Youth in Bluegrass Contest held in Branson

The Flatlander Mountain Boys took home top honors at the 2025 Youth in Bluegrass Contest, held at the Branson Event Center on May 17 and 18. Formerly known as the KSMU Youth Bluegrass Contest, the annual event is now sponsored by Ozark Mountain Music Association and brings together youth bands from across the country for an evening of getting acquainted on Friday and a full day of competition on Saturday. 

MoArk 6 (Photo by Philip Thomas)

Second place went to 5 South; third place, Bomb City Bluegrass; fourth place, MoArk6; and fifth place, Alaskan Sunnyside Sisters. In addition to cash prizes for each place, the first-place group will receive a day of recording with Dark Shadow Recording Company. Bethel University was on hand with scholarship offers for 12 exceptional students for their Renaissance Bluegrass program. Two program participants, Mary Parker and Sophia Wright, served as hosts for the contest. 

Ozark Mountain Music Association director Wendy Wright also expressed thanks to all the place sponsors for the contest: First place sponsors, The Petersens; second place sponsor, Banjo Ben; third place sponsor, Ron and Gayle Hall; fourth place sponsor, Morgan Music; fifth place sponsor, BCB Construction. 

Some of the contestants originally met and began playing together while attending Ozark Mountain Music Association summer camps, including fourth-place winners MoArk6, which features two siblings from Green Forest, Arkansas, along with students from Parthenon and Kingston, Arkansas, and Crane and Bruner, Missouri. Their experience, along with several other area groups, is a testimony to the enduring value of the camps in building not only musical skills but also lifelong friendships with friends who share the interest in traditional music. 

At press time, only a few spots remained for the Bluegrass Camp to be held in Branson, June 10 through 14, with primarily mandolin or bass spots still available. Check the Facebook page or the website, www.ozarkmountainmusicassociation.com, for information and any remaining openings regarding the July 16-19 Old-Time Music & Dance Camp to be held in Mountain View, Arkansas. 

Sponsors are always welcome for scholarships for both camps, to help make these opportunities available for more students and keep costs affordable. Camps generally include a final evening performance open to the public as well, a great opportunity to enjoy some traditional music and encourage these young people and those who help them keep these traditions going!