Gibson Acoustic has announced its official sponsorship of this year’s multi-stage Newport Folk Festival in scenic Newport Rhode Island, August 1-3, 2008. Held at the historic Fort Adams Stage Park, Gibson Acoustic will welcome a host of Gibson artists to the stages over three days of great music and events designed specifically for the guitar enthusiasts.The festival has become one of the major folk music festivals in the world, bringing together some of the most prolific performers of our times with roots to several genres of music.
Gibson artist and musical icon Brian Wilson will kick off the three-day festival with a special opening night show at the International Tennis Hall of Fame on August 1, 2008. Wilson is one of popular music’s most deeply revered figures, the main force behind some of the most cherished recordings in rock history and an influential composer of the last century. He will perform many of his greatest hits at the one-night exclusive concert with many of his favorite Gibson Acoustic guitars.
Other performers who will highlight the Fort Adams stage on Saturday and Sunday include the Black Crowes, Cat Power, Trey Anastasio, Jakob Dylan, Jim James (of My Morning Jacket), She & Him (Zooey Deschanel & M. Ward), Willy Mason, Richie Havens, Cowboy Junkies, Levon Helm, Brandi Carlisle, Kaki King, Ryan Fitzsimmons, Gillian Welch and Jimmy Buffett. A list of all performers are available at www.newportfolk.com.
Built with superb craftsmanship and attention to detail in Bozeman, Montana, Gibson Acoustic is the guitar of choice for some of the world’s most legendary performers. Popular models include the Gibson Acoustic Dove, J-45, Hummingbird, Western Classic and Songwriter models. The division is also introducing an extraordinary True Vintage Acoustic series in the Fall of 2008 along with several signature models in limited quantities..
This year Gibson Acoustic will host the popular open mic area where artists and guests have the opportunity to perform for the audience throughout each day on a specially presented Gibson staging area at the Gibson Acoustic Trailer featuring the latest and greatest acoustic models available. Last year the Gibson Open Mic/Jam area was one of the most popular areas visited at the festival. Performers will be on board the Gibson tour bus which will be on site as the official press area and green room. The Gibson tour bus will also be available all three days of the festival and open to guests to view and tour.