by Rick Landers
PRS endorsee Johnny Hiland (Right) and fan pose for a photo.
The atmosphere at all three Experience PRS events I’ve attended has been consistent with the PRS staff, the dealers and distributors , invited guests and celebrity artists all enthusiastic and delighted to get to know one another and talk guitars. Sure PRS guitars are the central theme at all of the Experiences that Paul has hosted, but at lunch and dinner the talk is about guitars and music in general. Stories are shared about our experiences that may include stage performances, busking experience, technical issues, vintage gear, and all sorts of conversations about everything under the sun.
Howard Leese (Heart) back stage.
Every performance I attended was superb with fast flickering fingers, nuanced bends and some crunchy riffs. And the place was relaxed where meeting new people was easy and friendly. I had a chat with Nick Catanese’s father, “Big Nick”, who manages Evil Twin Headquarters and who was a delight to talk to about his son. Howard Leese (Heart) graciously posed for a photo with guitar in hand. In fact, all the celebrity artists were hanging out and talking guitars like the rest of us.
It would be nice to have some Latin flavored music, some classical and even African Mali music drifting around the grounds somewhere, but I suppose there’s only so much room available and it’s also good to point out that this is a trade show and it’s a place where PRS makes sales deals. These days it’s even more essential to keep that bottom line in focus, even when you’re working in a “fun” industry.
Paul Reed Smith (Right) autographs a guitar strap for a PRS fan.
The critical deal is to build great guitars, but also to have a terrific sales team of dealer and distributors at the point of sale. And it helps to bring them all together at a central point where they can see the new product lines, make some purchases and get a fix of PRS spirit while they’re at it. The Experience PRS trade show is the largest single builder show in the industry and is all starts with building a great guitar. Paul Reed Smith has proven he and his team in Stevensville are up to the task and the Experience PRS 2009 reinforces and promotes everything that leads to a great guitar getting into the hands of players.
The music offered by Paul this year was every bit as great as the previous years with performances by Buddy Guy, Carlos Santana, Electric Mary, Dweezil Zappa, the Paul Reed Smith Band, Bugs Henderson, Dave Grissom, Tony McManus, Johnny Hiland, Nick Catanese, Gary Grainger, and many more. Here are a few of our favorite shots of the performances…
Rusty of Electric Mary - Photo credit: Rick Landers
The great guitarist and nicest guy, Johnny Hiland - Photo credit: Rick Landers
Gary Grainger (Bassist - PRS Band) Photo credit: Rick Landers
