mountain heart performs @ 2008 minnesota bluegrass & old-time music festival.
in september 1975, minnesota bass player tom o neill circulated proposal group of people names had been gleaned personal address books of bluegrass , old-time music-playing friends. sent out preliminary newsletter announcing minnesota bluegrass , old-time music association (mbotma), based on san diego bluegrass club , newsletter format. mbotma got started first official newsletter, mailed new membership of 40, october.
the association s membership grew steadily , in august 1976 mbotma incorporated non-profit corporation in minnesota. during first 3 years membership grew on 400.
the organization introduced first three-day summer bluegrass festival @ wildwood campground in taylor s falls (mn) in august 1980. event become minnesota bluegrass & old-time music festival, located @ el rancho mañana in central minnesota. 1980 same year mbotma held first buy, sell, swap meet, develop today’s winter bluegrass weekend: festival of bluegrass & old-time music & dance, held annually first weekend in march @ crowne plaza hotel & conference center in plymouth (mn) (formerly known radisson hotel & conference center).
in 1988, summer mbotma festival moved camp in woods resort near zimmerman (mn). volunteers constructed permanent stage facility @ campground , on years countless bands enjoyed performing there capacity audiences. minnesota homegrown kickoff music festival started in june 1993 @ same venue , provided format mbotma member bands showcase. both festivals flourished, in 2001 camp in woods sold housing developer, , larger location long-range future sought.
the goal of moving 2 summer festivals new home realized in 2002 move el rancho mañana, campground , riding stables located in rolling hills of central minnesota west of st. cloud. venue large enough accommodate increased interest in bluegrass , old-time stringband music , offers amenities such horseback riding , swimming beach. volunteers designed , contributed of labor build new concert area , stage considered 1 of midwest s beautiful outdoor festival grounds.
in 2001, mbotma brought on board first professional executive director, jed malischke, better serve membership , mission. organization has steady membership of approximately 1000 individuals , 125 member bands.
two winter concert programs established. community concert series brings mbotma member bands small venues in small communities throughout minnesota. lonely pines concert series features professionally touring bands in series of concerts in large , small cities.
since 2003, organization has partnered minnesota state fair present minnesota flatpicking guitar & duet championships. fourth annual festival, harvest jamboree, launched in 2006, indoor multi-day festival concerts, workshops , jamming. mbotma hosts various jam sessions, sponsors children’s educational programs, , helps support many events sponsored other organizations , member bands.
mbomta’s monthly publication, inside bluegrass, has twice been voted “best newsletter” society preservation of bluegrass music in america (spbgma). minnesota bluegrass & old-time music festival nominated in event of year category international bluegrass music association (ibma) in 2005 , 2007.
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