Waukesha GuitarTown Kicks Off This Weekend

The long-awaited weekend is here. Waukesha GuitarTown is being unveiled this weekend in one big celebration, starting tonight with a private formal gala and kicking off publically during Freeman Friday Night Live.

The 10 10-foot-tall Gibson guitars are paying tribute to inventor and music legend Les Paul, who is a Waukesha native. The large guitars have been decorated by area artists and will be placed at various locations throughout the downtown.

• Guitar locations

The kickoff event begins at 5:30 p.m. Friday at the Five Points in downtown Waukesha, which is being set up as the main stage. The Les Paul Trio will take the stage at 6 p.m. and the  Sam Llanas Band will play with Richie Furay and Rusty Paul at 8:30 p.m.

Here is the rest of the schedule for Freeman Friday Night Live:

• Martha Merrell’s Books/Cuddles; Mike and Kathy G-Man Music
• Allo Chocolat; Chad James and Mike Westendorf
• Rockin' & Poppin' On Broadway Stage; The Notebenders
• Mia's; Peter D'Amore
• Steaming Cup; Barefoot “N” Bluejeans  
• Magellans; Lonely Hearts 

Special Street Closures

The Five Points will partially close early Friday as crews begin setting up the main stage for the downtown celebration. The full street closure will be in effect at 5 p.m. Maps of the street closures are attached to this article.

Auction, Sponsors and More

Bidding has opened up for three playable guitars by Sarah Gallenberger, Mutope Johnson, and Jason Vogt that will be auctioned off online and during the gala event on May 31.  Photos and more information on these guitars can be found at http://www.waukeshaguitartown.com/guitar-auction/.

The event was made possible through the support of these Waukesha GuitarTown sponsors.

Take an inside look at the members of the GuitarTown Steering Committee and how they brought their expertise to help make the project a reality.

Editor’s Note: The above information includes information from a news release from Waukesha GuitarTown and the Waukesha Police Department.