In 1995, a group of Maine bluegrass devotees gathered to discuss a new project: forming a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion, preservation and growth of bluegrass in Maine. Those early discussions planted the seeds that grew into the Bluegrass Association of Maine, which officially launched in July 1996.
2026 marks BMAM’s 30 th anniversary, and we’re excited to celebrate this milestone with our members and the entire Maine bluegrass community. We’ve got big plans for 2026, so keep an eye out for updates on our website, www.mainebluegrass.org, on social media and in future issues of the Bluegrass Express. Also, we’d love to hear your stories about BMAM and bluegrass in Maine! Please reach out to memories@mainebluegrass.org and we’ll make sure to share your stories with our community. Throughout our 30-year history, BMAM has relied on many people who have volunteered their time and energy and board members and officers to keep bluegrass thriving in Maine. We also are grateful for the continued support of our members, including those who come to our monthly jams, volunteer at our festival booths, or simply sign up and renew as members. We’re proud that BMAM can help support this wonderful community and this music that we all love, and we look forward to many more years of celebrating bluegrass in Maine.
The inaugural BMAM Steering Committee. Front row, from l.-r.: Greg Cormier, Sandy Cormier, Candi Sawyer, Irene Howe, Joe Kennedy, Beth Revels, Dean Parker, Colleen Hoyt. Back row, from l.-r.: Al Doane, Nancy Record, Sidney Record, Seth Sawyer, Bill Umbel, Al Hawkes, Dale Kyllonen, Bob Wade II, Jason Eckhardt, Robin Parker. Not pictured: Tom Merrill, Bob Boothby, Cindy Kyllonen, Jerry Chase, Jim Williams, Bill Anketell.