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

On Saturday afternoon, November 14, from 2:00 to 3:30 PM at the West Belmont branch, musician Coco Elysses leads a workshop that connects Chicago’s electric blues legacy to the diddley bow, a one-stringed instrument sometimes called a cigar box guitar. Participants hear a 20-minute talk on the history of players like Muddy Waters and Buddy Guy, drawn from the Black Ensemble Theater Company Records at the Chicago Public Library archives, then build their own cigar box guitar with provided supplies. The program runs about 1.5 to 2 hours, is suitable for all ages and families, and is part of the Renaissance Project highlighting Black history. Free, with registration required.