The Back Story

Local musician Andrew Allen was at a school clearing sale in Avenel in 1998 when he discovered an old neglected guitar case lying on the oval in the blazing hot sun. He flipped it open and to his surprise discovered what looked like a Martin guitar. On closer inspection of the headstock, found the Martin label. The guitar was in poor shape through decades of neglect, but Andrew decided he was going to rescue it. The guitar was in a mixed lot up for auction with a set of golf clubs, a beach umbrella and some walking sticks. Only Andrew and another lady placed a bid on the Lot. Andrew only had $50 in his pocket and to his delight, the bidding stopped at $50. When Andrew returned home he looked up the guiltar’s serial number on the Martin website to discover it was built in 1920. He then had the guitar restored to mint condition. The guitar’s estimated value is now around $20,000. C.F. Martin & Co was established in 1833 and is the oldest surviving maker of guitars in the world. As the guitar is 100 years old this year, Andrew wanted to do something special with it. 

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The Event

20 local guitarists will each get to play one song on the 100 year old Martin in front of a live audience. The show will be broadcasted live-to-air on Seymour FM 103.9 and streamed over the internet. This will be a ticketed event with funds raised going to assist Seymour FM’s studio relocation.

The Details

Date: Thursday 23 April

Time: 6pm to 9pm

Location: The Great Hall at Blue Tongue Berries, 445 Northwood Road Seymour

Audio equipment and recordings provided by Montville Lane Sessions

Live to Air Stream: http://tunein.com/radio/Seymour-FM-1039-s144361/

Limited tickets. Show bookings recommended.

Blue Tongue Berries is a fully licensed venue, drinks will be available throughout the event.