We knew it, this proves it–Wichita rocks. The electric guitar was introduced to the world right here in Wichita, Kansas, in October 1932 by Wichitan Gage Brewer. Yes it was!
Wouldn’t it be cool to SEE that guitar?
You can. It’s part of a special, temporary exhibit “Launching the Electric Revolution – Wichita Introduces the Electric Guitar” at the Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum from October 1st through November 14th.
This Friday, October 1st, you can attend the opening of the exhibit in the museum’s 2nd floor West Gallery for FREE from 7-10 p.m. during First Friday Music Crawl. Regular admission prices are $4 for adults, $2 for kids age 6-12, and free for kids under 6 years old.
The exhibit includes Gage Brewer’s electric guitar along with guitars built by former Wichitan Lowell Kiesel, founder of Carvin Guitars, and guitars built by Wichita’s Milo Wiley, who was the first Fender guitar dealer east of California. You’ll also see some of the earliest experimental electric guitars and hear sound samples of the earliest guitar music. (Did it sound anything like Jimi Hendrix?)
I can’t imagine a world without electric guitars. Remember that scene from Back to the Future when Michael J. Fox has that huge amp turned up so loud it blows him across the room? That would have been a very different scene with an acoustic. 🙂
While you’re there on Friday, ask about the Gage Brewer house tour on Saturday, October 2nd. And for extra credit, watch “The Electric Revolution” on KPTS on Saturday, October 9, at 10 p.m.
Find out more about the exhibit or related events at www.wichitahistory.org or the KMUW event calendar.
