Chad Smith, Mark Stewart, Tom Colicchio, and surprise guest guitarists to headline Inaugural Guitar Mash Concert + Jam on November 11, 2012 (City Winery NYC) “The guitar means so many things: the gregariousness of a campfire, the sex appeal of a rock star, the contemplative time alone with an instrument up against your heart,” reflects veteran arts instigator Rebecca Weller. “It’s portable, and it’s democratic in its appeal to those with collections of them, as well as to those with only the guitar on their backs.” Guitar Mash (guitarmash.org) a multi-platform initiative to bring players of varying backgrounds together, shows all these sides of the ubiquitous instrument. By kicking off with a big, open jam, the star-studded project will get guitarists of all levels, ages, and backgrounds actively participating. From metal shredders to acoustic aficionados, from novices to pros, Guitar Mash aims to unite players online and off. To spread the word and get perfect strangers making music together, Guitar Mash will hold its inaugural event at City Winery on November 11, 2012. At the center will be a mass jam led by musical director Mark Stewart, and a selection of “star guitarists” (to be announced in September) backed by a kick-ass band, featuring tunes participants can download and practice prior to the show. Participants will also have a unique opportunity to play a selection of “Great Guitars,” as well as to bid on signed instruments and guitar paraphernalia (such as an effects pedal signed by The Edge) as part of the Guitar Mash silent auction. Spearheaded by Weller (who co-founded Lincoln Center’s Midsummer Night Swing, among other innovative projects), Guitar Mash is supported by a diverse group of allies including Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer and guitar fan Chad Smith and chef and guitar collector Tom Colicchio of Craft restaurants and Top Chef fame, who are co-chairing the benefit concert and jam. Mark Stewart, whose musical vision and guitar playing powers Paul Simon’s current projects, will serve as musical director. “It’s just a piece of wood with some strings on it,” Smith reflects. “But you start to play and everyone starts smiling. It’s a wonderful communicator.” “The guitar is really friendly, and it rewards simple, honest effort,” says Stewart, who still remembers fondly the group jams around the fire at summer camp in rural Wisconsin that first fueled his passion for the instrument. “It has a humble nature but extraordinary eloquence. “ “You can play a few chords and hum along,” notes Colicchio, who collects vintage guitars and plays for his own pleasure on a regular basis. “You can make music with something very simple.” Guitar Mash is proud to partner with Sam Ash Music and True Religion jeans. Guitar Mash is a production of the non-profit Musiquarium, in association with Church Street School for Music and Art. A portion of the proceeds from the concert and jam at City Winery will underwrite scholarships for the Rock the House band program at Church St. School for Music and Art, Lower Manhattan’s strongest voice in arts education.