New Orleans blues legend Little Freddie King will lead an exciting lineup of entertainers for the New Orleans Cigar Box Guitar Festival from January 13–15 at the Frenchmen Theatre. 2022 marks the seventh annual edition of one of the world’s most exciting alternative instrument events.
Featured acts will include Shane Speal, John Nickel, the Cigar Box Serenaders, Cash O’Riley, Steve Arvey, Ben “Gitty” Baker, Amzie Adams, Ivor Simpson Kennedy, Los Hermanos Cabra, Dar Stellabotta, Trashtronaut and more.
Cigar box guitars and other homemade instruments have a long and storied history in the U.S. Western pioneers, Civil War soldiers, enslaved individuals, rural farmhands, transients and other resourceful musicians built their own functional and expressive devices from household objects and found items. This was especially true on the streets of New Orleans where improvised instruments were common in the development of both the blues and jazz.
On Friday, January 13, ticket holders are allowed one entry in the instrument contest and builders’ forum. Contestants are invited to bring their best example of handmade guitar ingenuity for the chance to win one of three cash prizes. Past entries have included unique stringed instruments made from a virtually unlimited array of items, from hubcaps and hoe handles to lunchboxes and lamp parts.
Musicians are also encouraged to submit cigar box guitar videos for a playoff contest sponsored by C.B. Gitty Crafter Supply with a $500 grand prize. Each individual, duo or group may submit one video between three and five minutes in length, newly created for this competition. The deadline is December 31. For additional contest rules and submission information, visit here.
Only 100 all-inclusive, three-day VIP tickets will be sold for $99, which include seated admission to every event on the three-day schedule, including the builders’ forum and contest; chances to win one of three deluxe cigar box guitars; and the official poster. Up to 50 single-day standing-room-only tickets may be added later, if COVID-19 regulations allow. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit here.
The Frenchmen Theatre is located at 514 Frenchmen Street.
