LYNN — The Experience Hendrix Tour brought legendary guitar riffs and a surprise gift to Lynn Thursday, combining a high-octane tribute performance with a nod to local music education.
Before the show kicked off at Lynn Auditorium — featuring artists including Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Marcus King, Zakk Wylde, and Eric Johnson — Janie Hendrix, stepsister of the late Jimi Hendrix and CEO of Experience Hendrix, presented two electric guitars as part of the tour’s educational outreach.
One 2024 Epiphone Satin E1 Ebony Les Paul electric guitar was gifted to Lynn Public Schools and accepted by Julie Carroll, assistant director of curriculum and instruction for music.
“It is just amazing that they recognized us and wanted to give back to our students,” Carroll said. “We’re planning to house the guitar at Lynn Tech, which is one of our newest and fastest-growing music programs. It’s a great fit — those students love rock-inspired music, and we have a fantastic teacher there, Melanie Dada, who’s really skilled at guitar. The students are going to be thrilled.”
A second guitar, a Fender Squier model, was awarded to Douglas Lyons, superintendent of Wakefield Public Schools.
Janie Hendrix spoke about the importance of supporting school music programs, saying the tour aims to keep Jimi’s legacy alive not just through performances, but by giving back to communities.
“The more you give us, the more we give you,” she told the crowd before the show. “We want to celebrate Jimi and inspire the next generation. This is all part of what he called the ‘Electric Church’ — using music as a spiritual and unifying force to bring people together.”
Carroll said she was only informed about the donation a few hours before the event and was honored to represent Lynn at the presentation.
“This is all very new — we haven’t even had the guitar for 24 hours yet,” Carroll said the day after the event. “It still has the factory wrapping on it. I don’t think the physical guitar is of historical significance, but it is of musical significance for our students.”
Plans are still being finalized for how and where the guitar will be stored, but Carroll emphasized that it will be played and used as a learning tool, not simply displayed.
Carroll, who has worked in Lynn Public Schools for 20 years, said the district’s music program continues to grow each year.
“The demand is high in this community,” she said. “We’re adding new positions next year, and we’re always grateful for donations and community support.”
Dr. Evonne S. Alvarez, superintendent of Lynn Public Schools, said the gesture will make a lasting difference.
“On behalf of Lynn Public Schools, I want to extend my gratitude for the generous donation of a 2024 Epiphone Les Paul guitar to our music program,” Alvarez said. “The contribution from the Jimi Hendrix Experience Tour will have a lasting impact on our students by providing them with new opportunities to explore their creativity, develop their musical talents, and experience the joy that comes with learning to play an instrument.”
The night ended with a powerhouse performance featuring a rotating cast of acclaimed guitarists and vocalists — including Devon Allman, Ally Venable, Henri Brown, Mato Nanji, and Dylan Triplett — performing Hendrix classics to a full house of fans.
March is Music In Our Schools Month, and Carroll noted that Lynn students had just completed a citywide tour, bringing high school ensembles to middle and elementary schools to inspire younger students.
“We want our kids to see what’s possible,” Carroll said. “They see their peers playing advanced music, and it motivates them. That’s what this is all about — exposure, inspiration, and community.”
The crowd, which included longtime fans, local families, and birthday celebrations, came ready for a night of electrifying music and nostalgic homage.
Beth Daley, who was celebrating her 60th birthday, said she came out with her family from Saugus — where she now lives, though she’s originally from Lynn.
“We’re here for Marcus King,” she said. “Best guitar player I’ve ever seen.”
Rob N., a fan from Lynn, was thrilled to see Zakk Wylde perform Hendrix.
“Zakk is awesome, and Jimi Hendrix is the best. To see Zakk play Hendrix? That’s just epic.”
Joe Giampa, another lifelong fan, said he was most looking forward to Hendrix’s most iconic tracks.
“I haven’t been to a show recently, but I’m here for Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Marcus King — and of course, Hendrix,” he said.
For one night in Lynn, the spirit of the Electric Church was alive and well — loud, soulful, and unforgettable.
