Gigantar Arrives at Illinois Rock & Roll Museum

Gigantar Arrives at Illinois Rock & Roll Museum — Lighting Ceremony Planned

Photo: Courtesy Rock&Roll Hall of Fame, Joliet.

The Illinois Rock & Roll Museum has announced another superb milestone in its progress of making Joliet, Illinois, the destination home of the most important and dynamic musicians ever born in the state. On Friday, Jan. 20, at 5:00 p.m., the public is invited to the official lighting ceremony for the Giagantar at the Museum.

This wonderful 24-foot sculpture was made specifically for the museum and according to the Joliet News, The “world’s largest hand-made guitar,” called Gigantar, crossed over five states last weekend before its arrival in Joliet. The artist is Shannon McDonald who is known for her entertainment industry artwork (see her website here), has been lauded by many, including Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick (pictured below), Sylvester Stallone, and Diane Sawyer.

As part of the museum’s growth and development, President and Founder Ron Romero continues to bring together in Joliet some of the most exciting events that celebrate the state’s most beloved musicians.

Carl Giammarese (above) said, “On behalf of The Buckinghams, I am excited to be a part of the sign lighting. It is an honor to be in the company of (fellow 2021 Inaugural Class Members) Jim Peterik (The Ides of March)(photo below), and Rick Nielsen at the VIP event. There has been so much talent from the great state of Illinois, and they deserve to be recognized!”

Partial funding for the sculpture came from a grant by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. In addition to the VIP Rockstars invited, Romero says that “on hand for the special event will be the Mayor and Joliet’s Economic Development Director.” The results of a contest, sponsored by Rock’N Vodka, to name a special drink in honor of Gigantar will be announced.

In the short period of time that the idea has gone from dream to reality, Ron Romero continues to build a truly exceptional home for memorabilia and other treasures of Illinois’ greatest musicians.

The Museum is located at located at 9 W. Cass St., Joliet, IL 60432.

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