Concert: Joe Robinson and Pat Bergeson Salute Chet Atkins

Guitar slingers Joe Robinson and Pat Bergeson team up for a concert in celebration of Chet Atkins. A self-taught phenomenon, Robinson won Australia’s Got Talent in 2008. His introduction to fingerstyle guitar came via YouTube—he learned licks by studying videos of fellow Australian guitar wiz Tommy Emmanuel. Named Best New Talent in Guitar Player magazine’s 2010 Reader’s Poll, Robinson tours frequently and is currently at work on his third studio album. Pat Bergeson recorded and toured with Atkins for years. The two were good friends, and in 2007 Bergeson released Country Gentleman: A Tribute to Chet Akins in honor of his musical hero. Today Bergeson works as a producer, writer, and session musician. He also tours with numerous artists, including Suzy Bogguss, and is a member of Hot Club of Nashville. Followed by a signing in the Museum Store. Offered as part of the special exhibition Chet Atkins: Certified Guitar Player Made Possible Through the Generous Support of the Gretsch Company. Limited seating. Included with museum admission. Free to museum members.

The program will be streamed live at www.countrymusichalloffame.org.

Autograph Signing: 3:30 pm

• Joe Robinson and Pat Bergeson will only sign copies of their designated products, purchased from the Museum Store.
• There is no limit to the amount of products they will sign.
• Robinson and Bergeson will not sign personal items.
• Lean-in photographs will be allowed (no group photos).
• Bags and items from other sources are prohibited in the Museum Store. Fans may check items in Guest Services if necessary.
• All guests must maintain reasonable and appropriate behavior at all times. Guests using offensive language or engaging in disorderly conduct may be ejected from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and barred from re-entry.

Thumbstyle Demonstration: Roger Hardin

Roger Hardin plays in the style of Chet Atkins and Jerry Reed. He is a past winner of the National Thumbpick Guitar Championship held at the Ozark Folk Center (Mountain View, Arkansas). In 2009, Hardin was named the International Home of the Legends Grand Champion in a contest held at the National Thumpickers Hall of Fame. He has also been a featured performer at the annual Chet Atkins Appreciation Society Convention. Offered as part of the special exhibition Chet Atkins: Certified Guitar Player Made Possible Through the Generous Support of the Gretsch Company. Included with museum admission. Free to members. Included with museum admission. Free to museum members.

Family program: Introduction to Thumbpick Guitar

Learn to play guitar like Chet Atkins and Merle Travis. This hands-on workshop will teach the basics of thumbpick and fingerstyle guitar. Led by Meagan Taylor Anderson, Chet Atkins’s grandniece, and Ben Hall, 2005 International Thumbstyle Guitar Champion. Guitars provided. Offered as part of the special exhibition Chet Atkins: Certified Guitar Player Made Possible Through the Generous Support of the Gretsch Company. Ages 6 to 18. No reservations required. Free. Families are encouraged to tour the museum at a discounted rate following the program. Visit the information desk or ticket window for more information.