The Bluegrass Music Association of Maine is proud to present the second-annual band contest at the Crooked River Gathering.
The event will feature up to 6 bands. Bands can be established groups or simply friends who love picking
together—basically, any ensemble that wants to assemble. While many festival band contests focus on
competition, our band contest is focused on fun. Let’s have a great time listening to and cheering on
each band.
The winning band will earn a spot on the main stage at a future Crooked River Gathering. And the top
three bands will receive prizes generously donated by our sponsors, Ear Trumpet Labs, D’Addario, and
Bourgeois Guitars.
Read on for contest details, rules and more. To enter your band, please contact to Taylor Smith at
tsmith@mainebluegrass.org.
When: Thursday, Sept. 3, at 8 p.m., following the Crooked Stage shows.
Where: The contest will take place on the Manic Mountain Stage at the Crooked River Gathering.
Contest Rules:
1. Bands must have between 2-6 members.
2. All members must be ticketed attendees of the Crooked River Gathering.
3. Bands performing on the festival’s main stage are not eligible for the contest. However, bands
can include up to two members of groups performing on the main stage.
4. Each band plays 2-3 songs, with a total time of 15 minutes per band (including stage setup).
5. The Crooked River Gathering is a celebration of bluegrass and old-time music. Please keep your
song selection in the spirit of those genres!
6. The stage setup will include one large condenser mic, two outboard directional mics, and a
DI/backline for bass. Please leave your pedal boards, special mics and in-ear monitors behind so
we can keep the contest moving smoothly!
7. A panel of judges will evaluate the bands on three criteria:
a. Instrumental and vocal performance
b. Stage presence
c. Audience appreciation
Come on out and take part in the BMAM Band Contest at the Crooked River Gathering! To sign up or get
more information, please reach out to Taylor Smith at tsmith@mainebluegrass.org.