Ozark Mountain Music Association wraps up camps, plans next season

It’s been a great season of camps and activities for Ozark Mountain Music Association, with record numbers of campers learning or improving their traditional and bluegrass music skills! As the busy summer winds down, though, leadership and camp alumni are already preparing for some fall and winter events, and also invite families to put next year’s events on their calendar. 

On Friday and Saturday, December 11 and 12, the Bluegrass Winter Festival will be held at the Branson Meadows Event Center. This fun gathering features jam sessions, local and visiting bands, and a concert open to the public. Another opportunity for winter fun is the Square Dance Workshop, planned for February 5 and 6 at the Michel family’s Events at the Homestead venue. Conducted by experienced guest instructors and accompanied by area musicians, the workshop is open to dancers of all levels of experience, starting with the basics; so, if you’ve always wanted to learn more about traditional Ozarks dance, mark your calendar for this great opportunity! 

During Memorial Day Weekend on May 29, OMMA will host the annual Youth in Bluegrass Contest, also at Branson Meadows Event Center. This event will be connected to the Banjo Ben Camp held at the same venue on Thursday and into Friday morning, before leading right into the opportunity to hear some of the best young bands from the local Ozarks area as well as several other states compete for prizes and showcase their skills for scholarship offers. 

Next summer’s Bluegrass Camp dates are on the calendar as well: 

• Camp No. 1: June 8-12, at Events at the Homestead (Branson) 

• Camp No. 2: June 15-19, at Events at the Homestead 

Plans are also in progress for the annual Old Time Music and Dance Camp to be held in Mountain View, Arkansas, next July; exact dates and venue to be announced soon. 

OMMA leadership and alumni also keep busy at other musical and historical events around the area, including a recent presentation alongside the Society of Ozarkian Hillcrofters at the Branson Centennial Museum. Traditional music is a great way to connect your family with the legacy of the Ozarks, so start making plans to get involved and check the website,

https://www.ozarkmountainmusicassociation.com, and the Facebook page for regular updates.