2025 Guide to Bluegrass Music Associations in the United States

Since its origin in the Appalachian region in the 1940’s, bluegrass music, pioneered Bill Monroe and his Blue Grass Boys in Kentucky, became one of the most important American musical genres. Radio, jams at peoples homes and in community gatherings, and eventually fiddler’s conventions and festivals spread this firey music across the United states, having reached nationwide attention by the 1960s.

Today, bluegrass thrives across all 50 states, and most of them have at least one official bluegrass music association or society that helps to celebrate bluegrass culture, encapsulated in bluegrass jams, educational workshops, festivals, and publications. The landscape changes over time, so it’s good to have the most current information on bluegrass associations state-by-state. Read on to discover our 2025 guide to bluegrass music associations in the United States.

1. Alabama Bluegrass Music Association

The Alabama Bluegrass Music Association, founded in 1996, is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting bluegrass music across Alabama. They achieve this by publishing their newsletter, BamaGrass, organizing an annual festival, and providing updates on events and artists at bluegrass festivals. Membership costs $25 and includes 10 issues of BamaGrass, discounts to the Showcase of Bands, and helps support bluegrass musicians and festivals throughout the state.

2. Arizona Bluegrass Association

The Arizona Bluegrass Association is committed to promoting bluegrass, old-time, bluegrass gospel, and traditional American music throughout Arizona and the Desert Southwest. They organize jams, workshops, and educational opportunities for musicians of all skill levels while encouraging non-players to get involved and support the music. Membership is $25 per year, and members receive their monthly newsletter, the Arizona Bluegrass Beacon, via email.

3. Arkansas Bluegrass Society

The Arkansas Bluegrass Music Society Facebook group is a private page that connects Arkansans who play and enjoy Bluegrass music. Its purpose is to help musicians connect with others, organize local jams, or discuss the latest Bluegrass news. It’s open to both Arkansas residents and those living outside the state, as the group’s goal is to grow the Bluegrass community by offering a space for connection and collaboration.

4. California Bluegrass Association

The California Bluegrass Association (CBA) is dedicated to preserving and promoting Bluegrass, Old-time, gospel, and traditional American music. It celebrates the rich cultural roots of these genres while fostering an inclusive community that welcomes participation from all backgrounds. The CBA also provides resources for music enthusiasts, including event information, music teachers, luthiers, bands, and instructional materials.

5. Colorado Bluegrass Music Society

Founded in 1972 by a group of young musicians looking to connect with fellow bluegrass enthusiasts, the Colorado Bluegrass Music Society serves as a hub for fans and performers alike. Annual membership costs $30. The society provides information on Colorado bluegrass festivals, local bands, jam sessions, and other valuable resources. The organization continues to promote and support the bluegrass community throughout the state.

6. Connecticut Bluegrass Association

The Connecticut Bluegrass Association (CTBA) is committed to uniting the bluegrass community in Connecticut by supporting local bands, education, jams, festivals, and event venues. While donations are welcome, membership is free, and you can sign up for their monthly newsletter.

7. Eastern Shore Bluegrass Association

The Eastern Shore Bluegrass Association aims to promote bluegrass music across the Delmarva Peninsula by hosting monthly concerts from September to April in Denton, MD, and organizing summer jam sessions at various locations. Their events showcase top regional bands, and fans can stay updated by subscribing to their monthly newsletter.

8. Central Florida Bluegrass Association

The Central Florida Bluegrass Association (CFBA) is dedicated to promoting and preserving bluegrass music in Central Florida. They organize regular jam sessions, festivals, and events to foster a thriving bluegrass community.

9. South Florida Bluegrass Association

Chartered in 1971, the South Florida Bluegrass Association (SFBA) promotes the education, preservation, and celebration of bluegrass and Old-time Mountain music in the South Florida region. The organization hosts monthly festivals, as well as the long-running 47-year-old Everglades Bluegrass Festival, which has drawn bluegrass and Grande Ole Opry stars. The membership fee of $25 for an individual and $40 per couple includes voting rights on board members and elected officials, as well as input into the direction of the organization.

