Guitar Hero skills will pay off for 5 lucky kids

Think you can sling a guitar like a pro?

This weekend, youngsters in Lake County have a chance to find out.

The "Ready-Set-ROCK! Tour," a free, interactive music event, will be held twice Saturday, first at 10 a.m. at Deerfield Music and then at 3 p.m. at Libertyville Music.

Participants ages 7 to 17 can compete in a Guitar Hero contest and the top five players will have a chance to go up against real-life guitar player Derek St. Holmes, vocalist and rhythm guitar player for Ted Nugent.

"It's really cool for kids to get a chance to play against a real guitar hero," said Brian Cooley, spokesman for the third annual event.

Camp Jam and NAMM, a not-for-profit association for musicians, are sponsoring the event.

"You don't have to be signed up for the camp to attend," Cooley said. "The spring tour is a promotional tour for the camp, but more than anything, it's just a lot of fun for kids."

Instruments will be provided, but musicians are welcome to bring their own.

Ready-Set-ROCK will kick off with a free music clinic led by St. Holmes.

St. Holmes and Camp Jam's music instructors will share tricks of the trade, help youngsters hone their rock 'n' roll chops and teach them about being in a successful band.

Following the clinic, the young musicians will have the chance to demonstrate both their virtual and real life rock 'n' roll skills.

Participants will first battle it out in NAMM's Wanna Play Guitar?, featuring the video game, Guitar Hero III Legends of Rock.

The top players will go head-to-head against St. Holmes in a real-life guitar competition for a $100 music store gift certificate.

Musicians also can compete in the 30-second Rock Solo Contest with the winner receiving a free week at Camp Jam this summer.

Cooley said the event is held in 16 cities across the country, the same cities that have Camp Jam locations over the summer.

"So far the kids have a winning record against the rock star," Cooley said. "It is actually pretty fun to watch. These kids really know how to play."

If you go

What: Ready-Set-ROCK! Tour

When/Where: 10 a.m. Saturday at Deerfield Music, 811 Waukegan Road.; 3 p.m. at Libertyville Music, 401 S. Milwaukee Ave. The events are separate.

Who: The event is open to all Chicago-area guitarists, bass players, drummers, keyboardists and singers ages 7 to 17.

For more information: Visit www.campjam.com or call 1-800-513-0930.