Get Ready for the 2024 Cigar Box Guitar Festival!

By Abigail Harrison, DHI Communications Coordinator

The world's longest-running Cigar Box Guitar Festival, marking its 20th anniversary, is set to kick off from May 30 to June 2, 2024, in Huntsville, Alabama. This milestone year sees the festival extend to four days for the first time, offering a rich array of musical performances, educational seminars, and family-friendly activities—all in support of music education in schools.

Thursday, May 30: Opening Night at The Casual Pint
The festival begins at 7:00 PM on Thursday, May 30, at The Casual Pint. The evening features original music by local artists performing on cigar box instruments. The lineup includes trio Lowelife, one-man band John Nickel, and local favorite Tim Cannon. This free event encourages attendees to donate tips to support music education.

Friday, May 31: Beer Garden Bash at Joe Davis Stadium
On Friday, May 31, festivities move to the Beer Garden at Wicks Family Field at Joe Davis Stadium. Gates open at 5:30 PM, welcoming guests to enjoy food, beverages, and kids’ activities. Music begins at 6:30 PM with performances by 2023 UK Blues Awards Nominee Debbie Bond and Huntsville’s Microwave Dave, backed by “Radiator” Rick Asherson and Darrell Tibbs. The night culminates with a high-energy performance by rock trio Coburn, fronted by prolific songwriter Erin Coburn. A $10 suggested donation offers attendees a chance to win an electric cigar box guitar.

Saturday, June 1: Family Day at Lowe Mill A&E
Saturday’s events, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, take place at Lowe Mill A&E. The day features music, dancing, and kids’ activities, all free of charge, including parking. Highlights include a seminar by “King of the Cigar Box Guitar” Shane Speal, children's music by Miss Calliope, and a “Stolen Guitar Set” by Speal. The Cigar Box Serenaders of New Orleans will wrap up the afternoon with their blend of funk, soul, and jazz. The event also includes children’s activities with a recycled theme, leading to a Junior Junk Jam at 3:00 PM. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs for comfort.

Saturday Evening: Artist Meadow at The Orion Amphitheater
The celebration continues Saturday evening at The Orion Amphitheater. Gates open at 6:00 PM, with food and beverages available. Music starts at 7:00 PM featuring Ghalia Volt and her band, followed by Grammy-winner Gary Nichols, backed by The FAME Gang. A $10 suggested donation provides another opportunity to win an electric cigar box guitar.

Sunday, June 2: Jazz Brunch Finale at BeeZr
The festival concludes on Sunday, June 2, with a Jazz Brunch at BeeZr, featuring an encore performance by The Cigar Box Serenaders. This New Orleans-based trio showcases their unique handmade instruments, bringing a creative and vibrant close to the festival.

Supporting Music Education and Community Arts
The festival is made possible by generous sponsors and volunteers, supporting the Microwave Dave Music Education Foundation and the Arts Huntsville’s Creative Launchpad. Sponsors include the Huntsville Convention & Visitors Bureau, Downtown Huntsville, Inc., and many more.

For more details, visit CigarBoxGuitarFestival.com and follow the event on Facebook and YouTube.