Nov 5, 7PM
Level 4
Foster Theater
$15
$10 Members
In honor of Gram Parsons' 80th birthday and 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction, join Martin Guitars for the unveiling of their new Parsons signature model, and hear artist stories from the iconic American guitar brand.
Join Chris Martin, the 6th generation owner of Martin Guitar, to celebrate Gram Parsons’ 80th Birthday and 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction with instruments from the Martin Museum. See the unveiling of Martin’s new Gram Parsons signature model, and hear artist stories from the iconic American Guitar brand. Artist and Martin Guitar clinician Craig Thatcher joins Chris on stage as they explore iconic Martin Guitar models from a wide range of Rock Hall inductees including Johnny Cash, Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, Peter Frampton, Tom Petty, John Lennon, Eric Clapton, Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, David Gilmour, Graham Nash, David Crosby, Neil Young, and Kurt Cobain.
Chris Martin
Craig Thatcher
Christian Frederick Martin IV, known as “Chris,” is the chairman of the world-renowned C. F. Martin & Co. and the sixth-generation owner of the family-owned business. Martin acoustic guitars are prized worldwide for their exceptional tone, design, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. The iconic company’s contributions in music history are unparalleled, and Chris Martin is a key figure in its long and illustrious history. Under Chris Martin’s direction, the company has maintained its integrity and industry-wide respect while growing and prospering to unprecedented manufacturing and sales levels.
Born and raised in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, Chris’s familiarity with the family business was limited to occasional visits with his grandfather, Christian Frederick Martin III, and to summer jobs working at the factory. While in Los Angeles, where he attended UCLA, Chris apprenticed at Westwood Music, building a classical guitar and familiarizing himself with the retail end of the business. After just a year, he moved back to Nazareth, Pennsylvania, to work in the guitar factory, where he learned more about the design and construction of the Martin guitar and became familiar with many of the different operations. He eventually became more involved in the company, first as assistant to the President, then as vice president of marketing. When C. F. Martin III passed away in 1986 at the age of 91, Chris Martin became the company’s 30-year-old Chairman.
Craig Thatcher is a versatile award-winning guitarist, band leader, and international clinician/ ambassador for C. F. Martin & Co., Inc. He leads the Craig Thatcher Band, known for their energetic performances across the U.S. and abroad. Craig has performed with and opened for many music legends and leads popular tribute shows for Eric Clapton, Tom Petty, The Allman Brothers, Jimi Hendrix, and others. He also hosts PBS’s Behind The Guitar TV Series. Currently, Craig travels worldwide with CF Martin IV, sharing company history and showcasing new models. With a career spanning decades, Craig is recognized for his mastery of rock, blues, and acoustic fingerstyle guitar. Craig has been performing at ST94 since 2005 and has also been involved with ArtsQuest the parent organization of Bethlehem, PA’s Musikfest since 1989.
PARKING: Paid meters and parking lots are available around the museum on East 9th St., Erieside Ave., Alfred Lerner Way (in front of FirstEnergy Stadium) and at the Great Lakes Science Center. You can also use these links to park in other downtown lots, reserve your parking spot in advance or to take public transportation. All sales final, tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded after purchase unless the performance is canceled.