The Chet Atkins Appreciation Society (CAAS) is an organization which honors the music and legendary career of guitarist Chet Atkins. Each year we meet in Nashville for four days to watch, listen and learn about the music of one of the greatest musicians the world has ever known. The convention is for society members only, and anyone may become a member. Besides eligibility to attend the annual convention, members get a subscription to Mister Guitar, the official journal of CAAS, a full color magazine with articles, guitar tips, and hard-to-find music transcriptions.
The original Chet Atkins Fan Club was started around 1951 by Margaret Fields. The group functioned from 1951 through 1962. From 1962 until 1983, Chet fanbase around the world continued to grow, but there was no fan club in existence. In 1983, Jim Ferron, along with Mark Pritcher, started a new society with a slightly different focus. Instead of a traditional fan club, they envisioned a society who would honor its hero, but would equally focus on the musical legacy and multi-faceted career of a unique musical genius. They formed the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society for those with a sincere interest and appreciation of Chet’s music.
Through 2000, Chet himself participated in the annual conventions, and his presence was warmly appreciated by the members. Since his passing, we continue to preserve his legacy, and encourage young and old alike to keep his music alive and appreciate the many contributions Chet made to the the music of America, and the world of guitar. The current president of CAAS is Dr. Mark Pritcher. An able staff of dedicated volunteers keeps it running and growing. There are currently over 1,300 members. Each summer, the CAAS welcomes over 1,200 people from all over the world to its annual convention held at the Sheraton Music City Hotel in Nashville.
Annual Convention in Nashville
The annual CAAS Convention is held over four amazing days every year in mid-July at the Music City Sheraton Hotel and Convention Center. Attendees enjoy fully-packed days and nights of music and special events. The styles you'll hear include the highlights of Chet's musical legacy spanning six decades -- jazz in the style of Django Reinhart and Les Paul, classical, pop, country, traditional, latin -- and the musical contributions of Merle Travis, Lenny Breau, and Jerry Reed. Along with Chet's memorable music, you'll experience the music of those who he has influenced, who now carry his music and their own all over the world.
The performers at the convention are a virtual Who's Who of the guitar world. Past conventions have featured appearances by such greats as Jerry Reed, Earl Klugh, Steve Wariner, Albert Lee, Brent Mason, Tommy Emmanuel, Paul Yandell, Doc Watson, Earl Scruggs, Mark O'Connor, John Jorgenson, Thom Bresh, Buster B. Jones, Jorge Morel, Suzy Bogguss, Boots Randolph, Los Indios Tabajaras, and a host of other world-class performers. Each year the convention hosts around 60 guest artists, who perform main stage concerts, intimate close-up sessions, and top-notch workshops for attendees.
Along with performances, the convention features booths with top-name musical manufacturers, luthiers, publishers, and CD/DVD vendors. It is a smorgasbord of activities for guitarists and music fans, and a special "family reunion" for all who love Chet and his music.
Membership
Becoming a member is easy, and anyone can join. Membership for USA residents is just $25 per year. For Canada, the rate is $27 US per year, and for residents of all other countries, the rate is $30 US. Become a member by sending your name and mailing address, along with a money order or other negotiable instrument (please do not send cash), to the CAAS address shown when you click [here]. USA residents may send a personal check.
Members receive three issues per year of Mister Guitar, the society's official journal, and qualify to attend the annual convention in Nashville (this is not a public event and only CAAS members may attend).
It's easy..... Sign up today to enjoy the benefits of membership, and start to connect with the "extended family of Chet" -- a unique group of guitar players and musical aficionados from all over the world.
Hey Thanks!!! Thanks a million for the friendship add!!! Much appreciated and I think you are the greatest. I play music with my sons and we have some songs on our band page (myspace.com/studiofamilybusiness). If you have a minute, check us out. We would be happy if you did. Thanks again, Steve
Hey, I've got a radio show for a few weeks!!! - so, please tune into the Paul Hughes Show (filling in for Gordon Hotchkiss) on Celtic Music Radio this Wednesday between 7pm – 9pm. As well a Scottish, Irish and American folk/roots music I’ll be chatting with Paddy Callaghan about being selected for the finals of the BBC Young Trad Musician of the Year and hear him playing the harp and box. Celtic Music Radio is available in and around Glasgow on 1530 AM (MW) and you can listen anywhere else in the world on the internet at www.celticmusicradio.net and click on “Listen Live” in the top right of the screen. Thanks for reading down this far.
Thank you for the kind add. A wonderful group you've put together here, in honour of one of the finest musicians ever. That picture on your slideshow, of the cover of 'From Nashville With Love', was a favourite album cover of mine as a kid.
Hey Mark (or is it Pat? Who's running the MySpace?) -- Thanks for the add. Looking forward to the convention in a couple months and entering "the Golden age" for four blissful days :-)
