While bloggers plowed through April's A-Z Challenge, my hometown of Chico, California
accomplished something epic. The endeavor united kids, seniors, hippies; the rich and poor;
bar-stool warmers and bar-dodgers (like me)...every niche of the
community. Crowds swarmed Chico’s Country Western-style bar and grill, the Tackle Box.
The Internet lit up with North State news, and national attention
ensued.
Why? Because Chico squelched a Guinness World Record! Between April 1 and May 5, 2015 (thereupon dubbed “Chico de Mayo”), Chico was home to the world’s longest, non-stop, live multi-artist concert -- more than doubling the last world record.
The defcats
Much earlier and with no more than a backpack on-hand, Emily Rose had settled into Chico. She caught wind of Julian’s vision, and quickly found herself a Co-Chair of “Chico Breaks the Record.” This, while her book, Break Your Bad Love Habits, became a number one bestseller in that category.
Guinness rules are rigid too. Musicians aren’t allowed more than 25 seconds between songs, performers could not exceed five minutes for set-up between acts, 10+ people were required for the audience at all times, and much more.
But the core volunteer group made sure to keep it going, day and night, past 15 days, then for the entire month of April, then onto “Chico de Mayo” for a raucous grand finale.
smashing records
Chico may be small; but its generous spirit and raw talent, enormous.
I’ve been friendly with many who put their lives on-hold throughout this
endeavor. I know firsthand that their humility and kindness match their
off-the-charts musical skills.
“You’re a hero,” I told Julian Ruck, about halfway through April.
“We’re all winners!” he responded, imparting a gracious hug and beaming smile.
In the end, it feels insufficient to simply write “Thank you” to Julian Ruck, Emily Rose, Foxy Jeff, the Tackle Box (host venue), the Maker’s Mile (host band), and so many others whose hearts and spunk have brought recognition to artists everywhere. Sometimes, words aren’t enough.
We are all winners, indeed -- every creative who dares to dream.
This world-class duo serves as proof.
Have a great week, and know that anything is possible.
Why? Because Chico squelched a Guinness World Record! Between April 1 and May 5, 2015 (thereupon dubbed “Chico de Mayo”), Chico was home to the world’s longest, non-stop, live multi-artist concert -- more than doubling the last world record.
The defcats
It all started when local musician Julian Ruck decided to spotlight
Chico’s treasure trove of musical talent, and to shine light on artists everywhere. Fueled by the same vision, Julian’s buddy, Fox E.
Jeff (aka Foxy Jeff), produced a Rockumentary, “I Play in Chico.”
Much earlier and with no more than a backpack on-hand, Emily Rose had settled into Chico. She caught wind of Julian’s vision, and quickly found herself a Co-Chair of “Chico Breaks the Record.” This, while her book, Break Your Bad Love Habits, became a number one bestseller in that category.
Guinness rules are rigid too. Musicians aren’t allowed more than 25 seconds between songs, performers could not exceed five minutes for set-up between acts, 10+ people were required for the audience at all times, and much more.
But the core volunteer group made sure to keep it going, day and night, past 15 days, then for the entire month of April, then onto “Chico de Mayo” for a raucous grand finale.
Chico may be small; but its generous spirit and raw talent, enormous.
I’ve been friendly with many who put their lives on-hold throughout this
endeavor. I know firsthand that their humility and kindness match their
off-the-charts musical skills. “You’re a hero,” I told Julian Ruck, about halfway through April.
“We’re all winners!” he responded, imparting a gracious hug and beaming smile.
In the end, it feels insufficient to simply write “Thank you” to Julian Ruck, Emily Rose, Foxy Jeff, the Tackle Box (host venue), the Maker’s Mile (host band), and so many others whose hearts and spunk have brought recognition to artists everywhere. Sometimes, words aren’t enough.
We are all winners, indeed -- every creative who dares to dream.
This world-class duo serves as proof.
Congratulations, Robyn, your home town has entered the pages of history! Nice picture at the end. Is it my imagination, or do they have similar faces? I'm sure you will confirm they are not closely related.
ReplyDeleteNot to my knowledge, GB. But they are both gorgeous.
DeleteWay to go Chico, California! Congratulations to all.
ReplyDeleteCool home town. What a neat accomplishment. Chico de Mayo - brilliant.
ReplyDeleteWhat an accomplishment! Congratulations. The amount of people required to keep that going is astounding.
ReplyDeleteIt really is, Alex. And the fact that they always managed to get folks in the middle enough the night (10+ people every night)...whew!
