If you haven't been to the James Burton limited-engagement exhibition at artspace yet, the weekend of August 4th would be a great time to go.

Shreveport's resident Rock And Roll Hall-Of-Famer has loaned an extensive collection of his classic guitars to artspace for its "Art Of The Guitar: James Burton, the Master of the Telecaster" exhibition which continues through August 19th.  Over 50 of Burton's guitars are on display along with a collection of memorabilia including awards, photographs, and personal notes all curated by Burton and his wife, Louise.

Burton rose to fame first as a member of Ricky Nelson's backing band and then as Elvis Presley's guitarist and bandleader from 1969 until the King's death in 1977.  Other artists that Burton played and/or recorded with include John Denver, Johnny Cash, Keith Richards, Eric Clapton, Joni Mitchell, and Elvis Costello.

One of Burton's collaborators over the years is Joe Osborn.  The two played together in Ricky Nelson's backing band, and as members of the legendary Los Angeles studio musicians assemblage that became know as "The Wrecking Crew".  Osborn later moved to Nashville to continue his session work.  His bass can be heard on numerous Country #1 hits from the 70's and 80's.  He now resides in Keithville.

On August 4th, Burton and Osborn will team up once again in a special jam session at artspace.  At 6pm guitarists aged 18 and under are invited to play with the duo on a special performance of "Johnny B. Goode".  The jam session is part of the 3-day "James Burton: Black & White Night" event at artspace and the Shreveport Convention Center, August 4th, 5th, and 6th.

Saturday, August 5th, will feature a classic car show in front of artspace on Texas Street, followed by an outdoor screening of the 1988 Cinemax television special "Roy Orbison and Friends: A Black and White Night" in which James Burton performed. Burton and his wife will share their memories of the special concert that featured Roy Orbison, along with special guests Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello, Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, and other famous musicians.

This special weekend culminates on Sunday, August 6th, with Burton performing two one-hour concerts at the Shreveport Convention Center.

 

 

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