Reshaping how Rural Communities approach Economic Revival
A small high desert town with a population of about 30 is preparing to host a bluegrass festival that organizers say could help reshape how rural communities approach economic revival.
Jimmy Fretwell: OBA Artist in Residence
The Oregon Bluegrass Association is proud to announce the launch of its new Rural Oregon Artist in Residence program—an initiative designed to bring live music, education, and creative exchange to rural communities that don’t often find themselves on traditional touring routes…
Homemade Jam: Wolves and People
If bluegrass wasn’t born in a barn, it had to be close by. Five years ago after dilly-dallying for years, I worked up the courage to host a jam at the old home place, in Newberg on the edge of town.
Strategic Planning is Sexy: Spring 2026
In fall of 2025, the OBA Board engaged in a focused strategic process, defining clear short- and long-term priorities and conducting a candid assessment of our strengths and opportunities for growth.
Exclusive Rainy Miatke Interview
“I really, deeply love this place [southern Oregon] and the land here and I just feel very connected to it. You know, the forests and the rivers that have informed some of my songwriting and the music that I love.”
Homemade Jam
There’s no better way to get to know your neighbors than to make some music together, and in McMinnville, there has been a regular Tuesday night jam for about a decade. The jam has moved around a bit, but for the last two it years has been meeting weekly at the Mazatlán Mexican restaurant on the north side of town.
OBA Annual Members Meeting
The Annual Meeting is an opportunity for members to hear updates, ask questions, and help shape the direction of OBA. We are intentionally setting aside time for open discussion.
Candey Memorial Songwriting Scholarship
The deadline for songwriting scholarship submissions is May 1st, 2026 with the award to be announced at the OBA Annual Meeting at the end of May.
OBA to Launch Artist-in-Residence Program
The Oregon Bluegrass Association (OBA) is pleased to announce the receipt of a $10,000 community grant to support the launch of Front Porch Roots, a new Bluegrass Artist-in-Residence program serving rural Central Oregon.
Why Create the OBA?
From Steve Waller’s perspective, the Oregon Bluegrass Association was fundamentally about communication—responding to what was on the minds of the people who were trying to build a bluegrass community
Greg Matthews Tribute
In Memoriam: Greg Matthews
Lost River Bluegrass Festival (Merrill)
Greg Matthews, a founding organizer of the Lost River Bluegrass Festival, passed away last week. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the many musicians, volunteers, and community members whose lives he touched through music.