US Air Guitar Championship Event

Last year's winner at the Cleveland stop of the U.S. Air Guitar Championship, Leigh "AirLeigh Legal" Melendez, will return to defend her title against a crop of new and returning competitors at tonight's event at the Winchester Tavern in Lakewood. This year's champion will take home a $300 prize and qualify for the U.S .Air Guitar Championship semi-final round that takes place on Aug. 1 in Nashville. Competitors perform to a 60-second guitar edit of their favorite song. Judges then rank the performance according to "Technical Merit" (does it look like they are playing a real guitar?), "Stage Presence" (do they excite the audience and the judges?), and "Airness," the quality of performance which transcends the imitation of a real guitar and becomes an art form all its own. Hosted by two-time U.S. Air Guitar National Finalist Jerrod "Dick Diesel" Dewey, the event will include up to 20 competitors. Tickets are $7 in advance or $12 day of show, with proceeds going to benefit Harvest for Hunger and the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. Competitor entry is $15 (but you have to be at least 18 to compete). The event starts at 8. (Niesel)