Concert: Steve Wariner: Intimate Performance and Tribute to Chet Atkins

Steve Wariner has recorded dozens of hits, including the chart toppers “Holes In The Floor of Heaven,” “Two Teardrops,” “I'm Already Taken,” “Some Fools Never Learn,” and “The Weekend.” He has earned Grammy and CMA awards for his singing, songwriting, instrumental work, and diverse musical collaborations. Chet Atkins, an inspiration and advocate for Wariner, signed him to RCA, produced his first recording session, and dubbed him a c.g.p. (Certified Guitar Player)-one of only five guitarists to receive this distinction. In 2009, Wariner released the album c.g.p., My Tribute to Chet Atkins. His latest recording, Guitar Laboratory, explores diverse tones and textures across several musical genres. Streamed live at www.countrymusichalloffame.org. Following the program, Wariner will sign his product purchased from the Museum Store. Presented in support of the exhibit Chet Atkins: Certified Guitar Player, made possible by the Gretsch Company. See new Program Pass guidelines for admission to this program.

Museum admission or Museum membership required for program admittance. Due to limited seating, a program pass is required for your complimentary seat. Passes will be available for pick-up at the Museum two hours prior to the start of the program, on a first-come, first-served basis. Your pass does not guarantee you a seat after the program begins.

MEMBERS ONLY: Call 615.416.2050 to reserve your program pass in advance. Reservations will be accepted until 48 hours before the program, or until the program is sold-out. Your pass does not guarantee you a seat after the program begins.

Fingerstyle Guitar Demonstration: Mark Thornton

Mark Thornton has recorded and performed with Jerry Reed and Wylie & the Wild West. He has produced, engineered, and played guitar on dozens of records in the “Pickin’ On” bluegrass tribute series. Thornton also worked in the education department at the Gene Autry Western Heritage Museum, assisting with museum programs. Presented in support of the exhibit Chet Atkins: Certified Guitar Player, made possible by the Gretsch Company. See new Program Pass guidelines for admission to this program.

Museum admission or Museum membership required for program admittance. Due to limited seating, a program pass is required for your complimentary seat. Passes will be available for pick-up at the Museum two hours prior to the start of the program, on a first-come, first-served basis. Your pass does not guarantee you a seat after the program begins.

MEMBERS ONLY: Call 615.416.2050 to reserve your program pass in advance. Reservations will be accepted until 48 hours before the program, or until the program is sold-out. Your pass does not guarantee you a seat after the program begins.

Film Screening: Chet Atkins and Friends: Music from the Heart (1987)

Chet Atkins fronts an ace band and hosts this concert special, originally recorded for television in Nashville. Guest performers include the Everly Brothers, Emmylou Harris, Waylon Jennings, Mark Knopfler, Michael McDonald, Willie Nelson, and others. 60 Minutes. Free. Made Possible by Iron Mountain Film and Sound Archives. Presented in support of the exhibit Chet Atkins: Certified Guitar Player, made possible by the Gretsch Company.

Concert: Earl Klugh

Grammy-winning guitarist Earl Klugh will perform solo in tribute to his hero, Chet Atkins, in the closing weeks of the special exhibition Chet Atkins: Certified Guitar Player. Renowned for his sweet tone and his mastery of the acoustic guitar, Klugh ranks as one of the world’s finest guitarists. He was barely a teen in Detroit when he was awestruck by seeing Atkins play guitar on television. “Chet’s playing cast a long shadow on my whole life,” Klugh said of his late friend. After meeting in the late 1970s, Klugh and Atkins collaborated frequently. “Earl can wail with the best,” Atkins told Guitar Player magazine, “but he prefers to touch people emotionally. He reaches your heart with that romantic special something.” This program will be streamed live. Live stream powered by NewTek TriCaster. Following the program, Klugh will sign copies of his CDs and a limited edition Hatch Show Print. Presented in support of the exhibit Chet Atkins: Certified Guitar Player, made possible by the Gretsch Company. Exhibit closing July 15, 2012. See new Program Pass guidelines for admission to this program.

Museum admission or Museum membership required for program admittance. Due to limited seating, a program pass is required for your complimentary seat. Passes will be available for pick-up at the Museum two hours prior to the start of the program, on a first-come, first-served basis. Your pass does not guarantee you a seat after the program begins.

MEMBERS ONLY: Call 615.416.2050 to reserve your program pass in advance. Reservations will be accepted until 48 hours before the program, or until the program is sold-out. Your pass does not guarantee you a seat after the program begins.