But that's what happened.
The
Michael Molenda has been editor of Guitar Player for 20+ years, so it's tempting to joke that an archaeological research center would seek him out for an award.
But that's what happened.
The Stone Age Institute and the University of Indiana's CRAFT Research Center bestowed Molenda with its 2018 Craftsmanship Award on April 12, 2018 in Bloomington, Indiana.
The Award is given to "world-class artisans from a wide variety of backgrounds to celebrate the highest levels of craftsmanship." Past honorees in the music field have included Seymour Duncan (1994), John Raitt (Bonnie's dad, 1998), Kenny Aronoff (2000), Todd Rungren (2010), and Gordon Getty (2011).
Molenda with his award plaque.
The Stone Age Institute—founded by University of Indiana anthropology professors Nicholas Toth and Kathy Schick—is an independent research center dedicated to the archaeological study of human origins and technological development. The Indiana center itself is an architectural wonder, and the duo recently opened the Kaman Foundation Laboratory in Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania.
Part of the celebration is a jam session at the Stone Age Institute's stunning office in Bloomington, Indiana.
"This was such an unexpected surprise that I almost questioned whether it was real of not," says Molenda. "And, man, Nicholas and Kathy know how to make someone feel special, and they throw an amazing party, as well. They gave me a tour of the Institute, showed me the hot spots of Bloomington, got me a private viewing of Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay's guitar collection, escorted me around the University of Indiana's fabulous Music Department, hosted a really tremendous jam session and get-together, and even let me record a guitar solo on one of the songs they produce to celebrate their archeological digs. I was blown away by not only their generosity, but also by