Kansas Bluegrass Association promotes Youth in Bluegrass

The KBA works to perpetuate bluegrass music by encouraging young musicians interested in playing bluegrass music. In addition to sponsoring the junior showcase at the winter festival, the KBA also sponsors a youth bluegrass band through the KBA youth scholarship program.

KBA 2012 Winter Festival Junior Showcase Signup

Youth under the age of 16 years may sign up online to participate in the KBA 2012 Winter Festival Junior Showcase. The 2012 junior showcase will be presented at the 2012 Winter Festival on Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 4:00 PM. There is a two or three song limit for each participant in the junior showcase due to the time constaint and the number of participants. Other rules for the showcase can be found here.

All of the participants are invited to a jam session just prior to the Junior Showcase performance to meet other performers and to warm up by playing songs that the everyone knows. Songs that come to mind are Old Joe Clark, Cripple Creek, Bile Them Cabbage Down, I'll Fly Away, Amazing Grace, etc. Participants are encouraged to bring their favorite song to the jam session and see if others know it and can join in the fun. Refreshments will be served in the Junior Showcase warm-up room.

KBA Youth Band Signup

Youth between the ages of 10 and 20 inclusive, may sign up online to participate in the youth band program or at the scheduled practices during the KBA monthly jam sessions. Participant requirements for the KBA Youth Band are also found online as is the parent or guardian release form.