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Entries for the Mike Auldridge Instrumental Composition Contest will be accepted starting on August 16, 2026!
The Mike Auldridge Instrumental Composition Contest honors the life and musicianship of one of America’s greatest bluegrass players.
Applications Orrin Star Scholarship award will be accepted between Sept. 7th and Nov. 16th 2026!
The Orrin Star Scholarship honors the memory and generosity of a remarkable man, who lived in the DC area for most of his career and who was a friend to many in the bluegrass community. Orrin gained notoriety as a champion flat-picker and went on to enrich many of our lives with the warmth and humor of his performing and teaching.
Applications for the $500 award are accepted every year, beginning in the fall. Look for the announcement on the home page. Meanwhile, the program description is at https://dcbu.org/the-orrin-star-scholarship-program/
The Hazel Dickens Song Contest opens October 26th 2026!
The Hazel Dickens Song Contest celebrates the life one of the Baltimore/Washington region music’s most beloved bluegrass songwriters.
One important aspect of DCBU’s mission is to promote music education. We offer an instructor directory so students can locate teachers in their local area for in-person instruction. Additionally, since so many great musicians teach online classes, we’re now posting information for instructors wherever they are located. To sign-up as an instructor fill out the form by selecting the link below. Your submission will be reviewed and added to our directory within a few days.
The Farm Brewery at Broad Run, Broad Run (Haymarket) Virginia/Prince William County
Open Bluegrass jam. All levels (multiple circles). The Farm Brewery at Broad Run is on a spacious, well laid out, farm with food and beverages available. The jam is held on the SECOND and FOURTH Thursdays. There is ample parking and a friendly staff. The Farm Brewery closes at 9:00 PM, hence, jam hours are 6:30 to 8:30 PM.
Mullin’s 1847 Restaurant, Moorefield West Virginia
School of Musical Traditions, Takoma Park md
SMT holds a beginner friendly bluegrass jam every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month. The jams are lead by SMT teachers and members of the band Cherry Blossom Special Nick Cameron, Mari Carlson, and Justin Heath. Bring your instrument and a song and don’t be afraid to take a solo. This is a free event but donations are welcome!
Vienna Town Green, Vienna VA
Join us for an afternoon of jamming and live bluegrass on the Town of Vienna Green! Jamming starts at 1 pm and continues after the show. Billy Harrison & Haywire perform on the stage 2:00-3:30. So bring your instrument, a picnic and your picking chair! This free event is co-sponsored by the DC Bluegrass Union, Bluegrass Country Radio, and Lucketts Bluegrass.
Takoma Park Middle School, Takoma Park MD
Celebrating a vibrant tapestry of music and culture, the Takoma Park Folk Festival returns to Takoma Park Middle School with 6 stages featuring a variety of musical genres, a juried craft show, food from around the world, community tables with representatives of local nonprofit groups, and big fun for little ones at the Children’s Nook! And NEW THIS YEAR: a jam tent where musicians can play with each other! Join us for a full day of music, art, food, and community!
FREE ADMISSION! Rain or Shine. Free Parking and Shuttles. Details at https://www.tpff.org
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