DeleteA month long concert - that is incredible. Congrats to the people of Chico for making it happen.
ReplyDeleteWow! That's incredible!!!! Congratulations to Chico...you guys deserve it! :D
ReplyDeleteWow, now that is a huge arse record. Incredible the maneuvering it must have taken to do and everything. Very impressive
ReplyDeleteI can't even imagine all the details they attended to, Pat - from making sure the witnesses had the right timers and documentation, the sound system, the lighting...everything.
DeleteThat is awesome! Way to go Chico!
ReplyDeleteWOW, very cool and congrats to your hometown. Looks like everyone had a wonderful time.
ReplyDeleteSandy's Space
Commitment to the goal makes anything possible!
ReplyDeletethat is quite the community spirit. Sounded like a lot of fun and hard work by talented folks. Goes to show anything is possible. Have a creative week yourself!
ReplyDeleteThe community spirit is phenomenal, and I can't imagine how exhausting it was for everyone (there were approximately 40) who gave it their all for 35 days.
DeleteLooks like you had a blast.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't stop dancing. =)
DeleteCongrats to everyone involved! A real marathon effort. We have the Guinness record here in Edmonton for the world's longest outdoor hockey game. Yeah, baby, yeah!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting. When? Were you there? How long? I have so many questions.
DeleteWhat a brilliant initiative. And soooooo much more worth while than the I can eat hot-dogs faster than anyone else type records. Which I suspect lead to I can throw up more and faster than anyone else records.
ReplyDeleteYay for creativity. Yay for your recognition of all the work which is its back-up.
It was much funner to witness and join in on than any barf-post-eat fest, that's for sure.
DeleteThanks, EC.
Quite an achievement for you and your splendid little town.
ReplyDelete(Tips hat) Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteI love California! Sure do miss it sometimes.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Chico!
ReplyDeleteWow! That is an accomplishment. I think that is pretty spunky and one lively town
ReplyDeleteYet I had no idea what a special place I moved to four years ago.
DeleteWell, ok, congratulations --but Sacramento still has more tomato trucks, I think.
ReplyDeleteYet Chico has more...almonds, Geo. Almond = "al mund." That's how we say it 'round here.
DeleteWell, my stars. I've never been part of any record breaking. I'm impressed.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Hey Robyn,
ReplyDeleteRockin' n' rollin' Robyn, methinks. Well done to Chico! :)
Gary :)
Small world! I worked in Chico. I lived up in Forest Ranch just up the hill a bit. That town was a lot of fun.
ReplyDeleteWe just had the town to the west of us break the record for longest ice cream sundae. Over 1800 feet long! LOL
Jeff, I had no idea. Small world, indeed. Forest Ranch is pretty country.
DeleteI have so many questions about the ice-cream sundae. Do you have photos? I'll have to look it up. Mainly, I'm wondering how it's possibly that nobody ate any of the 1800 feet before it broke the record. Or did they? Good thing I wasn't there to dive in.
Google Nashville, Michigan and ice cream and you'll find it. You could get a spoon and bowl for a dollar and after it was built a bell rang and then you could dive in.
DeleteWay to go Chico! Ya'll sure know how to party it up!
ReplyDeleteWay to go Chico!! That's so cool!! That must have been a blast!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Chico!
ReplyDeleteThat must have been so exhausting! It's on my bucket list to try and break a Guiness World Record. It's the item I want to cross off most :)
ReplyDeleteThey were like walking zombies on a mission. Plus they plowed through two power-outages and a serious case of the flu/bronchitis (a handful of the core group, including Emily, got hit).
DeleteWhat record(s) are you considering breaking, Michael? That's a very cool goal.
Wow, and it's even more impressive that you went so much longer after you'd already gotten the record!
DeleteI really don't know yet. I figure my best bet is one of those mass-participation ones, but I'd prefer something individual.
That's really awesome!! Cool too that you went to show support!
ReplyDeleteOnce you lay out the Guinness rules, it makes the accomplishment truly impressive. Hopefully they nestle this record between the fat twins on motorcycles and the long fingernail dude.
ReplyDeleteI heard about that from my California friends who stopped by. Very cool. To create or break a Guinness record is hard. All those rules. Yay Chico for accomplishing it and you for participating!
ReplyDeleteSia McKye Over Coffee
Wow that sounds amazing!
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome event. And you were apart of it. Very cool.
ReplyDeleteLove that last shot too. He's definitely punching above his weight lol
I also love your last line Robyn - every creative who dares to dream.
Wonderful.
Love to you
xo
How cool! Congratulations to Chico!
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