The 9th Annual New Orleans Cigar Box Guitar Festival returns to the Historic New Orleans Jazz Museum from Thursday, January 16, through Saturday, January 18, 2025.  This three-day celebration of handcrafted stringed instruments promises an extraordinary lineup of talent, workshops, and cultural exploration. Tickets are limited to 150 all-inclusive passes, ensuring an intimate experience for attendees. For tickets and more information, call (504) 568-6993 or visit NewOrleansCBG.com.

Local favorites Ghalia Volt, Cigar Box Serenaders, Mahmoud Chouki, Ed Wills and Blues 4 Sale, Rumsey Kadar, and Amzie Adams will represent New Orleans’ vibrant music scene. Additionally, Nashvillian blues powerhouse Meg Williams, April Mae and the June Bugs (New Jersey), Memphis Lightning (Florida) and global CBG ambassador Steve Arvey will join the festivities.

European acts add an international flair, with performances by La Durance Blues Band (France), Captn Catfish(Germany), John Mary Go Round (Belgium), Riccardo Ferrini (Italy), and El Gordeaux (England).

In addition to over 16 hours of live performances, the festival will feature a Thursday Night Symposium that explores the history and cultural significance of cigar box guitars and a Builders’ Forums (Friday and Saturday) for those interested in crafting their own instruments. All events will take place at the New Orleans Jazz Museum.

Since its inception in 2016, the New Orleans Cigar Box Guitar Festival has become a hub for enthusiasts of these ingenious, handcrafted instruments. Garnering accolades like OffBeat Magazine’s “Neighborhood Festival of the Year” in 2019, the festival expanded its global reach in 2020 through a partnership with renowned musician Samantha Fish. After pivoting to virtual formats during the pandemic and a hiatus in 2022, the festival triumphantly returned in 2023 and continued to shine in 2024. 2025’s event may be the most vibrant one yet.

Only a limited number of tickets are available here.