Music retailer Sweetwater has announced details for GearFest ’14, being held Friday, June 6 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, June 7 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 5501 US Hwy 30 W, Fort Wayne, Indiana.

GearFest is the largest music trade show open to the general public in the United States, featuring a combination of gear expo, entertainment events, flea market, musician’s mecca, and educational and musical demonstrations and workshops.

GearFest is a free event. 

GearFest will host a variety of musicians performing and in workshops continuously in six different venues.

Featured guest is drummer Jason Bonham, son of legendary Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, and drummer for more recent music projects of Jimmy Page and Robert Plant. Other musicians include bass player Billy Sheehan, drummer Kenny Aronoff, guitarists Jason Hook, Shaun Hopper, Don Carr, Devin Townsend, Emil Werstler, Carl Verheyen, and Brad Davis, keyboard player Larry Dunn, and many more.

The marquee event at GearFest ’14 is Saturday’s Producer’s Panel, including:

• Bruce Swedien (Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, Count Basie);
• Bob Clearmountain (The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Bruce Springsteen);
• Ed Cherney (Eric Clapton, Bob Seger, The Fabulous Thunderbirds);
• Mick Guzauski (Daft Punk, Earth, Wind & Fire, Mariah Carey);
• Ross Hogarth (Van Halen, Motley Crue, REM);
• Richard Chycki (Aerosmith, Rush, Mick Jagger);
• Bil Vorndick (Bob Dylan, Alison Krauss, Bela Fleck), and
• Fab Dupont (Queen Latifah, Jennifer Lopez, Bon Jovi).

The panel will discuss a wide range of music recording and production topics moderated by Sweetwater’s Mitch Gallagher.

GearFest features include hourly giveaway drawings for free music gear totaling more than $72,000, from Gibson, Fender, Antelope, Focal, Moog, and others.

More than 200 manufacturers of musical instruments, music technology, and audio equipment will display all the latest gear; a rare opportunity to experience the products of more than 35 guitar gear manufactures, more than 45 recording equipment vendors, 20 software publishers, 20 microphone makers, and many more.

A musicians’ flea market, where used equipment can be bought, sold, or traded is open to all. To pre-register to participate in the flea market, call (260) 432-8176.

The entire GearFest ’14 schedule of events is available online. Out-of-town guests are encouraged to book hotel accommodations as early as possible. See the Sweetwater site for travel details. 

You can pre-register online; visit  For more information, call (800) 222-4700.