Guitar Hero

Local rocker and curator of vintage sounds Johnny “The Colonel” Maguire will be hosting his Super Dooper Guitar Party on Saturday, October 13 at the German Hall in Pawtucket. This is the event's fourth year, so we've compiled four good reasons why you should adopt it as a tradition of your own.

1. Pompadours Galore
These days, the only trend that seems to linger is the everything-old-is-new-again vintage craze. Take one step onto Thayer Street and you’ll see what I mean. So, why not put your imitation Buddy Holly glasses to good use and join the dapper crowd at this year’s Super Dooper Guitar Party? And ladies, dig out your finest stockings because now’s your chance to channel your inner Bettie Page. Though there is no required retro dress code, some outfit creativity should put you in a Halloween frame of mind.

2. Have a Bite
Talk about vintage and it doesn’t get much more old school than the Haven Brothers Diner. Providence’s famous 124-year-old mobile diner will be providing the food for the event in the spirit of a local classic.

3. Toys from the Attic
As part of the tradition, Empire Guitars, located right on North Main Street on the East Side, will once again be sponsoring the event, and they’re bringing some axes to play with. Empire, along with a few other retailers, will have new and vintage guitars and amps out for sale and admiration. You’ll also find vendors with records, apparel and memorabilia.

4. The Main Attraction
Of course, the highlight of any Guitar Party has to be the live entertainment, and just like in the past, this year’s artists are bound to impress with genres ranging from blues to soul, folk to rockabilly. The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion is headlining on the heels of the release of their first studio album in eight years. In addition, Providence’s own Boo City, who performed at Foo Fest this year, and Atlantic Thrills will be representing the vibrant local music scene. Neighbors to the north, Jittery Jack from Boston and Bloodshot Bill from Montreal, will be bringing the rockabilly spirit straight from the ‘50s with pompadours as high as the energy they exude.

Tickets to The Colonel’s Super Dooper Guitar Party are very limited – $27 in advance and $30 on the day of the show – and are available for purchase by emailing The Colonel at johnnythecolonelmaguire@yahoo.com. Stay tuned for updates on Facebook. The Party begins at 4pm and rocks until midnight, so don’t miss out!

In the meantime, let this video from the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion get you ready to rock: