Here's a fun fact for you: Did you know that before Fender became the world's most recognized guitar brand, it was founded in Fullerton in 1946?
Weird right? I'm guessing most locals under the age of 50 didn't know that. But it was over a century ago that Clarence Leonidas (that's Leo Fender to you) created one of the greatest landmarks in Orange County history. Yesterday, it was announced that Fender will support its hometown roots once again by striking a partnership with the 2010 OC Music Awards (coming to the Grove of Anaheim on March 6).
Through the OC Music Awards, Fender will promote the “Fender University” (hmmm, well, business is business I guess). The program is designed to give guitar enthusiasts a chance to go behind the scenes of Fender's manufacturing, along with a series of music workshops, performance opportunities, special guests and more.
And of course you won't be able to escape Fender at the awards ceremony in March when they host their own interactive lounge, complete with product demos and opportunities to pick up and play. Should be very Guitar Center-esque. They'll also be featured in OCMA's Historical Mini Documentary that premiers on the night of the awards ceremony….kind of like the one they did in 2009. Check it out after the jump (seriously, it's pretty good).
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In further news, the OCMAs are teaming up with the Laguna Art Museum for the 2010 OsCene exhibit, celebrating the best in drawing, sculpture, painting photography, multimedia and music from our own backyard. The exhibit opens Feb. 21 and continues until May 16.
Finally, Tuesday Jan. 5 is the official kick of the OCMA showcases at various spots all over the county. The first of these free (yes, FREE) gigs is happening at Detroit Bar. Not sure who's playing yet, but when we'll keep you posted.
2010 Showcase N Awards Schedule
Tues. 1/05, 8pm – Detroit Bar, Costa Mesa (Live Band, FREE, 21+) Tues. 1/12, 8pm – District Tustin Legacy, Tustin
(Live Acoustic, FREE, All Ages) Tues. 1/19, 8pm – Continental Room, Fullerton
(Live Band, FREE, 21+) Tues. 1/26, 8pm – Gypsy Den, Santa Ana (Live
Acoustic, FREE, All Ages) Tues. 2/02, 8pm – Chain Reaction, Anaheim (Live
Band, FREE, All Ages) Tues. 2/09, 8pm – OC Tavern, San Clemente (Live
Acoustic, FREE, 21+) Tues. 2/16, 8pm – Gypsy Lounge, Lake Forest (Live
Band, FREE, 21+) Fri. 2/26, 8pm – Yost Theater, Santa Ana – (Live
Acoustic Finals, FREE, All Ages) Sat. 2/27, 8pm – Samueli Theater, OCPAC – (Live
Band Finals, FREE, All Ages) Sat. 3/6, 8pm – Grove of Anaheim – (OC Music
Awards, $25, All Ages)