10. SouthEastern Bluegrass Association

The SouthEastern Bluegrass Association (SEBA) is a non-profit organization uniting fans, musicians, promoters, and vendors to celebrate and sustain bluegrass music. SEBA is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and publicizing bluegrass performers and activities across Georgia and the Southeast. Members receive access to the award-winning newsletter, The SEBA Breakdown, and a wealth of resources through the SEBA website.

11. Idaho Bluegrass Association

Founded in 1992, the Idaho Bluegrass Association (IBA) promotes bluegrass music throughout the state by organizing jams, workshops, and events. Members enjoy access to the IBA’s newsletter, discounts on event tickets, and the opportunity to participate in the annual Idaho Bluegrass Festival, a highlight for the state’s bluegrass community.

12. Northern Indiana Bluegrass Music Association

Founded in 1991, the Northern Indiana Bluegrass Music Association (NIBGA) covers bluegrass music events in Ohio, Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois, as well as Indiana. Annual events like their Tri-State Bluegrass Festival Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend are just a couple of the awesome events they host. Their $10 annual membership for individuals includes access to discounts, the newsletter, and other bluegrass-related opportunities.

13. Kansas Bluegrass Association

For over 40 years, bluegrass enthusiasts in Kansas have turned to the Kansas Bluegrass Association (KBA) for a sense of community and a wealth of resources. Founded in 1975, the KBA offers a variety of events and services to both musicians and fans of bluegrass music. Membership to the KBA is just $25 per year, which includes access to their newsletter, discounted tickets for events, and the opportunity to connect with other bluegrass lovers through organized jams and festivals.

14. Northern Kentucky Bluegrass Music Association

The Northern Kentucky Bluegrass Music Association (NKBMA), founded in 1996, is dedicated to promoting bluegrass music in Northern Kentucky and surrounding areas. The organization plays a key role in organizing events, hosting jam sessions, and providing educational opportunities for musicians and fans, including hosting the annual “Bluegrass in the Park” festival. Membership is available for $15 annually, which includes access to newsletters, discounts on events, and more.

15. Bluegrass Music Association of Maine

Since its founding in 1995, this nonprofit organization has worked to support and promote bluegrass music in Maine through various community events and educational opportunities. The Bluegrass Music Association of Maine hosts the annual Maine Bluegrass Festival, a popular event that draws fans and musicians from across the region, and offer a $25 annual membership which includes access to their newsletter and discounted tickets to events.

16. Boston Bluegrass Union

The Boston Bluegrass Union (BBU) is a volunteer-run organization that promotes bluegrass music and education through festivals, concerts, and jams across the Northeast.

17. Southeast Michigan Bluegrass Music Association

The Southeast Michigan Bluegrass Music Association (SMBMA) is a non-profit organization focused on preserving and promoting bluegrass music in the region. Founded in 1995, it hosts a variety of events, including the annual Hall of Honor picnic and presentations. Membership offers access to jam sessions, newsletters, and discounted tickets for events.

18. Minnesota Bluegrass and Old-Time Music Association

Founded in 1975, the Minnesota Bluegrass and Old-Time Music Association (MBOTMA) just celebrated its 50th anniversary. Its monthly publication Minnesota Bluegrass Magazine was voted “Best Newsletter” by the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America (SPBGMA) twice, and a subscription is one of the member perks, along with discounts to events and other benefits .

19. Magnolia State Bluegrass Association

The Magnolia State Bluegrass Association (MSBA), established to celebrate and preserve bluegrass music, Is Mississippi’s premier bluegrass association, hosting quarterly events featuring local and regional bluegrass performances, instrumental jams, and community gatherings. For $30 annually, members enjoy benefits like free admission to MSBA events, a connection to other bluegrass enthusiasts, and access to their newsletter.

