Archive Candace ‘Ace' Aum will be competing again in Guitar Wars. She won first place in the electric-guitar category last year. She and her band play the likes of Iron Maiden, Queensrÿche and other arena-style metal.

Fabian Valdez doesn't agree with the stereotypes.

“People think San Antonio, and they think mariachis and Tejano,” said Valdez, a sales manager at Alamo Music Center. “They also think country.”

Valdez wants rock to be included on that list, which is why he and fellow employees at Alamo Music Center are putting on the 19th annual Guitar Wars.

 The event, slated for Wednesday, May 23, at The Venue, will feature 200 to 300 of San Antonio's finest guitar players, ranging from acoustic to electric.

“There's some great talent here in San Antonio,” Valdez said. “It's just a shame that San Antonio doesn't get recognized for the talent as far as different genres like rock or pop.”

Of course, some who have been recognized at Guitar Wars have gone on to successful endeavors in the music industry. Among those victors are Pat Kennison, formerly of rock group Union Underground.

And while the entry deadline for this year's event has passed, those who just want to bear witness to some great guitar-playing can attend the event for only 99 cents. Guitar Wars features competition in three musical categories — electric, acoustic and bass.

“It's just about having fun and guys and girls coming out and showing what they've got,” Valdez said of the participants, most of whom hail from San Antonio.

Valdez said Guitar Wars also is about motivation.

“It's very inspirational and motivates people who wanted to play, and for whatever reason, never did,” he said. “It actually motivates people to pick up a guitar.”

Clint Hale | 210SA