GuitarTown Music Festival debuting in Waukesha this June

One of Wisconsin’s most prominent figures will be at the center of a new free event happening in Waukesha — the GuitarTown Music Festival: A Celebration of Les Paul and Original Music.

Held at Cutler Park on Saturday, June 13, the festival will run from noon to 8 p.m. and get support from the Les Paul Foundation, Gibson Guitars and the Chad Smith Foundation. That last organization has been growing its presence in southeastern Wisconsin recently by launching an after-school music program and hosting a benefit tribute to Badfinger.

The GuitarTown Music Festival will have elements of that future focus, including a portion of the sponsorship proceeds going toward after-school music programs in Wisconsin. But the philosophy behind the event itself is instructive, emphasizing the importance of human-driven creativity and innovation in the music space.

“We are setting the bar at a ‘Custom Shop’ level for this festival,” event organizers said in a press release. “With the backing of Gibson and the foundations of two musical icons — Les Paul and Chad Smith — we are creating an immersive experience that celebrates the ‘Gold Top’ history of this city while showcasing the future of the electric guitar.”

The day will feature all original music from Wisconsin-based bands, including The Spirit Shakers (Kenosha), Racing Pulses (Madison), Violet Wilder (Milwaukee), Valleykil (Eau Claire), The Last Bees (Waukesha) and Bellevue Suite (Milwaukee). Other activities visitors will find at the festival include:

• A Gibson guitar raffle featuring a Les Paul Custom 70s model valued at $3999.
• A vendor village of family-friendly exhibits, craft makers, music-themed vendors and free musician resources.
• An instrument “petting zoo” that lets fans of all ages get their hands on the fretboards of real guitars.
• A heritage bus tour exploring the iconic Waukesha sites where Les Paul’s legendary journey began.
• Studio-quality exhibits celebrating guitar history alongside food and beverage concessions managed by the City of Waukesha.

For more information on the GuitarTown Music Festival, visit the event’s webpage.