I have sent emails to the public television stations in Orlando, Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville, and Tallahassee encouraging them to air the Songs Inside The Box documentary. Maybe we can get some interest generated.

Here is what I said:

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Hello,

I am a member of a community of musicians and instrument builders who specialize in cigar box guitars. Many people have never heard of them, seen them, or heard them being played. But, these instruments are part of the cornerstone of American blues music dating back to the late 1800s.

During the slave era, the slaves wanted instruments, but could not afford a factory made guitar, so they improvised with an empty cigar box, a stick and some string or wire. The cigar box guitar was born.

Early blues legends such as Lightning Hopkins, Muddy Waters, and even Robert Johnson played CBGs. The twangy, earthy, bluesy sound of the Mississippi Delta is unique.

Of late, there has been a resurgence of interest in cigar box music, and several web sites have sprung up, attracting new blood and fueling the interest in these unique instruments. Aficionados can be musicians, builders, or neither, but they all share a love for CBGs and the music played on them.

There is a documentary called Songs Inside The Box, which has aired on other PBS stations across the country, most recently in Huntsville Alabama.

We are looking to pass the word and get other PBS stations to air this excellent documentary.

You can find more information about it on the web site at:

http://www.songsinsidethebox.com/main.html

There are also numerous videos on YouTube which demonstrate the amazing sound of these instruments. My favorite is the Porch Song by Mike Snowden. Porch Song is a hauntingly beautiful song played on a 3 string cigar box guitar. Give it a listen, I think you will enjoy it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vqi7MQbHqz0

If I can answer any questions for you, or if you need any further information, please feel free to contact me.

Thanks for your time.