By: Troy Michael

“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 the many 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, including via Facebook (www.facebook.com/GuitarMash) and Twitter (@GuitarMashNYC).

To spread the word and get perfect strangers making music together, Guitar Mash will hold its inaugural event at City Winery on Sunday November 11, 2012, 11:30am. The centerpiece will be a mass jam led by musical director Mark Stewart and a selection of “star guitarists” backed by a band of New York’s finest session players, featuring tunes participants can download and practice prior to the show. Guests will enjoy brunch, craft beers and cocktails.

Participants will also have a unique opportunity to play a selection of “Dream Guitars,” rare instruments from such esteemed makers as Martin, Gibson and Fender for a small fee. They will also get a chance 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. Among the featured guitarists will be Bob Dylan collaborator and multi-instrumentalist Larry Campbell (who has played with everyone from Levon Helm to Rosanne Cash); downtown rock icon and music historian Lenny Kaye (guitarist for Patti Smith, and mastermind behind the Nuggets garage rock compilations); admired bluesman Stefan Grossman (protégé of the fingerpicking blues legend Rev. Gary Davis); avant-roots maverick Nels Cline (of Wilco); and preeminent, paradigm-shifting rocker Vernon Reid (of Living Colour).

Where: City Winery NYC on November 11th and Online through Livestream: new.livestream.com/guitarmash/nov11jam

Why: The goal of Guitar Mash is to bring players of varying backgrounds together (pros, amateurs, kids, grandparents) to show the many sides of the ubiquitous instrument and to connect over the love of the guitar on an online platform.

Perks: Attendees of the event with have a chance to play a selection of “Dream Guitars,” rare instruments from such esteemed makers as Martin, Gibson and Fender for a small fee. They will also get a chance 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.

Tickets-All tickets get ya music, brunch and bloodys (softer drinks for the teens). Not necessary to have a guitar to enter. A minimum of 200 seats will be saved for guitarists, who can buy tickets at any of the above levels. Ph: 212.608.0555 Tix: $125/$50 (11-19)/$250 (fam-2 parent, 1 teen), Show: 12 noon