Exhibit to showcase 40-instrument display,
California musicians and guitar
makers
SACRAMENTO, Calif., May 14, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- The California Museum will open "America at the
Crossroads: The Guitar and a Changing Nation," a touring exhibition
from the National Guitar Museum celebrating the evolution and
cultural impact of the guitar through history, on Friday, May 24. A bonus section in the California
Museum's presentation spotlights Golden State musicians and
manufacturers who made their mark globally.
Using 40 instruments—from the vihuela of the 1500s to a modern
steampunk guitar— "America at the Crossroads" examines significant
events in American history, including European colonialism,
westward expansion, the Great Migration, the Cold War, teenage
rebellion and the rise of video games.
The California Museum's presentation elaborates on the role of
California guitar makers and
musicians in popularizing the instrument in the 20th
century. Visitors can enjoy a display celebrating the 70th
anniversary of the Fender Stratocaster, a guitar-making exhibit
from Santa Cruz Guitar Company, items commemorating Taylor Guitars'
50th anniversary, and instruments from Alembic and Rickenbacker.
Also on view will be original guitars played by Kurt Cobain, Jimi
Hendrix, John Lee Hooker,
Eddie Van Halen and Los Tigres del
Norte, including the Fender Stratocaster Cobain played on Nirvana's
"In Utero" tour.
"We're thrilled to partner with the National Guitar Museum to
host 'America at the Crossroads,'" said California Museum Executive
Director Amanda Meeker. "The exhibit
provides a fascinating look at the nexus between music and history,
and we're excited to add our own 'California Crossroads' section
highlighting some of the world's premier guitar makers and the
artists who brought their California innovations to the big stage."
The theme of "the crossroads," one of the United States'—and music's—most enduring
stories, is woven through the exhibit. Diversity and inclusion are
also central themes, as the exhibit illustrates how the guitar's
evolution and popularity were driven by the disenfranchised and the
unrecognized.
"The guitar is the most enduring icon in American history," said
HP Newquist, Executive Director and Founder of the National Guitar
Museum. "It has been around longer than baseball,
basketball, soft drinks and sports cars. This
exhibition is a celebration of all that, and more."
For information about the exhibit and its accompanying Father's
Day weekend "Meeting of the Music" celebration with live music,
beer and snacks and exhibit tours," visit
californiamuseum.org/exhibitions/guitars/.
Downloadable press kit:
californiamuseum.org/about/press-room/media-kits/temporary/aatc/.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Amanda Meeker, Executive Director,
museuminfo@californiamuseum.org
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SOURCE California Museum