20. Heart of the Ozarks Bluegrass Association

Founded in 1980, the Heart of the Ozarks Bluegrass Association (HOBA) is dedicated to promoting bluegrass music in the Ozarks through public shows, educational events, and a regular newsletter. Their annual Bluegrass Festival, held each year, features performances by regional and national bluegrass artists.

21. Montana Bluegrass Association

Founded in 1998, the Montana Bluegrass Association connects musicians and fans through jam sessions, workshops, and an annual festival celebrating the region’s vibrant bluegrass scene. The annual membership fee is $10 for an individual and $15 for a family, which includes benefits such as a bi-monthly newsletter, and the organization hosts its own bluegrass festival in April.

22. Omaha Bluegrass Association

This Nebraska-based organization fosters bluegrass appreciation through events such as bluegrass and old time music jam sessions, bluegrass and country music festivals, and even local happenings like contra dances. Members of the Omaha Bluegrass Association enjoy benefits like access to exclusive events, community networking, and updates on the latest local bluegrass happenings.

23. Northern Nevada Bluegrass Association

The Northern Nevada Bluegrass Association (NNBA) has been dedicated to preserving bluegrass music in the northern region of the state since 1981. Events like their annual Bower’s Mansion Bluegrass Festival celebrate the genre, while their $20 annual membership includes access to their newsletter and discounted tickets to association-sponsored events such as their monthly class, “Build Your Bluegrass Repertoire.”

24. New Jersey Bluegrass & Old Time Music Association

Since its founding in 1978, the New Jersey Bluegrass & Old Time Music Association has hosted events like their monthly jamming workshop and the annual Bluegrass Festival at Albert Music Hall. Membership is $25 per year and includes a subscription to their newsletter and discounts on event tickets.

25. Hudson Valley Bluegrass Association

The New York Bluegrass Association supports bluegrass enthusiasts across New York by keeping its followers in the loop on monthly jam sessions, educational opportunities, and area bluegrass festivals. The annual membership fee of $25 includes discounts to sponsored events and more.

26. Adirondack Bluegrass League

Founded in 1974, the Adirondack Bluegrass League (ABL) is dedicated to preserving and promoting bluegrass music throughout New York’s Adirondack region. The organization hosts events such as the annual Fall Festival and offers members benefits at $12/year membership fee like discounted admission to ABL-sponsored events, a quarterly newsletter, and opportunities to participate in jams and workshops.

27. North Carolina Bluegrass Music Association

The North Carolina Bluegrass Music Association (NCBGMA) promotes bluegrass through area bluegrass events, workshops, and community outreach, supporting musicians and fans across the state. Varied membership option, starting at $25 annually, provides discounts, a quarterly newsletter, and opportunities to participate in jams and festivals.

27. Southwest Bluegrass Association

The Southwest Bluegrass Association (SWBA) promotes bluegrass music across the Southwest, including Southern California and other states often associated with the region, such as Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. The association fosters a vibrant community by organizing festivals, jam sessions, and workshops for musicians and fans. Membership provides access to events, networking opportunities, and resources that support the preservation of bluegrass traditions throughout the Southwest.

28. Northern Plains Bluegrass and Acoustic Music Association

Founded in 1996, the Northern Plains Bluegrass and Acoustic Music Association connects bluegrass and acoustic music enthusiasts across North Dakota and surrounding areas. For $25 annually, members enjoy benefits such as access to the annual Missouri River Bluegrass Festival, invitations to special events, and and bluegrass news.

29. Greater Oklahoma Bluegrass Music Society

This nonprofit organization has been a cornerstone of Oklahoma’s bluegrass community since its founding in 1977. For $20, members of Greater Oklahoma Bluegrass Music Society (GOBMS) recieve a bi-monthly subscription to the Bluegrass Times, along with discounts to their events.

30. Oregon Bluegrass Association

Since its founding in 1982, the Oregon Bluegrass Association has supported bluegrass enthusiasts through its annual Northwest Bluegrass Festival and numerous jam sessions across the state. Membership includes a subscription to their Bluegrass Express, event discounts, opportunities to have presence on their website for band promotion, and more.

