In a little more than 215 hours — give or take — Iredell County could very well hold the world record for the longest continuous music concert.
The Statesville Guinness World Record Music Marathon began at 8:53 a.m., seven minutes ahead of schedule, Thursday.
The concert will continue nonstop over the next nine days at Signal Hill Mall, in what was formerly the Lerner's store, near JCPenney.
Money raised through the concert will benefit the United Way of Iredell County.
On Thursday, music from the performing bands could be heard from as far away as the mall's front entrance.
Two performance stages are set up inside the store, with chairs and bleachers set up outside the store.
The West Iredell Middle School Jazz Band was one of the acts that kicked off the event.
The band performed seven songs during its 30-minute set. They performed ballads, classic rock and jazz pieces.
Students Drew Harris, 13, and Drew Williamson, 13, were ecstatic they got an opportunity to perform for the concert.
"It's exciting to know your name will be in the Guinness Book," Harris said.
Kinna Keaton, 14, was also excited to be part of the event.
"I feel very privileged to have a chance to be part of this historic event," she aid.
The event will run 24 hours a day and end at midnight March 29.
United Way of Iredell County Executive Director Pat Stewart said so far things are going great.
"The performing groups are awesome," she said. "They're all so eager to help out."
To ensure a spot in the record book, the concert must adhere to strict guidelines. Groups can't take more than 90 seconds between songs and no more than four minutes between performing groups.
Jack Sigmon was in the audience along with his wife, Rocky, daughters Emmylou and Katie, and Katie's caregiver Claudean Stephens.
Katie, who suffered a hypoxia brain injury three years ago, loves music. More than a year ago, she was in a coma for seven months, according to Jack.
"She (Katie) loves music and she wants to get her friends out to support United Way and the community," Jack said.
The family plans to attend the concert every day.
"I'm sure she's thrilled to death to be supporting United Way," Rocky said.
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