Happy Holidays to all our Members! As we head into the happy season, I’m so pleased to see how we have grown and all we’ve accomplished this past year. And better days ahead, as we have some big plans in the works.  

We have a Christmas treat for you on December 9th – our Community Band – Mohawk Valley Bluegrass will be giving a short Bluegrass/Christmas concert starting at 6:30pm at the Rome Art and Community Center – followed by a jam session.   Bring your voice and your instrument for a good time!

We won’t be holding our 3rd Saturday Jam session this month but will resume in January on the 18th at the Rome Art and Community Center 11AM- 2PM.  

New MVBGA Merch has arrived!!!

Looking for some cool Christmas presents for your family and friends – or want to give yourself a Christmas treat?   Our merchandise website is now open and you can order direct at http://mvbgashop.com/mvbgas/shop/home - we have shirts, vests, hats, hoodies and more!   And you can customize from many different options for colors.   Free pickup at Max’s Print shop on River Road in Marcy, and free shipping on orders over $50.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whats Ahead for next year???
In 2025 we will continue our “Jam with the Band” sessions on the 2nd Monday of the month at the Rome Art and Community Center – but we will change the focus of the evening to the concert portion with a longer concert by our guest band, followed by the jam session.    As many have asked for an earlier start the concerts will now start at 6:30 PM.   Our focus will be on our member bands.  

Our 3rd Saturday Jam sessions will continue as well on the 3rd Saturday of the month at either the Rome Art and Community Center or the Steuben Town Hall.   We may try another venue as well to mix it up a bit.

Our summer concert series was a success, and we plan to continue.  We will look to bring in national and regional Bluegrass Bands like we did last year.   Many bands travel through our area on the way to and from festivals they are playing and if schedule work out we can catch them for an evening.    It worked great with the Kevin Praeter Band and Country Gentlemen Tribute Band and both have indicated a willingness to come back in 2025.   We’d like to have 3-4 of these over the summer months. 

Our MVBGA Festival May Return
We are also in the early planning stages of a one day Bluegrass Festival with a top band in Bluegrass – stay tuned.   We will need help if we are to pull this off – without volunteers we won’t do it.   If you would be interested in helping please send a quick email to mvbga2002@gmail.com and we’ll add you to the list.  Right now we are looking at the last Sunday in July in Rome and will be working with the City to secure the date and location as well as at least one national band.  
 
Want more jamming?
I’m happy to report that the new Bluegrass Jam in the area will continue for the rest of the year – Adam Dudding is leading the jam on the  4th  Sunday of every month.  It’s being hosted by the Kirkland Art Center at 6:30 PM.     Pickers and listeners are welcome – a $5 donation is requested from listeners for use of the KAC.   Come on out and support Bluegrass in our region!