31. Appalachian Fiddle and Bluegrass Association

Based in Pennsylvania, the Appalachian Fiddle and Bluegrass Association (AFBA) has been promoting bluegrass and old-time music since 1973. They host the annual AFBA Bluegrass Festival in Wind Gap, PA, a beloved event for fans and musicians, and offer members access to discounts, newsletters, and networking opportunities as part of their $15/year membership.

32. Rhode Island Bluegrass Alliance

Dedicated to fostering bluegrass music in Rhode Island, The Rhode Island Bluegrass Alliance (RIBA) provides resources for musicians and fans alike. Membership perks include access to local jam sessions, discounts on events, and updates via their newsletter.

33. South Carolina Bluegrass and Traditional Music Association

Established in 1991 to preserve and promote bluegrass and traditional music, the South Carolina Bluegrass and Traditional Music Association (SCBTMA) serves as a hub for musicians and fans in South Carolina. Members benefit from event discounts, access to jam sessions, and the association’s quarterly newsletter.

34. East River & Missouri River Valley Bluegrass Music Association

South Dakota has recently joined the bluegrass community with the formation of the East River & Missouri River Valley Bluegrass Music Association. This new organization aims to promote and preserve bluegrass music across the state by fostering connections among fans, musicians, and venues. It doesn’t have an online presence yet, but interested parties can contact Alan Reinpold 9605-987-41910 or Jon Hittle (877-621-4118; jbecoyote@yahoo.com) for more information.

35. East Tennessee Bluegrass Association

Established to celebrate and promote bluegrass music in East Tennessee, the East Tennessee Bluegrass Association (ETNBA) connects musicians and fans through jams, workshops, and educational opportunities. Members benefit from voting rights, networking events, a monthly newsletter, and discounted entry to local bluegrass festivals, with annual membership costing $25 for individuals and $75 for bands.

36. Central Texas Bluegrass Association

Rooted in the heart of Texas, the Central Texas Bluegrass Association (CTBA) fosters the bluegrass community by hosting events like the annual Austin String Festival and providing resources for musicians and fans alike. Their memberships for individuals, families, bands, and business, beginning at $25 annually, include access to their newsletter, a member directory, and discounted tickets to CTBA-sponsored events.

37. Tidewater Bluegrass Music Association

Since its founding in 1990, the Tidewater Bluegrass Music Association (TBMA) has been a cornerstone of the bluegrass community in southeastern Virginia, hosting monthly concerts and jams for musicians and fans. Membership costs $25 per year and provides access to exclusive events, newsletters, and networking opportunities.

38. Intermountain Acoustic Music Association

Since its founding in 1987, the Intermountain Acoustic Music Association (IAMA) has been dedicated to promoting and preserving acoustic music in Utah and the surrounding region, including events in the Bluegrass genre. The organization hosts monthly concerts, jam sessions, and the annual IAMA Local Concert Series, while membership benefits include discounted event tickets, a subscription to the monthly “Intermountain Acoustic Musician” newsletter, and opportunities to connect with fellow acoustic music enthusiasts.

39. Washington Bluegrass Association

Founded in 1982, the Washington Bluegrass Association (WBA) serves as a vital hub for bluegrass enthusiasts across the state, organizing events such as the annual Mount Saint Helens Bluegrass Festival. Membership costs $25 per year and includes $5.00 off admission to the festival, access to their newsletter, discounts to other select events, and opportunities to participate in jams and workshops.

40. The Southern Wisconsin Bluegrass Music Association, Inc.

Dedicated to fostering a love for bluegrass music, the Southern Wisconsin Bluegrass Music Association, Inc. (SWBMAI) supports musicians, fans, and events across the region. Founded in 1983, the organization hosts various jam sessions and events throughout the year and offers an annual membership for $25, which includes access to exclusive newsletters and discounted event tickets.