Who is Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association (NIBGA)?

The Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association (NIBGA) was founded in 1976 by a group of musicians from the Fort Wayne area who shared a passion for bluegrass and old-time country music. Their goal was to promote and educate the public about this rich musical tradition. To achieve this, they formed a nonprofit organization dedicated to spreading the joy of bluegrass music through live performances, festivals, and educational programs.

Since its inception, NIBGA has hosted twice-yearly outdoor festivals, held every Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend at the Noble County Fairgrounds in Kendallville, IN. With only a few exceptions, these festivals have remained a cherished tradition, bringing together musicians and fans from across the region.

Our Festivals

Since 1990, NIBGA’s festivals have been held on Thursday through Sunday of both Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends at the Noble County 4H Fairgrounds in Kendallville, Indiana. This 65-acre venue accommodates over 400 campers with 15-amp electrical hookups and limited water access.

NIBGA has played a key role in improving the festival grounds, investing in infrastructure upgrades over the years:

In 2003, NIBGA provided a $10,000 matching grant for water and power improvements.
In 2007, NIBGA donated over $1,000 for further electrical and water upgrades.

Our festivals provide an immersive experience for bluegrass enthusiasts, with live stage performances, non-stop campground jamming, and a welcoming atmosphere where musicians and fans alike can connect through music.

Artist and Programming Selection

NIBGA employs a structured and thoughtful approach to artist and program selection, ensuring a diverse, high-quality lineup that appeals to a broad audience while preserving the integrity of Bluegrass and Americana traditions.

Festival Artist Selection Process

Budget and Band Criteria Establishment
- The Board of Directors first approves the total entertainment budget for the festival.
- The Board also defines the band selection criteria, ensuring alignment with the festival’s artistic vision.
- A programming committee is then delegated the task of selecting and booking artists while adhering to the established budget and criteria.
Tiered Selection Approach
- Bands are classified into tiers, each with a defined budget, number of slots, and performance expectations:
  - “A” Bands – Nationally Recognized Headliners (e.g., Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, Michael Cleveland, Balsam Range, Special Consensus, The Grascals)
  - “B” Bands – Established or Emerging Artists (e.g., My Brother’s Keeper, The Debutants, Dry Branch Fire Squad)
  - Local and Part-Time Bands – Regional musicians who want to refine their skills and gain audience exposure.
  - Amateur Bands – Selected to provide emerging musicians with an opportunity to develop stage presence and improve their artistry in front of a live audience.
Programming Structure
- Thursday/Friday evening: Focus on local and amateur bands, one set per band.
- Saturday/Sunday: Top-tier bands perform two sets. A headline act may be featured in a single extended set on Saturday evening.
Diversity of Musical Styles
- The festival features a broad range of Bluegrass and Americana subgenres, including:
  - Traditional Bluegrass
  - Old-Time
  - Newgrass
  - Folk
  - Jamgrass
  - Eclectic Acoustic Styles
- Artists must perform without sheet music, with acoustic-only instrumentation.
Screening Process
- Bands are reviewed based on:
  - Past performances at the festival
  - Live performance recordings and social media content
  - Promoter and member recommendations
  - Musicianship, stage presence, and ability to maintain core sound quality despite lineup changes

Selection Criteria

Performance Frequency Limits – To keep the festival fresh, artists are rotated and limited in how often they can return.
Instrumentation – Bands must incorporate three to five traditional Bluegrass/Americana acoustic instruments (guitar, bass, banjo, mandolin, fiddle).
Vocal Quality – Bands should demonstrate strong vocal ability, including high tenor, bass, and tenor ranges.
Professionalism – Artists must maintain presentable attire, use respectful language, and adhere strictly to performance schedules.
Stage Etiquette – No political or religious speeches from the stage; performances must remain family-friendly.

How Are the Festivals Managed?

The NIBGA Board of Directors is committed to curating high-quality entertainment while fostering a vibrant, jam-friendly environment. Based on enthusiastic feedback from attendees, we have successfully achieved this goal.

The stage performances feature a diverse lineup of top-tier bluegrass talent and receive glowing reviews from festivalgoers.
The campground jamming sessions run around the clock, providing musicians of all levels with opportunities to play, learn, and share the joy of bluegrass music.

How Do Festival Proceeds Support the Bluegrass Community?

Funds raised through our festivals go directly toward:

Scholarships for young musicians
Traditional American Music programs in local schools, featuring performances by top festival bands
Ongoing improvements to the Noble County Fairgrounds, ensuring a high-quality venue for future festivals
Hosting six winter jam sessions in a structured learning environment

Beyond festivals, NIBGA is committed to music education and community outreach, fulfilling our mission to spread bluegrass music throughout the region.

Winter Meetings & Jam Sessions

NIBGA also holds monthly winter jam sessions from October through April (excluding December) on the third Sunday of each month from noon to 6 PM at the SW Conservation Club (5703 Bluffton Rd., Fort Wayne, IN).

These informal sessions welcome musicians of all skill levels and provide a great opportunity to connect with fellow bluegrass pickers. The public is invited! While outside food and drinks are not permitted, the club’s kitchen and bar are open for refreshments.

A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization

In 2013, NIBGA became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, making donations tax-deductible as permitted by law. Your support helps us continue our mission of educating, preserving, and promoting bluegrass music.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

NIBGA is dedicated to fostering a diverse and welcoming bluegrass community. We believe that bluegrass music thrives when everyone is included, and we are committed to ensuring that our events reflect this belief.

Performers at NIBGA events are selected based on musical quality and entertainment value, ensuring a fantastic experience for our family-friendly audience.
Vendors are chosen solely based on how well their products meet festivalgoers' needs.
Grants and scholarships are awarded based on musical potential and financial need, ensuring fair access to opportunities.

Join the Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association!

Becoming a member of NIBGA is a great way to support bluegrass music and stay connected with the community.

Annual Membership Fees:

$10 for an individual
$15 for two adults at the same address
Canadian memberships: $15 by mail (due to shipping costs) or $10 via email

Membership Benefits:

11 newsletters per year, featuring bluegrass news and events
A festival guide listing over 100 bluegrass festivals in the region
$5 discount on weekend festival tickets for Memorial Day and Labor Day events
Discounts at other participating bluegrass festivals

Newsletter Delivery Options:

First-class mail (costing the club over $1 per issue) ensures timely delivery and address correction services.
Email delivery gets your newsletter in color and 5-7 days faster!
membership form

Join Us in Keeping Bluegrass Music Alive!

Whether you’re a musician, a fan, or just discovering bluegrass music, NIBGA welcomes you! Join us at a festival, a jam session, or become a member and be part of a vibrant community that celebrates and preserves bluegrass music for future generations.

To join, send your check made out to NIBGA to:

NIBGA
5255 E 5000N RD
Bourbonnais, IL 60914-4169