The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) will present a concert in tribute to the late guitarist Chet Atkins on Friday, Sept. 6, at 8 p.m. in the University Theatre. John Knowles, Atkins’ long-time friend and collaborator, will perform some of Atkins’ music and present rare historic video of Atkins performing and teaching.

Tickets for The Chet Atkins’ Tribute featuring John Knowles are $15 for the general public, $10 for students of other universities, $5 for children under 18 and free to students with a UTD photo identification card.

During his lifetime, Atkins influenced a generation of guitarists such as Jerry Reed, Earl Klugh and Mark Knopfler and changed the face of American popular music as a record producer of the works of such artists as Perry Como, Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton. Atkins is a member of both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Knowles and Atkins met in 1973 while John was teaching guitar at Eastfield Community College in Mesquite, Texas. After an early collaboration won a Grammy award, Knowles moved to Nashville where he and Atkins produced a number of educational books and videos. Knowles and Atkins recorded with Liona Boyd and John Pell as The First Nashville Guitar Quartet. In 1996, Atkins awarded Knowles the first Honorary CGP (Certified Guitar Player) degree.

Tickets to the concert will be available for purchase beginning Aug. 27. Tickets are on sale Tuesdays to Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Art & Performance Office in the Visual Arts Building on the UTD campus and at the door of each event one hour prior to show time.

Tickets also are available for purchase with MasterCard and Visa by phone during office hours. Messages may be left on an automated information line at 972-883-2787 (972-UTD ARTS).

For information about the many musical, arts, theatre, dance and other performances and exhibitions held throughout the year at UTD, please call 972-UTD-ARTS (972-883-2787) e-mail utdarts@utdallas.edu, or visit the School of Arts and Humanities’ web site at www.utdallas.edu/ah. Persons with disabilities needing special accommodations may call 972-883-2982. Texas Relay Operator: 1-800-RELAYVV.