Tracing its origins back to enslaved Black people’s ingenuity, the humble cigar box guitar led to the development of early blues and jazz. Even the recently passed Walter “Wolfman” Washington first started playing on a homemade guitar of his own. Trailblazer Little Freddie King and roots rocker Ghalia Volt will headline Cigar Box Guitar Festival 2023 at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, January 18-21.

Twenty professional acts will perform various genres of music like folk, blues, roots, rock and more. In addition, instrument builders will gather to compare notes and compete for prizes.

Others on the roster include the Wolfe Johns Band, Shane Speal, John Nickel, Cigar Box Serenaders, Erin Coburn, Cash O’Riley, Steve Arvey, Brett Gardner, Jamie Lynn Vessels, Ben “Gitty” Baker, Amzie Adams, Beth Patterson, GoatBuskers, Ivor Simpson Kennedy, Max Valentino, Pierce Dipner, Michael Cain, Too Sick Charlie, and Dar Stellabotta.

There will be an exhibit on the first floor of the Jazz Museum dedicated to homemade instruments and their role in early American music history.

Tickets include seated admission to every event on the 4-day schedule, chances to win one of four cigar box guitars to be given away, an official poster, laminate and refrigerator magnet.

For more information on the Cigar Box Guitar Festival 2023 and how to purchase tickets, visit their website.