Parks board backs Guitar Town festival; forwards contract with Soundcheck Entertainment

The City of Waukesha Parks, Recreation and Forestry Board unanimously recommended that the City enter a contract with Soundcheck Entertainment LLC to stage the Guitar Town Music Festival at Cutler Park on Saturday, June 13, running from noon to 8 p.m.

Joanna, a parks staff presenter, summarized the proposal and introduced the promoters and consultants. Brad Smith, the festival’s music industry consultant, described Guitar Town as a free, family-friendly outdoor concert focused on original music and tied to Waukesha’s association with guitarist Les Paul. “This could be a great economic driver especially for the city,” Smith said, noting plans to include local bands, a Les Paul–themed acknowledgement and youth participation from Les Paul Middle School.

Smith and staff told board members the event’s safety and security plan has been reviewed by police and fire and that the department supported a first‑year staffing model similar to Tribute Tuesdays: one officer supplemented by community service officers (CSOs) and reserves, plus on‑site seasonal staff to manage trash pickup. Staff said concessions would be handled using the city’s existing concessionaire model and that alcohol carry‑ins are prohibited by ordinance; staff will rely on signage and volunteer greeters rather than bag checks.

Board members pressed organizers on likely costs for city staffing, cleanup responsibilities and crowd control. Staff responded that regular seasonal staff would handle midday cleanup and that the police recommendation was for an officer plus CSOs for the initial year; street closures were not planned and would be decided only if police deemed them necessary. Organizers said volunteers would wear high‑visibility shirts and act as greeters and liaisons, and that they had discussed participation with Gibson and other industry partners to help market the inaugural event.

After discussion, Steve Johnson moved to approve the contract recommendation; Sarah Roth seconded. The motion passed unanimously and will be forwarded to the common council for final approval.

The board’s action sets the City on a path to host the new Guitar Town Music Festival in June; organizers said they will continue finalizing talent, sponsorships and operational details before coming back to city decision makers as needed.