By Pauline France

On Saturday, March 2, Brooklyn, N.Y., music shop Retrofret Vintage Guitars hosted a book signing to celebrate author John Thomas’ new release, Kalamazoo Gals: A Story of Extraordinary Women and Gibson’s Banner Guitars of World War II.

The book shares the story of women who took over Gibson Guitars during World War II when females worked in factories while men were participating in the war.

Retrofret Vintage Guitars was the perfect home for the celebration, as the store carries a fine selection of vintage Gibson guitars and has a guitar repair shop operated by expert women.

“We are uniquely connected to the subject of Mr. Thomas’ new book Kalamazoo Gals for many reasons,” said Retrofret Vintage Guitars owner Steve Uhrik. “First of all, we have quite a thing for old Gibson guitars! Secondly, our repair shop happens to be run by a woman and our staff includes three female technicians handling most of the repair and restoration work.”

Click here to purchase your copy of Kalamazoo Gals, and visit Retrofret Vintage Guitars’ website here.