Tri-State Bluegrass Association

PURPOSE & HISTORY

OF THE

TRI-STATE BLUEGRASS ASSOCIATION

It shall be the purpose of this organization to promote the education and enjoyment of traditional and Bluegrass music and preserve the folk traditions from which this music was developed.

THE TRI-STATE BLUEGRASS ORGANIZATION was the result of many "jam Sessions" at the home of Larry Peck, and many discussions and planning at the home of Delbert and Erma Spray's daughter, Patricia and Hollis Davidson, in Hannibal, Missouri.

It was decided that some sort of an organization should be formed and the organization was formalized at the home of Larry Peck in Hannibal, Missouri in 1978 by Delbert and Erma Spray, together with the following Charter Members: Larry Peck, Richard Bunch, Daryl Stephenson, Roy Brosi, Richard and Gertrude Bridgett, Dave Majors, Charlie Wade, Mary Jo Hamilton and Larry Dudding.

The Association was recognized and given a charter as a Non-Profit Organization in January 1983 by the State of Missouri.

In 1978, the Association held it’s first Indoor Bluegrass Festival at the Holiday Inn, Hannibal, Missouri in February. Since that time the February Festival has continued and four years later, the Association started a Fiddle Contest in November at the Holiday Inn.

At the first contest in 1982, the first place winner was Randy Howard from Georgia. Randy was a young man then. He went on to become one of the best known and loved fiddlers in the nation. Randy passed away in 1999. The prize money for that year was $1,000 for first place. Fiddlers came from Texas, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee and all over the Midwest. In 1984, the contest was won by a young fiddler from Iowa, Kirk Brandenberger. He was a fine fiddler. His father Ernie Brandenberger was also a fiddle player and he and Delbert Spray were the best of friends. Kirk has developed into a fine musician and has played with many notable bands. He and his wife, Becky are still very involved in the Bluegrass music business. They developed and produce Prime Cuts of Bluegrass, a recorded CD which gives bands a tool for promoting their talent to Radio Stations and promoters.

Some other notable fiddlers who took part in the contest were: Allison Krause ("Yes, the Allison Krause who is so famous now!") from Illinois, Pete McMahan, Jake Hucklemeyer, Gene Wells, Junior Marriott, Charlie Waldon, Johnny Bruce, Smokey McGuiness from Missouri. Charlie Butler of Elizabethtown, Kentucky brought four young fiddlers from that state—Jimmy Mattingly, Ed Carnes, Mark Ralph and Eric Peyton. Lonnie Pierce also attended from Kentucky. Dick Barrett and Ace Sewell and others came from Texas. Monte Gaylord came from Oklahoma.

The Fiddle contest was always an enjoyable time and it drew many notable fiddlers and musicians. After several years as a Fiddle Contest, it was decided to change the November event to a Bluegrass Festival. It was named the Land of Mark Twain Bluegrass Festival and has proven to be a crowd favorite!

Both the November and February festivals continued for 26 and 29 years, respectively, at the HANNIBAL INN and then very suddenly the hotel was closed! It was feared this would mean it would not be reopened. However, it was sold and, thanks to the new owners, renovation is going well and soon the HANNIBAL INN will once again be the bustling icon of the Hannibal area. And to our great satisfaction, the TSBA will once again be back at the HANNIBAL INN for the Land of Mark Twain BGF on November 14 & 15, 2008 to celebrate its 27th year. The TSBA Winter BFG held in February 2009 will be 31 years old when returning to the HANNIBAL INN. Noble Boyd of Burlington, Iowa has been the MC for the two events since they were started. These two festivals have proven to be the favorites of Bluegrass fans and have grown to overflowing. The Hotel is always full and Bluegrass Music fills the property from Thursday evening thru Saturday night.

The Association throughout the years has held many Outdoor Bluegrass Festivals in different locations. They also hold a Benefit show for a deserving organization each year in April. This year will be the 27^th Annual event.

Matt Davidson was named by the board as the new President in 2006, due to the passing of Oliver Smith who had served since 1981.