Local Musician Aims to Reclaim Guinness World Record: Playing Guitar Marathon for 44 Straight Hours

Local Musician Aims to Reclaim Guinness World Record: Playing Guitar Marathon for 44 Straight Hours

CHICAGO, June 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Talk about a long guitar solo. On June 21, 22 and 23, local musician Jef Sarver will attempt to set a new world record for the Longest Guitar Marathon. The attempt will take place at Potbelly Sandwich Works at 190 N. State Street in downtown Chicago, beginning at 3:15 PM on Wednesday, June 21. If Sarver is successful, he will break the record at 12:30 PM on Friday, June 23.

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Sarver is no rookie in the guitar marathon business. He broke the world record of 24 hours on New Year's Eve, 2004. But his record has since been eclipsed by Guillermo Paolisso Terraza of Argentina and, most recently, by Brian Engelhart of Fenton, Michigan. "People all around the world want to break this record. Well, Chicago's a great music town, and the record should be here," said Sarver.

This challenge, comprised of a set of over 600 songs, requires some serious preparation. Sarver's in training as if he were running a marathon. "I'm doing tons of push-ups, sit-ups, taking long walks and making sure I'm as physically fit as I can be."

Why does Sarver want to take on this project while he's busy playing at Chicago area Potbelly stores five days a week, in addition to his evening gigs, and producing a new CD? "I'm a passionate songwriter, and you can't get much more passionate than this," said Sarver. "And it fits with Potbelly. Potbelly has live music in all their stores. I'm going where the music is." Sarver will also be selling his latest release Jef 5 at Potbelly during the marathon.

The Guinness Book of World Records has stringent rules for this endeavor. Sarver will be allowed only one 15 minute break every eight hours. He must have three people witness the entire event, and he will have all 44 hours filmed as an additional piece of evidence he must submit to Guinness. Sarver is not required to sing while he plays. "But I might sing during lunch," said Sarver. "Potbelly customers kind of expect that."

"We're psyched to be a part of Jef's attempt to set a new world record," said Potbelly Chairman and CEO Bryant Keil. "Jef's a great guy and our customers love him. Jef has been a part of Potbelly, playing in our stores for four years, so when he approached us with this idea, we said of course we'd work with him to make it happen. Plus, the guy just rocks."

Potbelly kicks off Sarver's attempt with much fanfare. On June 21, guests who visit Potbelly's location at State and Lake between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM and make a $5 donation to the Old Town School of Folk Music will receive their sandwich, chips and drink on Potbelly. And, they get the opportunity to see history in the making. Potbelly is also planning a live webcast of the event on their website, http://potbelly.com/ .

ABOUT POTBELLY SANDWICH WORKS

From its humble beginnings as a small antique store on Chicago's north side, Potbelly has grown from one to more than 100 company-owned and -operated stores. With its combination of hot sandwiches, hand-dipped shakes, live local music, and friendly, interactive staff, Potbelly has built a passionate, loyal following of fans who spread the word about Potbelly's relaxing atmosphere and great food. People in search of a Potbelly sandwich can find stores in Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. For more information visit the company's Web site at http://www.potbelly.com/ .

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060608/CGTH024LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Potbelly Sandwich Works

CONTACT: Robin Plous Lapins, for Potbelly Sandwich Works,
+1-262-948-0761, rlapins@wi.rr.com

Web site: http://potbelly.com/

NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information about Jef Sarver's attempt to set a new world record, or to schedule an interview with Jef, please contact Robin Lapins at 262-948-0761 or rlapins@wi.rr.com

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