News Summary
The Cigar Box Guitar Festival recently concluded in Huntsville, Alabama, featuring a vibrant Grand Finale Concert. The festival, the longest-running of its kind, focused on community engagement and music education. With performances from Grammy-winning artists and local musicians, the event raised funds for the Microwave Dave Music Education Foundation. Attendees enjoyed diverse activities while supporting local businesses and the arts.
Huntsville Celebrates 21st Annual Cigar Box Guitar Festival
The 21st Annual Cigar Box Guitar Festival concluded with a vibrant Grand Finale Concert on June 1 at The Orion Amphitheater in Huntsville, Alabama. This unique festival, recognized as the world’s longest-running of its kind, took place from May 30 to June 1 across multiple locations in Huntsville, drawing in music lovers and families from the region.
The festival, presented by Whitney Stringer and Redstone Realty Solutions, featured a range of activities designed to celebrate music and promote music education. The Grand Finale Concert offered attendees the chance to enjoy performances by Grammy-winning artist Gary Nichols and the legendary FAME Gang, alongside surprise special guests. With affordable tickets priced at $15, all proceeds from the festival benefited the Microwave Dave Music Education Foundation.
This foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, is dedicated to integrating music into local school curricula and enhancing students’ learning experiences. Last year, the festival raised over $6,000, which was allocated to the Microwave Dave Music Education Foundation and Arts Huntsville’s Creative Launchpad. Organizers set a goal to surpass this fundraising total this year, emphasizing the event’s commitment to supporting local artists and education.
Festival Highlights
Throughout the three-day festival, attendees enjoyed local vendors, food trucks, and live performances from buskers. The Grand Finale Concert began after the gates reopened at 5:30 PM, with many festival-goers encouraged to bring lawn chairs for a comfortable experience. Other festival activities included jam sessions, concerts featuring local musicians, and hands-on opportunities for children to assemble recycled cigar box guitar kits.
Cigar box guitars are celebrated for their simplicity and accessibility, making them an excellent introduction to music for beginners. Many festival participants praised the connection between these instruments and traditional American music styles, reinforcing their cultural significance.
Community Involvement
The Cigar Box Guitar Festival serves as a platform for engagement within the community, showcasing the work of local businesses and nonprofit organizations. Jeff Mello, owner of The Cigar Box Guitar Store, has played a pivotal role in organizing the event. His foundation’s programs bring musicians into local classrooms, enhancing music education for students. Festival goers had the opportunity to win unique guitars designed by Jeff Mello, including a limited edition, three-string cigar box guitar featured in a drawing during the event.
Tara Mello, co-owner of The Cigar Box Guitar Store, expressed enthusiasm for the festival’s community-focused nature, highlighting the importance of bringing people together through music. Additionally, Alex Craig, general manager of The Orion Amphitheater, emphasized the importance of supporting local businesses and non-profits through events such as this festival.
With its extensive schedule of events and commitment to music education, the 21st Annual Cigar Box Guitar Festival not only celebrated a beloved instrument but also fostered a community spirit, all while raising needed funds for music education programs in local schools. The festival’s strong focus on inclusivity and accessibility ensured that attendees of all ages could participate, enjoy, and engage with the art of music.
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HERE Resources
Huntsville Hosts 21st Annual Cigar Box Guitar Festival
Additional Resources
- Rocket City Now
- Hville Blast: Cigar Box Guitar Festival
- WAAY TV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cigar Box Guitar
- Google Search: Cigar Box Guitar Festival
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
