Local guitar-virtuoso T. Wilson King will play guitars from the NMM’s collection, including classic Martins formerly owned by Merle Travis, Johnny Cash and Shawn Colvin. Curator Arian Sheets will join T. Wilson on stage to share the history and significance of these great guitars!

Born in Minnesota, T. Wilson King began his performing career early, singing and tap dancing. As a teenager, he was lead singer in several rock and roll bands, playing at sock hops and skating rinks. By stroke of luck, the draft placed him in California’s thriving music scene. He bought a guitar and practiced relentlessly, busking on street corners, in coffee houses, bars and restaurants, as well as taking music classes. During this time, he met music legends, like Ramblin' Jack Elliot, Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters, Professor Longhair, Freddie King, Van Morrison, Mike Bloomfield and John Lee Hooker, furthering his education. Tirelessly pursuing his career, gigging up and down the California coast, and from Hawaii to Lake Tahoe and Las Vegas, King shaped his own sound. More than 40 years ago, opportunity brought him to Vermillion; family and love kept him here.