Bradenton Cigar Box Guitar Festival

Ben Prestage raised near the Everglades in Florida with nothing but the
blues playing in the house will be one of the headliners at this event. Ben is known for his
Florida Swamp Blues sound. Ben will be performing DIY instruments- cigar box guitar, cigar box fiddle, and Lowebow (Saturday, February 4th at Birdrock Taco Shack)

International Cigar Box Guitarist Steve Arvey -Mr. Arvey has performed all over the United States and Europe performing on the homemade instrument made from used cigar boxes. The instrument has a long history in the United States especially in poor communities who’s created DIY instruments from recycled junk. He will be playing at the Bradenton Public Market on Old Main Street, Saturday, Feb 4th from 10:30 am – 2 pm.

Brett Gardner- singer/songwriter blues originally from Plant City moved to New Orleans, Brett
Guitar skills are often used in music studios around the New Orleans. His unique style of jazz,
blues, and rock on cigar box guitar and other DIY instruments, set him apart from other artist.

Memphis Lightning (Maine) This high energy band will be performing on Saturday Night,
2/4/2023 at Birdrock Taco Shack. Memphis is one of the young rising star in the Cigar Box
Guitar musicians.

Stumpy Joe (Illinois), Stumpy Joe has his own unique style using his handcrafted Bass Oar. He
brings some of the best of backwoods music to life.

Travis Bowlin (TN), singer/songwriter from Cincinnati, Ohio. He will be performing his songs
play with the cigar box guitars. He is known for his Americana roots and Blues music.

Also performing: Hymn for Her- 2/3/2023, Friday, 7 pm at Cottonmouth Soul Kitchen