Friday, May 31^st Waukesha, Wisconsin launched its outdoor art project and its celebration of Les Paul’s connection to his hometown. Gibson Guitar Corp. designated Waukesha as its eighth GuitarTown and Henry Juszkiewicz, CEO of Gibson Guitars, was on hand for the unveiling of the guitars.

Guests poured into the city’s historic rotunda to see ten 10-foot-tall artistically embellished Gibson guitars, 20 decorated “playable” guitars and to hear and greet the Les Paul Trio and Rusty Paul.

The celebrations continue on Friday with the owner of the Club 400 sharing stories and images from the days Les’ brother and father owned the tavern. Rusty Paul and Sue Baker, Les Paul Foundation’s Program Director, will be meeting people at the site of Les’ memorial in Prairie Home Cemetery in the afternoon. Bob Jacobson, author of Les Paul Guitar Wizard, will be at the Waukesha county Museum signing and discussing his book.

The city’s annual Friday Night Live music program will launch Friday with the Les Paul Trio performing in the heart of the city’s closed streets. Immediately after the Trio performs, six stages on the closed streets will fill the air with rock, country and jazz music. Friday’s event culminates with the Sam Llanas band performing with Rusty Paul and former Buffalo Springfield music legend Richie Furay.

There was a palpable energy and enthusiasm as The Trio played Les’ signature melodies. Sammy Llanas, formerly of the Bo Deans and a Waukesha native, joined the trio for several numbers. Sammy said it was an honor to sing with the group even though the songs were different from his usual style.

Sue Baker of The Les Paul Foundation will be on hand Friday evening talking to visitors about Les, answering questions and distributing the foundation’s collectible Les Paul cards.

See www.waukeshaguitartown.com/launch-events for further details on events.