Ever since I learned about the Cigar Box Guitar Museum (inside of Speal’s Tavern) in New Alexandria, Pennsylvania, I’ve wanted to visit and see this unique collection of instruments. Last month, I haphazardly noticed Shane Speal and the Snakes were playing there on 11/10 and decided it was time to cross this item off my proverbial bucket list. Here's a recap of my adventure...
After boarding a 737 outbound from Dallas' Love Field, I arrived at Pittsburgh International Airport on Saturday afternoon and rented a car. Then I headed East across the autumn-colored Pennsylvania countryside towards New Alexandria. Despite one wrong turn near Monroeville, the drive went pretty smooth.I parked in front of Speal’s Tavern a few minutes after 5 PM and wandered inside. The exterior is a bit unassuming, looking more like a house than a museum. However, the big blue letters that spell out SPEALS TAVERN let you know you’re in the right place. Once inside it’s hard not to notice all the homemade instruments on the walls.As luck would have it, Shane Speal was there and he was giving patrons a guided tour of the museum, including several of the latest additions. Shane took us through all the exhibits on the walls and invited everyone to get up close and notice the details. His knowledge of each and every instrument was astounding. Each CBG has a unique story.After taking a quick walk through CBG history, I grabbed a spot at the bar and ordered a Yuengling. I just so happens I sat between CBN member Lou LaManna and Pennsylvania Musician journalist Jim Price. Thanks for all the good conversation fellas!Around 6 PM, I ordered a Spealburger off the cigar box menu (a very clever touch), as Shane made rounds and talked to everyone. When I told him I made the trek from Dallas, his mouth gaped for a minute. Then he anxiously agreed to sign my copies of Building Poor Man’s Guitars and Songs Inside the Box. I’ll treasure these for years to come.Around 7:00 PM, the other band members showed up and started sound check. Dar, the bartender, kept the Yuenglings flowing as I prepared myself to finally see Shane Speal and the Snakes live. Around 8 PM, the band began their first set. Wow, these fellas put on a heck of a show!Farmer Jon was playing the legendary Soul Bucket and boy was he kicking out the grooves. Watching Rick thump that cajon made my hands hurt. He’s amazing… and Shane absolutely owns the stage. They are great entertainers for sure! The Snakes played for 3 hours doing a number of original songs as well as cover tunes from Prince, Depeche Mode, Led Zeppelin, Kiss, Robert Johnson, and several others. What a night!Well... it may have taken a 3 hour flight, a rental car, and an overnight stay in a shoddy hotel room to cross this item off my bucket list, but the trip was well worth it! I was able to explore the museum, learn some random facts, meet Shane, hear The Snakes play, have some CBG-minded conversation, and get some cool souvenirs all in one night. This was definitely a trip to remember. Thanks to everyone who helped make the night special.
Check out the full album of pics here: https://cigarboxnation.com/photo/albums/new-alexandria-trip-11-18
Watch The Snakes do their rendition of The Star Spangled Banner here: https://cigarboxnation.com/video/shane-speal-the-snakes-play-the-st...
Comment
Great story and pics! Good to see you there at Speal's. Wish I could have stayed for the concert but the 8 year old grandson was worn out.
What a fantastic report! Thank you so much for joining us.
Glad you took pics, west coaster like me can only hope, someday?Cheers
Started by Bill Andy in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts 18 hours ago. 0 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Bill Andy in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts. Last reply by Bill Andy 18 hours ago. 5 Replies 0 Likes
Started by BrianQ. in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts on Tuesday. 0 Replies 2 Likes
Started by J. D. Woods in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts. Last reply by Southern Ray Apr 26. 8 Replies 1 Like
Started by Southern Ray in Other stuff - off topic, fun stuff, whatever. Last reply by Southern Ray Apr 26. 6 Replies 0 Likes
Started by J. D. Woods in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts. Last reply by BrianQ. Apr 25. 4 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Rich Butters in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Crazed Fandango Apr 22. 4 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Nomad Jack in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts. Last reply by J. D. Woods Apr 17. 7 Replies 2 Likes
Started by Moritz Voegeli in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Apr 14. 6 Replies 2 Likes
Started by Timothy Hunter in Other stuff - off topic, fun stuff, whatever. Last reply by Timothy Hunter Apr 10. 14 Replies 3 Likes
Started by Tom T in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Apr 9. 9 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Southern Ray in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Apr 4. 7 Replies 1 Like
Started by Timothy Hunter in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Mar 27. 1 Reply 2 Likes
Started by Taffy Evans in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Mar 10. 1 Reply 3 Likes
Started by Cigar Box Nation in Feature Articles. Last reply by BrianQ. Mar 9. 4 Replies 3 Likes
Started by Ghostbuttons in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Timothy Hunter Mar 9. 5 Replies 1 Like
Started by Justin Stanchfield in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Taffy Evans Mar 8. 6 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Ken I in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Brian partington Mar 8. 8 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Southern Ray in Cool gear discussion - that's not cigar box related. Last reply by Southern Ray Mar 6. 5 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Taffy Evans in Other stuff - off topic, fun stuff, whatever. Last reply by Taffy Evans Mar 5. 4 Replies 2 Likes
Posted by Vlad on March 31, 2024 at 11:48pm 0 Comments 1 Like
Posted by Vlad on March 6, 2024 at 2:32am 5 Comments 2 Likes
Posted by billy jones bluez on February 28, 2024 at 2:09pm 0 Comments 0 Likes
Posted by billy jones bluez on February 17, 2024 at 11:00pm 0 Comments 0 Likes
Posted by Vlad on February 11, 2024 at 1:06am 1 Comment 1 Like
May 11, 2024 from 11am to 8pm – Speakeasy Grill
0 Comments 0 LikesMay 30, 2024 from 6:30pm to 10pm – The Casual Pint of Huntsville
0 Comments 0 Likes© 2024 Created by Ben "C. B. Gitty" Baker. Powered by
Cigar Box Nation is presented by C. B. Gitty Crafter Supply, your one-stop-shop for Cigar Box Guitar parts and accessories!
You need to be a member of Cigar Box Nation to add comments!
Join Cigar Box Nation