My Wife has always told me that people come into your life for a reason. Sometimes the relationship is life long, but in many instances they are there for a brief time to help you learn something about yourself and then they are gone. Charlie Wicks was one of the latter people to me.

MELVILLE, NY, March 8, 2010 — On Sunday, February 28, 2010, the Vancouver Olympic Winter Games held a closing ceremony that was broadcast to an audience of millions around the world from Vancouver’s BC Place. A highlight was a performance from Canadian-born artist Avril Lavigne, who performed her hits “My Happy Ending” and “Girlfriend.” Alongside Lavigne was guitarist Devin Bronson, literally shining with his custom-designed VOX silver sparkle Virage guitar. The instrument is a one-of-a-kind custom Virage DC (double-cutaway) with VOX’s new proprietary CoAxe pickups and a unique headstock matching the cosmetics of the classic VOX Wah Wah pedal.

Nazareth, PA – February 22, 2010 – In tune with Martin Guitar’s environmental philosophy, C.F. Martin & Co. has donated a rare 000 12-fret Peter Cree Certified Wood Guitar (photo attached) to Christie’s International, the world’s leading art business, for their upcoming “A Bid to Save the Earth” Green Auction. This first-of-its-kind charity auction will take place on April 22, 2010 to coincide with the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. Proceeds from the sale will be divided among four leading not-for-profit environmental organizations: Conservation International, Oceana, Natural Resources Defense Council and the Central Park Conservancy. All four beneficiary organizations are 4-Star rated by CharityNavigator.org, its highest rating for not-for-profit organizations.

Sam Ash is a name with close to a century of involvement in the sales of musical instruments. Starting in Brooklyn, NY in 1924, they expanded into Long Island and then established themselves in Manhattan in the late 1960's on W.48th Street's famed, “Music Row�, where they dominate today. Sam Ash's 45 stores can be found all across the USA as far away from NY as FL, AZ and CA. Sammy Ash is the 3rd generation and COO of the family company, and is one of the Family members leading it successfully into the 21st Century.

Jan. 14, 2010, ANAHEIM, Calif. — Peavey Electronics and Muse Research and Development proudly introduce the new, portable, flexible MuseBox™ Musical Instrument and Effects Box. The MuseBox uses virtual instruments and effects technology in a brand-new way, so players of all types can easily take cutting-edge software-based synths, sounds and effects to rehearsals, gigs, the practice room, or the studio. The MuseBox’s compact 2U half-rack design is ultimately portable, incredibly versatile, and built for the road.

EL CAJON, Calif. - January 11, 2010 - Ahead of the 2010 National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Winter convention in Anaheim, California, Taylor Guitars is announcing its all-star lineup of accomplished musicians performing over three days of the annual trade show. Beginning at 3:00 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, the Taylor Guitars room will come alive with brilliant sights and sounds ranging from hard rock and country to pop and inspirational music.

Lick Library’s extensive range of guitar tuition DVDs has just got bigger with the release of Learn to Play Pink Floyd Volume 2, Learn to Play Dave Gilmour the Solos, and Quick Licks in the style of Dave Gilmour. These new DVD sets give you the chance to study Dave Gilmour’s legendary guitar solos, licks and riffs and are presented by Jamie Humphries who draws heavily from his own personal experience of playing with the Australian Pink Floyd.

The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP) and Shure are delighted to announce the launch of the 2010 Shure Songwriting Award. Previously known as the Shure Creative Award and supported by Amy McDonald and K.T. Tunstall, the competition will be judged this year by the sensational singer/songwriter, Paloma Faith.

HOLLYWOOD, CA (January 6, 2010) – Marc Rizzo once again has stepped out from his six-string tour of duty with SOULFLY and CAVALERA CONSPIRACY to deliver his new solo project, LEGIONAIRE on Phlamencore Records. This new albums reveals a phenomenal command of the guitar that Rizzo has become known for.

December 2009, Modena, Italy – IK Multimedia is proud to announce the release of GrooveMaker Reggaeton, the latest application in the GrooveMaker range of remixing apps for the iPhone/iPod touch. This new style-based app allows anyone to create and share non-stop reggaeton tracks for remixing, multimedia and movie soundtrack compositions on the go, in real-time, just like a professional DJ or music producer.