jug band

American  

noun

1. a small group of performers who play chiefly blues or folk music on makeshift or very simple instruments, as washboards, harmonicas, kazoos, and empty jugs, the latter being played by blowing across the openings.

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jug band British  

noun

1. a small group playing folk or jazz music, using empty jugs that are played by blowing across their openings to produce bass notes

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Etymology

Origin of jug band

An Americanism dating back to 1930–35

Example Sentences

At age 16, he met Garcia, 21, in Palo Alto, Calif., and they formed a jug band, shifting to electric instruments following the rapid popularity of the Beatles in the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 11, 2026

In a 1972 issue of Rolling Stone, Garcia credited McKernan with his shift from acoustic jug band to electric guitar, which prompted the formation of the Warlocks, the band that became the Grateful Dead.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 3, 2023

Lots of times we just jam, make stuff up, riff on old-timey jug band, jazz or Irish veins.

From New York Times • Aug. 20, 2022

At first the band played a mix of British folk, bluegrass and old-time jug band music.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2017

He started a jug band with Chris Fenwick, who would later manage the Feelgoods, and other friends, playing pubs such as the Canvey Club and fetes around the island.

From The Guardian • Dec. 1, 2015