Ozark Mountain Music Association is excited to announce the 2025 Youth in Bluegrass Contest, to be held in Branson on Saturday, May 17, 2025. Applications are currently open for youth bands wishing to enter the competition, formerly known as the KSMU Youth Bluegrass Contest. The competition is in its second year of being sponsored and hosted by OMMA, and again this year, host venue is the Branson Event Center, 2527 St. Hwy. 248 in Branson.
To be eligible, band members must be age 21 or younger; a parent may be a band member but not in a lead role.
Bands will compete for prize money of $2,500 for first place, $2,000 for second, $1,500 for third, $1,000 for fourth, and $500 for fifth. There will also be instrument giveaways. In addition, students will be able to talk with representatives from colleges that offer bluegrass and traditional music programs of study. Bethel University in McKenzie, Tennessee, and Williams Baptist University in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, have already announced plans to offer some serious scholarship funding.
In addition to competition, Youth in Bluegrass offers plenty of fun and opportunities to meet—or reconnect with—other youth with similar interests. A get-acquainted party and rehearsal will be held Friday evening, May 16.
The public is invited to attend this entertaining and fun event. Tickets are $25. The first round of competition will be at 10 a.m. on the 17th; second round will be at 3 p.m., and the awards ceremony will be held at 6 p.m.
Deadline for applications is March 1, and 20 qualifying bands will be notified by March 15. Find more information, and application information, at www.ozarkmountainmusicassociation, or email ozarkmountainmusic1@gmail.com with any questions.
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