So here’s a funny story. I saw an ad on Facebook for a Taylor 50th anniversary event at my local Guitar Center (Hollywood, CA). I signed up and showed up early to get in line. While walking through the parking lot to the door, I see a car pull up and two tall guys get out – and one is wearing a fedora and I thought to myself, “that’s Andy Powers and Bob Taylor”. They opened the trunk and started unloading a few guitars, so I couraged up and walked over and said hi and asked if I could help them out. After quick and friendly intros Andy handed me a case to carry and the three of us walked in together. My heart was on jupiter. I stumbled through as many of the things I could remember wanting to tell Bob Taylor if I ever met him. And I also actually stumbled over one of those parking lot cement blocks (but thankfully didn’t fall!) I was petrified! They were both amazingly kind and let me walk in with them and chat for a minute and take a picture. I was a jittery nervous mess but I’ve thought so many times over the years about being able to meet Bob Taylor in person and thank him for all that he has done for the world of guitar and for the world that we live on. It was a pinnacle moment for me that I am grateful for the universe having laid the opportunity in front me.

How cool that these two who are at the top of the guitar industry and probably worth millions spend 2-3 hours in a car together driving up to LA from San Diego. No private jet, no limo, just the two guitar geeks in a Toyota.

There were some cool performances, including Lisa Loeb and Ben Harper. Also Andy jams at the end which is amazing – he’s awesome.

You can see the whole thing here on YT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KW23wgJOSrE&t=2952s

And attached is a photo I will cherish forever. I’m so grateful for this community and for being a part of the guitar world. Gonna go play some guitar.