2026 Campaign · Currently on the road
A single acoustic guitar passing through the hands of storytellers, teachers, and neighbors across the country.
Current stage
On the road — currently with the second artist of the season
Latest update
No dispatches yet
Current artist
Ruth Callahan
Folk songwriter, Appalachia
Last updated
July 23, 2026
Meet this year's guitar
Every year, Mama Jo's Traveling Guitar begins its journey with one instrument, a yellow ribbon, and a promise: music belongs to everyone. In 2026, this guitar leaves our workshop bound for classrooms, community centers, kitchen tables, and small stages — carried by artists who agree to play it, share it, and pass it along.
The instrument
Signed on the interior by every artist who carries it. A small brass plate on the headstock is engraved with the year and the words "For the ones still listening."
Carried by
Folk songwriter, Appalachia
Ruth writes songs the way her grandmother wrote letters — slowly, honestly, and only when she has something worth saying.
Read their storyTeaching artist, Chicago
Miles runs after-school music programs on the South Side of Chicago and believes an instrument should never sit in a case for long.
Read their storyCommunity ensemble, New Orleans
A rotating group of neighbors who play on Sara's front porch every Sunday, rain or shine.
Read their storyImpact in progress
Since we began, three traveling guitars have carried the mission across the country.
Artists who have carried the current traveling guitar so far this campaign.
Musicians, teachers, and neighbors who have played, shared, and passed along a traveling guitar.
Public school and community classrooms visited during the current campaign.
Open porch sessions, workshops, and community sing-alongs this year.
Public school and community classrooms where a traveling guitar has been used to teach a first chord.
Cities, towns, and rural stops where the guitar has made a scheduled or unscheduled appearance.
Keep it moving
Sponsors, hosts, and donors are what turn a single instrument into a whole year of songs.
