, TX 78704
4:00-6:30 PM *open, day party.
View the first-ever Gibson Chuck Berry 1955 ES 350T guitar and enjoy a live performance by Chuck Berry’s family. Chuck’s two grandsons will perform at 4 pm (powered by Cerwin Vega). Gibson showroom visitors can view the first-ever Chuck Berry prototype. We are partnering with Songbirds Vintage Guitar Museum to provide a selection of rare and valuable Gibson vintage guitars such as Chuck Berry’s additional 345 for artists and fans to view and play.
Wednesday, March 13
Gibson President and CEO: JAMES “JC” CURLEIGH SXSW Q&A
“Now What? Setting the Gibson Stage as the 125-Year-Old Start-up”
@Convention Center, 500 E. Cesar Chavez
2:00-3:00 PM *open to all badge and convention pass holders.
https://schedule.sxsw.com/2019/events/PP103106
Gibson guitars have been synonymous with creating, shaping, and owning sound across every generation and genre for the past 125 years. However, leading Gibson ‘back to the future’ will require a unique balance of leveraging the iconic past and leaning into the exciting future. Not to mention the challenge of bringing a brand back from a ‘near death’ experience last year. However, if the last few months are an indication, Gibson is in great hands and the future looks bright according to artists, guitar shops and Gibson fans around the world. James “JC” Curleigh is the President and CEO of Gibson, where he leads a new Gibson senior team of proven executives with broad experience in global brand building, finance and product development. Curleigh is a guitar enthusiast and has been a proud owner of both Gibson and Epiphone guitars over the years, including his latest addition–a Gibson 1960’s J-45 acoustic guitar.
Thursday, March 14
LUCK REUNION
@Willie Nelson’s family ranch; 1100 Bee Creek Rd, Spicewood, TX
http://luckreunion.com/
Hosted by Willie Nelson at his family ranch known as Luck, the location of his 1986 movie Red Headed Stranger. The western town’s movie set is still intact, and LUCK produces a multi-stage music experience. Gibson is the Official Guitar of Luck Reunion. The Gibson Luck Lounge for artists backstage and provide dozens of guitars for artists to loan, play, or purchase at an artist price. Gibson will also have Willie’s vintage tour bus backstage. We are partnering with Songbirds Vintage Guitar Museum who is providing a selection of rare and valuable Gibson vintage guitars for artists to view and play. The Gibson team will bring a limited-edition ukulele crafted especially by Epiphone for Luck 2019 in the Luck Boutique.
LUCK Reunion features music spread across four stages with Willie Nelson & The Family Band, Steve Earle & The Dukes, Shakey Graves, Lukas Nelson & Promise Of The Real, The Marcus King Band and more on the World Headquarters Stage. Mavis Staples will headline the Sources Stage, which this year features a full bill of female performers that includes Mountain Man, Courtney Marie Andrews, Haley Heynderickx and Sunny War. Hayes Carll, Strand Of Oaks, Langhorne Slim & The Law and Low Cut Connie are among the acts that will play the Revival Tent. Finally, the Chapel Stage will see sets from the likes of Nathaniel Rateliff, Nicole Atkins & Jim Sclavunos, The Cactus Blossoms and Billy Strings. Ticketing information for the 2019 Luck Reunion can be found here: http://luckreunion.com/2019ticketing.
Friday, March 15 – Saturday, March 16
ARLYN STUDIOS SXSW Party
@200 Academy Drive Austin, TX 78704
1:00PM–3:00AM
Gibson will provide gear support in return for sponsorship of legendary Arlyn Studio’s two-day SXSW event featuring local and national artists. Featuring performances from ‘Texas Electric’ presented by Modern Electric Sound Recorders & the Supergroup Sonic Branding Co., Jamie Lin Wilson, Swimming With Bears, Eric Tessmer, Black Pistol Fire, Chris Shiflett, Paul Cauthen, Leon IIIChief White Lightning, Naala, Reid Umstattd, Jason Blum, Marlon Sexton, Ben Dickey, The Last Knife Fighter, Erika Wennerstrom, Los Coast, Altamesa and Blackillac. For more show information: https://www.facebook.com/events/351906078867549.
Saturday, March 16
PLUM CREEK SOUNDS PRESENTS: LIVE FROM THE HILLS WITH LOVE
Hills Country Ranch Dripping Springs, TX ; Shuttle info: HERE
1:00–8:00 PM
Epiphone is supporting this day festival outside the city limits, produced by Gibson artist Israel Nash. Epiphone is providing guitars for children to customize with art supplies, which will then be auctioned to benefit Health Alliance for Austin Musicians. Live from the Hills with Love presents performances from Israel Nash, Jonathan Tyler, E.B. The Younger, T. Hardy Morris, Tyler Ramsey, Carson McHone, Kyle Emerson, Western Youth, and features a dedicated kids area, artisanal merchants, delicious food and drinks, and pop-up performances throughout the day. For tickets: http://www.plumcreeksound.com.