The first annual Howard Roberts Celebrity Guitar Summit is set for January 22 at the Anaheim Plaza Hotel Celebrity Ballroom, during the annual NAMM show. The event will pay homage to the late studio/jazz guitar legend and the Hollywood studio scene from the 1950s through today, showcase the innovative teaching techniques Roberts employed at Guitar Institute of Technology, and include performances by Ernie Watts, Russell Ferrante, Chuck Berghofer, Carol Kaye, Ralph Humphrey, Howard Alden, Mitch Holder, Tim May, Mike Anthony, and others. The event will also serve as a the release party for a documentary film and album dedicated to Roberts.

Revered as one of the most heard and recorded guitarists in history, Roberts’ list of credits includes “The Twilight Zone,” “Green Acres,” “The Munsters,” “The Andy Griffith Show,” “Batman,” The Sandpiper, Cool Hand Luke, Dirty Harry. and Camelot. He also recorded with The Beach Boys, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, The Monkees, Ray Charles, Sarah Vaughn, and many more.

Produced by Roberts’ son, Jay, the film documents his father’s career with interviews of colleagues, friends, family, and peers, more than 30 of whom will gather for the celebration.

“This project has revealed so many wonderful things and significant details about my dad,” he said. “I found a strong consensus that H.R. was not just Hollywood’s favorite session guitarist, but players all over the country eagerly awaited his next album. This documentary illuminates his influence on so many careers.”

Proceeds from the event and sales of the tribute film DVD/CD will help support the Howard Roberts Scholarship Fund. Tickets in the form of donations will be available at the door or online at www.howardrobertsproject.com. The event is sponsored by Gibson Guitars, Mackie Audio, Ampeg, Yamaha, Quilter Amplifiers, Zildjian and C2 Imaging.