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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 starting on September 7th 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.
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
The Farm Brewery at Broad Run, Broad Run (Haymarket) Virginia
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.
7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Mullin’s 1847 Restaurant, Moorefield West Virginia
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
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!
7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Mullin’s 1847 Restaurant, Moorefield West Virginia
12:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Glen Echo Park, Glen Echo MD
The Washington Folk Festival returns to Glen Echo Park, August 23, 12noon to 7:00pm. Now a one-day event, expect a jam-packed roster full of dancing, storytelling, and music ranging from American to International styles. Bluegrass, Celtic, Americana, blues, and Zydeco, as well as folk music from around the world including a special Middle Eastern track this year. Six stages, including a revival of the family-focused kid-friendly dedicated area, hundreds of performers, food trucks, picnic tables, and it’s all FREE! Donations gratefully accepted. Please note that parking is on-site this and limited so car-pooling is highly recommended.
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