Drum Workshop, parent company of Ovation, has resumed production of the brand’s acoustic/electric guitars, basses, mandolins, and ukuleles in New Hartford, Connecticut. To mark the occasion, fans of the brand from around the world have been invited to the factory October 26 for a private performance by Kevin Cronin and other members of REO Speedwagon. Cronin will strum the first 50th Anniversary Commemorative Custom Elite Guitar to come off the line.

Ovation is prepping more special-edition guitars, including a gloss-black signature Viper for Cronin, as well as models for Kaki King and Melissa Etheridge.