The New Orleans Cigar Box Guitar Festival stands as a vibrant testament to the enduring legacy and contemporary resurgence of handcrafted stringed instruments. In a city renowned as the cradle of both Jazz and Blues, these humble creations have played an unexpectedly significant role in shaping early musical landscapes. This unique festival shines a spotlight on the captivating world of the “Guitar Box,” celebrating its history and musical innovation.
Running from January 16th to 18th, this immersive event offers a full 24 hours of performances and engaging programming. Hosted within the esteemed walls of the New Orleans Jazz Museum, a venue celebrated for its exceptional acoustics and exhibition spaces, the festival consistently curates an unparalleled roster of cigar box guitar virtuosos.
This year’s lineup promises an electrifying experience, headlined by the New Jersey-based roots trio, April Mae & the June Bugs, known for their infectious energy; Florida’s dynamic rockers, Memphis Lightning; and the sensational one-woman band phenomenon, Ghalia Volt. Adding to the local flavor, popular New Orleans artists such as Cigar Box Serenaders, Mahmoud Chouki, Ed Wills & Blues 4 Sale, Rumsey Kadar, and Amzie Adams will grace the stage. The festival’s reach extends beyond local talents, welcoming Nashville’s own Meg Williams, the Austin-based trio Janky, and international cigar box guitar ambassador Steve Arvey. Adding a global dimension, European acts including La Durance Blues Band from France, Germany’s Captn Catfish, Belgium’s John Mary Go Round, Italy’s Riccardo Ferrini, and England’s ElGordeaux are set to perform, showcasing the international appeal of the guitar box.
These performers represent the vanguard of the cigar box guitar movement, collectively offering over 16 hours of captivating music played on these unique homemade instruments throughout the 3-day event.
The festival’s program includes a Thursday Evening Symposium, a highlight featuring captivating performances, an insightful presentation on the cultural history of the cigar box guitar, and the exciting finale of the International Cigar Box Guitar Video Playoffs. This segment promises to delve into the rich narrative surrounding these instruments and their place in music history.
Instrument aficionados and creators will converge at the Builders’ Forum on Friday and Saturday. This gathering serves as a platform for instrument builders from diverse locations to exchange knowledge, compare techniques, and participate in competitions for coveted prizes, further promoting the craft and innovation within the guitar box community.
Explore the complete schedule and latest updates on the festival website (NewOrleansCBG.com).
Limited to just 150 attendees, these All-Inclusive Live-Audience Tickets offer a uniquely intimate and comfortable festival experience within the Performance Center of the New Orleans Jazz Museum. Depending on space availability, a limited number of standing-room-only single-day tickets may be released at a later date.
We cordially invite you to immerse yourself in the world of the guitar box!
Ticket Benefits Include:
• Guaranteed Seated Admission to All Events Across the 3-Day Schedule
• Entry into Raffles to Win One of Three Unique Cigar Box Guitars
• Official Festival Poster Commemorating the Event
• Collectible Refrigerator Magnet Souvenir
• Exclusive Event Laminate Pass
