Chet Atkins Exhibit Opening Reception Kicks Event Off With Style

Kyle Young. Photo by Donn Jones Photography.

A very special Exhibition Opening Reception took place Wednesday evening, August 10, at The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum.  Approximately 200 enthusiastic guests were warmly welcomed by museum director Kyle Young and treated to a memorable musical performance by world-class guitar-slinger Steve Wariner, who, in 1997, received official “C.G.P.” status from Chet Atkins.  Special remarks were also made by Fred Gretsch, fourth generation Gretsch Company president, about Chet Atkins and his long-time association with the Gretsch family and company.  At the conclusion of the program, guests were given the opportunity to take an exclusive advance tour of the Chet Atkins: Certified Guitar Player exhibition which officially opens to the public on Friday, August 12.

Fred & Dinah Gretsch. Photo by Donn Jones Photography

During the exhibition opening weekend, the public will be able to enjoy an exhibit introduction and talk by a Museum curator; a panel discussion featuring Ray Stevens, Steve Wariner, and Billy Edd Wheeler and illustrated with photos, film footage, and recordings from the Museum’s Frist Library and Archive; film screenings; and much more.

This amazing cameo exhibition, made possible through the support of the Gretsch Company with additional support by the Great American Country Television Network, pays tribute to Chet’s legendary versatility and vision and is scheduled to run through June 11, 2012.  The exhibition will be accompanied by an ongoing series of programs throughout its duration.

For additional exhibition information, visit The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum’s website.

Additional photos from the reception:

Steve Wariner Interviewed by Local Media

Fred Gretsch, Duane Eddy, Ken Kramer

Ken Kramer, Fred Gretsch, and Jimmie Webster’s Son Raey

Fred Gretsch, Duane Eddy, and Members of Hot Rod Walt and the Psycho-DeVilles

Steve Wariner, Fred Gretsch, Merle Russell & Kyle Young. Photo by Donn Jones Photography.

Fred & Dinah Gretsch with Joe Carducci. Photo by Donn Jones Photography.

Dinah & Fred Gretsch Receive Special Gift from Kyle Young. Photo by Donn Jones Photography.

Steve Wariner Performs.  Photo by Donn Jones Photography.

Ben Hall.  Photo by Donn Jones Photography.

Three Generations of the Gretsch Family Attend Reception. Photo by Donn Jones Photography.

Reception Attendees Treated to Special Preview. Photo by Donn Jones Photography.

Chet Atkins Exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo by Donn Jones Photography.