This past Sunday marked a significant music-making legacy as the Great Plains Bluegrass and Old-Time Music Association commemorated 50 years of making/promoting Bluegrass and Old-Time music. The Jubilee was held at Danish Vennelyst Park on N. 31st Street in Omaha. A nice lunch was provided during which an open mic featured various musicians. The final group to perform has multiple members in it that are on the board of the GPBOTMA and who have largely helmed the club for a number of years. I was reminded as I entered the meeting hall that we had all been there for the same event 10 years earlier, when the Kopsa Family performed at the 40th celebration.

Of course no club meeting is complete without jam sessions, and three such groups formed both inside and outside to enjoy each other’s company and make some music. The club exists to provide a setting for learning an instrument and how to listen and perform both individually and in a group, and along the way to encourage the preservation and promotion of Bluegrass and Old-Time music. It’s always encouraging to see some younger attendees appreciating the same interests and valuing learning and preserving these genres. Many friendships have been made and maintained over the years through this association.

The GPBOTMA has monthly shows/jams the 1st Sunday afternoon of each month October through May which are held at The American Legion Post #1, 78th & Davenport in Omaha. Club dues are a nominal annual amount and entitle you to $2 off the admission price. There’s always multiple jams following a varied group performance or open mic opportunity – depending on that month’s schedule. More information can be found here on facebook. Congrats on 50 years!