New Program Guitar Center Sessions Featuring Real Conversations and Raw Performances with Influential Artists Debuts August 21st

Guitar Center, in partnership with Collective Media and DIRECTV, today announced the debut of Guitar Center Sessions, a new television special featuring exclusive performances and intimate conversations with revered musicians.

Hosted by Jason Bentley, KCRW’s Music Director and host of Morning Becomes Eclectic, Guitar Center Sessions’ first episode features the iconic Peter Gabriel, fresh off of the release of his critically-acclaimed new album "Scratch My Back" and sold-out world tour. The show premieres August 21st on DIRECTV’s The 101 Network (channel 101) at 9PM ET/PT in 2D hi-definition and is currently airing in 3D on DIRECTV’s new 3D channel, n3D powered by Panasonic (channel 103).

A sneak preview of the show can be seen at www.guitarcenter.com/sessions. To celebrate the launch, Guitar Center and Peter Gabriel are offering a free download of Gabriel’s "Here Comes the Flood," a rare and special take on the classic hit as performed on the forthcoming show. The download is available at www.guitarcenter.com/sessions.

Continuing its commitment to inspiring musicians, Guitar Center Sessions is filmed in front of a live audience, primarily consisting of music students, giving them a rare peak inside the minds of today’s most influential artists. Each episode is filmed at the world famous Guitar Center Hollywood Vintage Room, providing an ideal environment for unveiling the inspiring stories, techniques and characteristics that define each of the episodes’ artists. Home viewers and attendees alike will hear first-hand accounts from each artist about their personal and musical journeys and the influences that molded them into the icons they have become.

"With Guitar Center Sessions we feel that we’ve created an opportunity that will inspire and help musicians," said Dustin Hinz Director of Music and Entertainment Marketing for Guitar Center "For the show it was key that we create an intimate environment where musicians could truly learn from Peter Gabriel–how he works and what inspires him. The audience, along with the setting and the amazing music mind of host Jason Bentley makes this a unique television experience geared towards helping musicians become better at their craft."

Guitar Center Sessions on DIRECTV is an extension of Guitar Center’s ongoing music education based initiative of the same name. The program features informative, provocative panel discussions and hands-on tutorials for musicians and provides them with the chance to gain insight and knowledge from their heroes in a comfortable and intimate setting.