Chicago's Electric Blues Heritage and History: Diddley Bow Workshop

Diddley Bow Archives Tie: The Black Ensemble Theater Company Records Collection Chicago has a rich heritage of internationally renowned electric blues guitar players, such as Muddy Waters, Elmore James, Buddy Guy and many more. This workshop elevates this Chicago history by exploring the rise of the electric blues and some of its musicians’ very first musical instrument, the diddley bow, a one-stringed instrument sometimes also referred to as a cigar box guitar. Inspired by the history of Chicago’s renowned blues guitarists extracted from CPL’s archives, participants will build their own cigar box guitar. Musician Coco Elysses will present the diddley bow’s history, demonstrate its sound, and then instruct on how to build the instrument. Supplies will be provided. The program runs about 1.5 to 2 hours that includes a 20-minute opening lecture on the history of Chicago’s electric blues and the diddley bow. This program offers a brief history, a diddley bow performance, with participants making their own and is for all ages, suitable for families with younger children, possibly in search of their first musical instrument. Presented as part of the Renaissance Project, this event invites participants to actively engage with the rich and often untold stories of Black history and heritage at Chicago Public Library. This program is made possible with support from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to the Chicago Public Library Foundation. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.