What do 400 electric guitarists playing the same song in the same place at the same time sound like? The town of LaSalle, IL may soon find out, and it will be a sound the world has never heard. OmniArts of Starved Rock Country, a non-profit organization supporting the arts in North Central Illinois’ Starved Rock region, will attempt to break a Guinness Book record with the world’s largest electric
guitar ensemble this spring. Haze Smokehouse, a barbecue restaurant in LaSalle is teaming up with OmniArts to host the event Saturday, May 28, 2016.
“We’re calling on all guitarists, near and far, to join us in breaking this record. If you have an electric guitar, if you know how to play it, and if you want to be a part of history, we’re asking you to sign up,” said OmniArts’ Executive Director, Bill Jankowski. The attempt is part of OmniArts mission to enhance awareness of, and support for, art and music in Starved Rock Country, a region known by tourists for Starved Rock State Park. LaSalle, located in the heart of the region, is where Interstate 80 and Interstate 39 intersect.
“Breaking this record will shine an international spotlight on our region, not only during the event, but as long as we’re able to keep the title of record-holder,” said Jankowski. The current record stands at 368 guitarists, and was set by a group in India. The goal in LaSalle is to attract at least 400 musicians, and Haze Smokehouse owner Lee Pakula says there’s room for many more.
“We hope to see at least 500 guitarists join us, and we’ll gladly welcome 600. It’s going to be a great day of music and barbeque, and we’re thrilled to support such a worthy cause,” said Pakula, a lifelong musician turned bbq pitmaster. “LaSalle used to be known for live music,” he added, having headlined and organized hundreds of rock shows in the area. “We want to remind people how much talent we have here, and what better way to do that than to get everyone together.”
So what do 400 rock guitarists gathering at a smokehouse play? Deep Purple’s Smoke on the Water, of course. The ensemble will also attempt Ted Nugent’s Cat Scratch Fever. Besides brushing up on this two-song set list, interested guitarists should visit www.omniarts.org to reserve their spot. There is a $12 registration fee, to cover the cost of organizing the attempt. Guitarists also need to bring a small practice amplifier, in order to meet Guinness Book requirements that each musician plays through his or her own amp. OmniArts is already looking beyond May 2016, to the long-term impact this could have. Success in LaSalle could spark an international rivalry with the current record holders, in which case the group hopes to make the record attempt an annual event, and something the region becomes known for. This recognition could also mean a boost in donations to OmniArts, which relies on contributions to support the growing number of art programs in schools, community theatres, symphonies, and other non-profit organizations throughout 16 area communities.
