The Birth Of Loud: Leo Fender, Les Paul, and the Guitar-Pioneering Rivalry That Shaped Rock ‘N’ Roll

with author Ian S. Port

A Mahwah Museum Benefit Event

Tuesday – October 29, 2024 at 7:30pm

Join us for a rip-roaring journey through the early days of rock n’ roll told through the lives of the men whose innovative guitars helped usher it into existence. Author and former San Francisco Weekly music editor Ian S. Port, tells the story of two protagonists, Leo Fender and Les Paul, whose instruments helped create the sounds associated with the genre. In the hands of Buddy Holly, Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix among others, the Fenders and the Gibson Les Paul’s revolutionized the way guitars were perceived, played and crucially, heard. At the center of the narrative are two opposite personalities and their fascinating biographies. Ian S. Port is an award-winning writer and music critic whose work has appeared in Rolling Stone, The Village Voice, The Three Penny, and The Believer among others. He is also the former music editor of the San Francisco Weekly.

In-person: Member $10 Non-Member $20

Virtual: Member $10 Non-member $15

This is event marks the first in the return of the Les Paul Legacy Series. Stay tuned for more event & workshop dates!

The Birth of Loud is on sale at the Mahwah Museum and Mr. Port will be available to sign them on the evening of the event. You can order your copy today through our book store here. If you would prefer your copy held at the Museum until the night of the event, just select the “Local Pickup” option and leave a note in the box provided.

This is a hybrid event and will be presented in-person and virtually over Zoom. For virtual attendees, Zoom links will be sent to the email you provide before the event. For in-person attendees, any necessary information will be sent to the email you provide. No physical ticket will be required or distributed.