Classic, vintage guitars at Hard Rock today

The Commonwealth Volunteer Fire Department is presenting Saipan’s first Guitar Show today, July 17. at the Hard Rock Café-Saipan from noon to 5pm.

The Marianas Guitar Show will be displaying over 30 guitars, basses, collector’s pieces and other stringed instruments, featuring vintage, classic, contemporary models and rare finds by Gibson, Fender, Rickenbacher, Epiphone and more.

Highlights of the show include a Jimi Hendrix/Noel Redding famed Hagstrom 8 string bass, a 1965 Epiphone Casino, 1966 Fender Mustang guitar, a Kramer Steel neck bass guitar, 1970 Fender Telecaster bass , Stu Hamm and many more.

Anyone can bring their guitar to show, sell or trade. There will also be an “All Comer’s” jam for those who would like to sit in and play some music.

John Hoffman, an avid blue guitar player and founder of the Micronesian Blues Society, will be on hand to start the music and welcomes everyone to come and play some music.

“Whether you play acoustic, electric, bass, mandolin, banjo, blues, rock, metal or island music, come on down and join in. It is a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon, help a great cause and play music,” Hoffman said.

Hoffman also encourages residents of Saipan to come and view the display of guitars. “I have seen a few of the pieces being shown and they are fantastic. I have viewed the preliminary list and I can say Saipan will be having a one of a kind of event and it is not to be missed, some of these pieces are one of a kind. You will be surprised at all the beautiful guitars there are just on Saipan”

Admission is free, but donations are greatly appreciated with all proceeds going to the Commonwealth Volunteer Fire Department for the purchase of books and other training materials and equipment.

Event organizer Jim Arenovski said there will be raffle tickets available for an array of prizes and you do not need to be present to win. There will also be displays of the basic fire fighting equipment needed to outfit the volunteer unit. Volunteer Fire Fighters, who are in training, will be present too.

“This is a family event,” said Arenovski. “We’ll have guitars that children can touch and play and kids of all ages can have their photo taken with a guitar or fire hat for a small donation. We have never had an event like this before so take the family, have a fun time and support a great organization”

Interested musicians, collectors and music fans should contact Arenovski at 287-7037.