Since its humble origins in 1978, Jimmy Wallace has been one of the chief forces behind the sprawling annual Dallas International Guitar Festival, which is being held this year from May 29th through the 31st at the Dallas Fair Park. If you’re a player or simply a fan of the electric or acoustic guitar, and you’re anywhere near the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, you owe it to yourself to drop by. You’ll see thousands of new and rare vintage guitars on display and most for sale. As Jimmy told me during our ten minute plus interview, there have been a few rare guitars that have sold in the six figure range at his shows — and countless more and much lower prices, of course.
Beyond the guitars, there’s also the chance to see and hear plenty of live music; this year’s players include George Lynch, Rick Derringer, Sonny Landreth, Johnny Hiland, Gary Hoey, Johnny A, veteran Ted Nugent sideman Derek St. Holmes, and many more. And if you’re a player looking for unique accessories for his axe — an effects pedal or hand-tooled leather guitar strap, for example — you’ll find them here as well.
Ever since the days of Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley, all the way to Clapton, Beck, Page, Townshend, Van Halen and beyond, the electric guitar has been the instrument of rock. If you want to immerse yourself in the fun and power of the instrument you know where to be this weekend. (And if you see me there and are reading this, stop by and say hello!)
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