Alle-Kiski Valley duo holds guitar show in New Kensington

An Alle-Kiski Valley duo had a rockin’ good time Sunday afternoon holding their inaugural guitar show in New Kensington.

The show, dubbed The Best Guitar Show, was at the Quality Inn on Tarentum Bridge Road from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. More than 40 vendors were on-site selling everything from guitars to gear to collectibles.

One of the show’s co-founders, Michael Pencak, said he has been to guitar shows in Canonsburg and other towns but wanted to bring a show close to home. Pencak lives in Natrona Heights.

“There hasn’t been anything in this area, and we through it would be nice to do it here,” he said.

Fellow co-founder Allen Jones said 400 people came and went throughout the day. The Lower Burrell resident said he was pleased with how the show turned out.

The duo has been heavily involved in the music industry, especially with guitars. Jones owned a music store until he sold it in 2013. He said they thought of putting together a guitar show because of the many guitars and equipment they owned.

“We are very happy about it,” he said.

Attendees were just as excited as they ventured around the square setup in the ballroom.

Zack Wiesinger of West Mifflin said he has played guitar since he was 10 years old.

“I like to look at the vintage equipment, though it can be a bit pricey,” he said.

Mike Coriale of Bethel Park thought the show was a great promotion for the area and its economy.

“With arts being taken out of schools, it’s good to know mom-and-pop stores are still around because this keeps them in business,” he said.

Vendors said they felt a sense of fulfillment selling items at the show, whether it was their first show or one of many.

New Kensington resident Kevin “Magoo” Smith was hard to miss at his booth as he donned a tie-dyed rainbow shirt. The show gave him an opportunity to downsize his inventory, he said. He estimated making over $300 during the show.

“I had a blast and met a lot of nice people,” Smith said.

Craig Dodge came from Altoona to be a first-time vendor at a guitar show. He was able to build a guitar collection over years as an avid player. Dodge sold one guitar during his time at the show and said he looks forward to attending another one.

“It has been good talking to people,” he said.

A second Best Guitar event is planned from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 2 at the same location. Jones expects double the attendance and vendors.

“We are planning to be bigger next time,” he said.