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Kids Rock Cigar Box Ukes at New Orleans Fest

It was all child's play at the First Annual New Orleans Cigar Box Guitar Fest when local students from Encore Academy took the stage with ukuleles and gave a command performance. Eight of the instruments used were cigar box ukuleles, built by the class using kits donated by C. B. Gitty Crafter Supply.

The students, all in third grade, are part of the charter school's program to teach children music and the arts as part of the full educational experience. They were invited by festival organizer, Collins Kirby as a way of not just introducing the instrument to a new generation, but also showing out-of town attendees how dedicated New Orleans is when it comes to music and arts preservation.

A real highlight of the show happened when the kids performed the traditional standard, "Little Liza Jane" and brought April Mae on stage to sing along. (Video below)

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Permalink Reply by Jim Morris on January 19, 2016 at 6:22am

That is so cool! More cities need to stress music like New Orleans does. Good on April Mae for joining in!

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Permalink Reply by April Mae on January 19, 2016 at 3:57pm

It was a pleasure and an honor to sing with the next generation! I sang a verse of 'Eliza Jane' that honors the Mardi Gras Indians, which felt good to share too : )

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Permalink Reply by bemuzic on January 19, 2016 at 10:16am

: -)

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Permalink Reply by Scott Bulmer on January 19, 2016 at 1:42pm

Greetings from the Great White North!

I think the world would be a better place if every one played a musical instrument.....and if we took a kid fishing. I would also like to thank C.B. Gritty Crafter Supply for donating the kits to those kids.

Keep on pickin' and grinnin' !

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Permalink Reply by Peter Otto on January 20, 2016 at 6:28am

Big smile on my face, from ear to ear, so cute! :)

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Permalink Reply by Rooster on January 21, 2016 at 9:18am

If that don't put a smile on your face better have someone check your pulse..................and good on April Mae for joining in. She looks like a proud momma up there singing with the kids ;-)