GuitarManiaŽ II, Encore in 2004, takes center stage on Friday, May 28 at Key Plaza in front of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum

(Cleveland, Ohio) May 13, 2004
GuitarManiaŽ II, Encore in 2004, presented by United Way Services of Greater Cleveland in conjunction with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, kicks off its summer run on Friday, May 28 at Key Plaza in front of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. GuitarManiaŽ II, Encore in 2004, marks the return of Cleveland's public art project featuring 10-foot-tall models of Fender StratocasterŽ guitars with creative designs by celebrity and local artists.

Following a press conference at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, May 28, the band of guitars created by 16 celebrities and 74 local artists will remain on display throughout Memorial Day weekend. On June 1, the guitars will be moved for the summer to locations throughout Greater Cleveland. They will return Labor Day weekend to the Rock Hall until November 6 when they will be auctioned off. Proceeds benefit United Way Services nearly 130 partner agencies and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum's education fund.

The Honorary Chair is The Hon. Jane L. Campbell, mayor of the city of Cleveland; and Co-Chairs are K. Michael Benz, president and CEO of United Way Services of Greater Cleveland and Terry Stewart, CEO of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.

"GuitarManiaŽ is another example of this Administration's commitment to public art," said Mayor Jane L. Campbell. "We are looking forward again to having this exciting artistic contribution, which will enhance and add color to the streetscape and promote this great city."

Celebrities headlining the project by designing guitars include: Michael "Flea" Balzary (Red Hot Chili Peppers); Jim Belushi; Bon Jovi; Jackson Browne (Hall of Fame inductee); David Carradine (Kill Bill and Kung Fu series); Mike & Matt Chapman - (homestarrunner.com); Richie Havens; Maria Elena Holly (Buddy Holly's widow); Graham Nash (Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young); Kristin Nelson (Ricky Nelson's widow); Joe Perry (Aerosmith); Marky Ramone (The Ramones); Beatle's artist Shannon (2); Lamar Sorrento; and Ronnie Wood (Rolling Stones). In addition, Liv Tyler (Lord of the Rings) is designing and painting the guitar for Prewitt Fiberglass.

"This project positions the boundless creativity of Cleveland-area artists right next to the talents of internationally known artists, world-class musicians and various celebrities," said K. Michael Benz. "We are thankful for those partners who made this project possible two years ago and to those who are with us for the dynamic Encore in 2004."

"The entire GuitarManiaŽ project celebrates both the musical heritage of Greater Cleveland, as well as its thriving arts community," said Terry Stewart. "We are pleased to be able to share this experience with both residents and visitors alike."

GuitarManiaŽ was initiated as a public art project in 2002 by United Way Services in cooperation with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. The guitars are fiberglass models of the Fender StratocasterŽ, which is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary. In addition to the celebrity artists, more than 70 local artists are sponsored by corporations and organizations. Their designs, among 175 deemed eligible by an artistic review jury, were then chosen for sponsorship. Sponsors have the option of buying back the guitars or allowing them to be auctioned off on November 6. Project Manager is Dave Shriber, and Michelle Carver is Special Events Manager for United Way Services.

Each guitar is 10 feet tall, 40 inches wide, 5.5 inches thick and weighs 100 pounds with a stand weighing 60 pounds. They rest on a cement base weighing 900 pounds. Fender Musical Instruments Corp. and Prewitt Fiberglass created the fiberglass guitar figure.

Sponsoring partners include Fender Musical Instruments Corp., The Plain Dealer, Continental Airlines, cleveland.com, Clear Channel Radio, Turner Construction, Sherwin-Williams, Convention and Visitors Bureau of Greater Cleveland, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, and United Way Services of Greater Cleveland.

United Way Services is the largest private funder of health and human services in Greater Cleveland. Last year, United Way's volunteers raised $46.5 million dollars to provide more than 180 programs through nearly 130 partner agencies. Approximately one-in-four Greater Clevelanders annually benefit from United Way efforts. Should any person or family have need for United Way-provided services at any time, the generosity of Greater Clevelanders ensures they will be available. In addition, United Way is convener and member of the Community Vision Council, an organization consisting of leaders in government, education, nonprofits, philanthropy and other sectors who participate in a community-wide effort to serve as a catalyst for meaningful change in Greater Cleveland.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum exists to educate its visitors, fans and scholars from around the world about the history and significance of rock and roll music. The museum carries out this mission through its efforts to collect, preserve, exhibit and interpret this art form.

For a complete list of artists, guitars, sponsors and locations, log on to www.cleveland.com/guitarmania. For further information, contact Michelle A. Carver at (216) 436-2121 or mcarver@uws.org.