Learn about the nation’s only Cigar Box Guitar Store + their annual festival (May 30-June 1)
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Did you know that Huntsville is home to the only cigar box guitar store in the world? Now, you do.
We recently had the pleasure of chatting with Jeff and Tara Mello, owners and operators of The Cigar Box Guitar Store located in Lowe Mill studio #106. They are also hosts of the longest-running annual Cigar Box Guitar Festival in the world, located right here in Huntsville.
The festival is returning for its 21st year on May 30, with live music, vendors and — of course — cigar box guitars. The multi-day event will run at AVIQ Showroom, Lowe Mill and the Orion Amphitheater, with a huge agenda on tap for the weekend.
Get to know the new owners, the Mellos
The couple both started off as students of the store under former owner Pat Nickel. When approached with the proposition to buy the cigar box store a few years ago, they were amazed — and scared.
Both holding full-time jobs, they wrestled to determine if they could viably take over the business. However, their love for the community surrounding cigar box guitars won out in the end:
“We thought about what an important resource this place is for our community. It is the only brick-and-mortar cigar box guitar store in the world, and it’s a great place for people to come and learn about these instruments, how to build them on their own, for makers to come and get parts and guidance through their builds, as well as just bringing people together to celebrate music.”
Jeff Mello
We got the opportunity a few years ago to build a guitar in their studio, and we had a blast.
Festival information
The festival is back for its 21st year, with a casino theme to kick off the weekend and proceeds benefitting the Microwave Dave Music Education Foundation. You can enjoy live music and festivities all weekend, but tickets are limited — make sure to get yours ahead of time!
- Friday, May 30 at 6PM: Kickoff Casino Night at AVIQ Showroom
- Saturday, May 31 from 11AM-6PM: Seminar and Meet-up Jam at Lowe Mill A&E
- Saturday, May 31 at 6PM: Swing Dance at Lowe Mill A&E
- Sunday, June 1 from 11AM-2PM: Festival at Orion Amphitheater
- Sunday, June 1 at 5:30PM: 21st Annual Cigar Box Guitar Festival Concert at Orion Amphitheater
Buy Tickets: One-day pass: $58 | Weekend pass: $90
You can find more info on the CBG Store on Facebook, Instagram and their website.
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