Waukesha, Wisconsin has always had a claim to fame that most towns would trade their entire municipal budget for: it’s the birthplace of Les Paul, the man who arguably invented the modern electric guitar and, by extension, the sound of nearly every band you love. On June 13, that legacy gets the celebration it deserves with the inaugural GuitarTown Music Festival.

The lineup features six original bands taking the stage for a full day of live music. This isn’t a cover-band nostalgia trip either — the festival’s focus on original acts feels like exactly the kind of forward-looking tribute Les himself would have appreciated. The guy spent his career pushing the instrument into places nobody thought it could go. Honoring him by platforming new voices is the right call.

Even better, this one has heart behind the volume. Proceeds from the festival benefit after-school music programs through the Chad Smith Foundation, meaning every ticket sold helps put instruments in the hands of kids who might otherwise never pick one up. That’s the kind of full-circle moment that turns a good festival into a great one — celebrating the guitar’s godfather while funding the next generation of players who might just build on his legacy.

If you need a refresher on why Waukesha’s favorite son matters, take a few minutes with this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLdQBqrOKhg

Mark your calendars for June 13 in Waukesha, and head to http://www.guitartownfest.com for the full lineup, tickets, and festival info. Whether you’re a lifelong Les Paul devotee, a fan of discovering new original bands, or just someone who believes music education deserves a fighting chance, this one’s worth showing up for.

Turn it up. Waukesha’s earned it.