Guitar signed by Doobie Brothers to be raffled Saturday

STURGIS -- the sleek curves make the machine look fast, evensitting still. Black and shiny, it's a handcrafted example of rawpower. It has "Sturgis" written all over it. But it isn't a motorcycle. It's a custom-built guitar bearingthe logo of the 70th Sturgis motorcycle rally. And after ninemonths work, the guitar will go home with a lucky raffle-ticketholder. The Sturgis Center for the Arts commissioned the guitar fromlocal craftsman Tony Hill. Work began in late 2009, and the firstglimpses of the guitar, before the pearl inlays that spell"Sturgis" and the black and gray finish were added, were had inJanuary. The final look at the guitar before a winner is drawn will beduring the Doobie Brothers' concert Saturday at Buffalo ChipCampground. Volunteers have been selling tickets at the Buffalo Chip andSturgis armory throughout the week. One team on Tuesday sold 50raffle tickets at $20 each. The money goes to support arts programs in Sturgis. With $1,500just in materials, not including the hours of work by Hill, Rickand Michelle Grosek of the arts center think the raffle price isworth it. Just before the guitar trades hands from the center to thewinner, Pat Simmons of the Doobie Brothers will play and sign theguitar. even Hill hasn't played it because he's left-handed. The Groseks assembled an eight-person team to sell the raffletickets. "The support's been great," Leah Colberg of Spearfish said. Colberg was selling tickets Wednesday at the Buffalo Chip.Michelle Grosek has spent time selling tickets at the armory andworking a booth at Hersrud's near the Harley-Davidsondemonstrations. "We've sold a little less than 300 tickets," Michelle Groseksaid early Thursday morning. That makes for good odds of winning a sleek, one-of-a-kindinstrument.   Editor's note: This story has been amended from itsoriginal publication to correctly the name of the Doobie Brothers'guitarist.

Guitar signed by Doobie Brothers to be raffled Saturday