Come see the hottest guitar players on the Central Coast battle it out for the chance to win a $1,750 custom-made guitar from Ernie Ball/Musicman or a Boss digital recorder.

Grand Performance is hosting a guitar competition at The Graduate on Saturday, Oct. 25 from noon to 5 p.m. The show is free and all proceeds from the accompanying raffle will be donated to the San Luis Obispo Literacy Council.

Dan Ernst, the manager of Grand Performance and organizer of the event, said a good time is expected.

“It’s gonna be great. We’ve got seven judges coming from different companies like Fender, Ibanez … all the big guys.”

The guitar competition will consist of 18 performers in two age groups—17 and under and 18 and over. They will be displaying their skills in a timed, two-minute segment against a backing track of their choice (country, rock, funk, blues, or jazz) as well as a two-minute original segment to showcase their own techniques and styles.

First prize for the adult competition will be a custom-built $1,750 Ernie Ball Music Man electric guitar, and second prize is a Boss digital recorder. The young guns will be competing for the first-place prize: a Fender Hot Rod deluxe guitar amplifier. Second-place prize is a Shure VHF guitar wireless system.

Raffle items include an Applause acoustic guitar, a Jackson Warrior electric guitar, a Cort acoustic guitar AJ 870, DVDs, two Levy gigbags, an Ibanez electric guitar, a Peavey Raptor electric guitar, and Shure e3 earphones.

FAST FACTS

Darren Marson at Bright Ideas Design Group wants to get the word out that “a lighting designer has moved to town.” Lighting designers work with customers to plan the lighting in their home to reflect the way they live. A lighting designer will use his or her expertise to highlight certain areas, such as artwork or architectural elements, and can also help select appropriate energy efficient fixtures and exterior lighting to accentuate gardens and walkways. So, whether you’re building a new home, remodeling an existing structure, or just need some extra help lighting up your life, Marson has lots of great ideas for you. Halloween is coming up—ghoulish lighting, anyone? Marson can be reached at 801-7461 or [email protected]. …

… The Women’s Community Center (WCC) invites the public on Monday, Oct. 27 to see their new home at 1129 Marsh St. in San Luis Obispo. The offices will be open and refreshments will be served from 5:30 to 7 p.m. In addition, there will be entertainment and the opportunity to learn what women are doing in your community. The WCC, which also shares the space with the Community Counseling Center, offers information and referrals to resources in the community, classes on issues of interest to women, and ongoing seminars and clinics in family law. …

… Ambassadors from the Avila and Black Lake golf courses will host a golf tournament Nov. 1, 2003 to benefit children in the Lucia Mar school district. Healthy Smile will use all the funds raised to offer dental services to children not covered by dental insurance. The tournament is a four-person scramble beginning at 11 a.m. at Black Lake Golf Course. There will be a silent auction, as well as a long drive and hole-in-one contest. To sign up a team, sponsor a hole, or make a donation, call 343-1214. …

… Certified massage therapist Elise Hirschl, formerly of the Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort, has opened a private practice in conjunction with Atascadero Family Chiropractic, located at 581 Traffic Way in Atascadero. Hirschl, a certified massage therapist for seven years, offers an integrated style of massage with an emphasis on providing balance, well-being, and optimal health. Gift certificates are available. For more information, contact Elise at 466-3643. ³

This week’s Strokes & Plugs were compiled by Staff Writer Matt McBride and interns Sierra Fish and Dylan Price.