Deadline for International Multi-Genre Guitar Competition Announced

Guitar players of all ages have until May 31, 2017, to apply for a chance to win their share of $32,000 in prize money as part of the fifth annual internationAl Wilson Center Guitar Festival taking place August 17-19, 2017, at the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts (Wilson Center) in Brookfield, Wisconsin.

Committed to celebrating the greatest guitarists of today and tomorrow, the Wilson Center Guitar Festival is the only guitar festival in the world to feature four different genres-Classical, Fingerstyle, Jazz, and Rock & Blues. Over the past five years, the festival has grown to an international celebration of the instrument, with competitors coming from more than 26 states and 16 different countries, including Italy, Finland, Serbia, Japan, Croatia, Israel, Slovenia, Australia, Israel, Brazil, France, Indonesia, Singapore, Jamaica, Vietnam, and Canada.

The 2017 Festival will include competition rounds, master classes led by some of today's best guitarists, industry exhibits featuring the latest and greatest in guitar gear, live music from local artists, and ticketed headliner concerts, which this year will feature renowned classical ensemble Beijing Guitar Duo; fingerstyle legends Antoine Dufour, Gareth Pearson, and Mike Dawes; and modern-day jazz prophet and former band leader of The Tonight Show Kevin Eubanks. Competitor applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. (CDT) on May 31, 2017. The application fee is $50 and competitors may apply online at www.wcguitarfest.com for a maximum of two categories.

The initial preliminary round of judging will take place via YouTube video. From the pool of YouTube and DVD applications, jurors will select semi-finalists who will be invited to the live semi-final round at the Wilson Center on Friday, Aug. 18. The number of competitors advancing to the final round at the Wilson Center on Saturday, Aug. 19, will be determined by the semi-final round adjudicators; semi-final and final round performances will be judged by a panel of renowned artists from each genre, including 2017 Festival headliner performers and music industry experts. All semi-final and final competition rounds are live and open to the public to attend, with winners announced on the Saturday afternoon of the festival. First-place winners in each genre will receive $5,000, as well as the opportunity to open for Eubanks on Saturday, Aug 19; second-place winners in each genre will receive $2,000; and third-place winners in each genre will receive $1,000.

The 2017 Wilson Center Guitar Festival is made possible by the support of Festival Sponsors Jackie and Michael Barber, Krause Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, The Les Paul Foundation, Marcus Corporation Foundation, John Shiely, Vince Shiely, and Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity Beta Alpha Boule; Competition Prize Money Sponsor Mark and Sharon Cameli in memory of John Cameli; and Festival Partners CandyRat Records, Cascio Interstate Music, Discovery World, Girl Guitar Austin, Girls Rock, and Wisconsin Public Radio. ABOUT THE SHARON LYNNE WILSON CENTER FOR THE ARTS The Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts is one of the finest multi-disciplinary cultural arts centers in the United States, with a mission to be the catalyst for lifelong discovery and exploration of the Arts.

Founded in 2002, the Wilson Center presents performances by world-renowned artists and ensembles; offers arts education opportunities; curates the Ploch Art Gallery, which features both national and Wisconsin-based fine artists; and is committed to extending the arts beyond the walls of the Center through Lynn Chappy ArtsPark-a vibrant, outdoor sculpture landscape that will engage and inspire the broader Southeast Wisconsin Community. In August, the annuAl Wilson Center Guitar Competition & Festival celebrates the world's leading classical, rock/blues, jazz, and fingerstyle guitarists. The Wilson Center nurtures lifelong learning through innovative programs and classes for all interests, ages, and abilities in state-of-the-art studios and classrooms. Some of Southeast Wisconsin's finest arts organizations offer professional instruction at the Wilson Center, including First Stage Theater Academy, Trinity Irish Dancers, and the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music.

From performances and recitals to meetings and special events, the Wilson Center's beautiful spaces are available for rental to individuals, schools, organizations, and corporations throughout the community. To learn more, visit www.wilson-center.com. ABOUT THE WILSON CENTER GUITAR FESTIVAL Established in 2013, it is the goal of the Wilson Center Guitar Festival to celebrate the greatest guitarists of today and tomorrow.

As the only guitar festival in the world to feature four different genres-Classical, Fingerstyle, Jazz, and Rock & Blues-the three-day weekend is filled with activities for music lovers of all ages. In addition to ticketed headliner evening concerts, all daytime activities are free and open to the public, including: semi-final and final competition rounds, master classes, leading industry vendors, and live music from local artists. To learn more, visit www.wcguitarfest.com.