U.S. Air Guitar Championships Coming To Lakewood

LAKEWOOD, OH — The 2020 U.S. Air Guitar Championship tournament is real and it's coming to Lakewood. Competitors from 16 cities will compete for the right to the title "best air guitar-er" in America.

The 2020 Cleveland Championship will be held at Lakewood's Winchester Music Tavern on Madison in Birdtown. The event will be held March 14. The Cleveland regional winner will head directly to the U.S. Air Guitar Championship National Final on May 16 in New York City.

The Winchester-based tournament will be hosted by two-time U.S. Air Guitar National finalist Jerrod "Dick Diesel" Dewey. Up to 20 competitors will perform, including two-time champion Leigh "AirLeigh Legal" Melendez.

How does an air guitar competition work? Each competitor is given 60 seconds to "play" their favorite song. Performances are scored by a panel of five judges on a 4.0 to a 6.0 scale. Scoring is based on technical merit (does it look like they're playing a real guitar), stage presence (how exciting is the competitor), and Airness (does the performer transcend and create art).

The competition is open to spectators of all ages. Tickets are $7 in advance or $10 on the day of the show. Net proceeds from the show will benefit One Millions Acts of Kindness.

Tickets for the show can be purchased on the Winchester's website.